Front End Clunk??
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 3,293
Likes: 3,518
From: PA
Front End Clunk??
Had my 05 fatboy out yesterday for a nice ride. I noticed a clunk sound when hitting bigger bumps coming from the front of the bike. Kind of almost sounds like the tank is jumping . I did check those bolts and they were tight.
I know on my 95 FXDL when I had a clunk like this I had a bad front motor mount
Just looking for some advice
Thanks again!!
I know on my 95 FXDL when I had a clunk like this I had a bad front motor mount
Just looking for some advice
Thanks again!!
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 884
Likes: 0
From: n
Could you feel the clunk? Start by checkin all the stuff bolted on the front, ie lights, motor mounts, brake caliper, tank (already done), console, risers, etc. Do you have a jack? If so, jack it up and start shaking the front end down. Have your forks been serviced, ever?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,597
Likes: 180
From: east texas
do a search for steering head bearing adjustment.
there is a lot of info on how to adjust the bearings ..
My fatboy did the same thing as yours , and after proper adjustment ....zero clunk. only rattles my teeth now on the big bumps
there is a lot of info on how to adjust the bearings ..
My fatboy did the same thing as yours , and after proper adjustment ....zero clunk. only rattles my teeth now on the big bumps
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 3,293
Likes: 3,518
From: PA
Thanks guys. I know i had the steering head adjusted when I got the bike it was more for a shimmy then a clunk. I will have to start check everything else. The bike still handles great.
The forks will be getting redone this winter I am going with chrome lowers!
The forks will be getting redone this winter I am going with chrome lowers!
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
also have U greased them Every yr?.
Noise travels and can be coming from where we don't think it is.
keep looking, U'll find it.
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Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,428
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From: Beyond Fucital
I had a similar problem, turned out to be my shock preload and the fact I had used lowering bolts on my shocks. The swingarm was bottoming out under the seat.
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Google search "HD bulletin M-1215". It addresses the front end clunk. The dealer can do a vin search to see if it applies to your bike. Fixed the clunk on my 05 train. The bulletin replaces the thin washer with a more robust one and increases the torque specs. Short term you could just slightly over torque the head nut, but due to the stock flimsy washer, the clunk will eventually return. The washer is about $6 at the dealer. Good luck, hope this helps!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 19,742
Likes: 1,182
From: Jamestown, CA
Google search "HD bulletin M-1215". It addresses the front end clunk. The dealer can do a vin search to see if it applies to your bike. Fixed the clunk on my 05 train. The bulletin replaces the thin washer with a more robust one and increases the torque specs. Short term you could just slightly over torque the head nut, but due to the stock flimsy washer, the clunk will eventually return. The washer is about $6 at the dealer. Good luck, hope this helps!
