CBR 600 F1 - fork issue and noise
#1
09-09-2009, 10:30 AM
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
CBR 600 F1 - fork issue and noise
Hello all
I just got an 89 CBR600... am realizing that maybe I paid too much for a clean bike that is 20 years old ;-) I know things will always need maintenance, but the guy(small bike dealership) I bought the bike from had just done the fork seals, as one side was leaking.
Anyway, the bike handles as it should for the most part - yesterday I went into a driveway with a bit of a sharp incline, and the front end seemed to "bottom out" and made a knocking sound - this reminded me of my old VWs and Audis when they would need upper strut bearings... you know the sound when the bushing is gone between the strut and the sheet metal. What could cause the banging sound in the front of the F1? Is it fork pressure or is there something else to look at?
THANKS
I just got an 89 CBR600... am realizing that maybe I paid too much for a clean bike that is 20 years old ;-) I know things will always need maintenance, but the guy(small bike dealership) I bought the bike from had just done the fork seals, as one side was leaking.
Anyway, the bike handles as it should for the most part - yesterday I went into a driveway with a bit of a sharp incline, and the front end seemed to "bottom out" and made a knocking sound - this reminded me of my old VWs and Audis when they would need upper strut bearings... you know the sound when the bushing is gone between the strut and the sheet metal. What could cause the banging sound in the front of the F1? Is it fork pressure or is there something else to look at?
THANKS
#2
09-11-2009, 05:44 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 2,492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you hear a knock, chances are the head bearings need adjusting or replacement, more than likely, just an adjustment.
You may be able to replicate the noise. Get on your bike, with both feet firmly planted on the ground, put the bike in neutral and hold the front brake. As hard and as fast as you can, push down on the handlebars and pick up on them. Do this back and forth a few times to see if you hear or can feel a clunk. This only works if the bearings are really loose though. If you get the feeling or noise, have the bearings checked.
If you can get the front securely off the ground, you can grab the front wheel and push it front to back and see if you can feel any play.
If you still cant detect anything, I would still suggest gettting it looked at. You really shouldn't hear any clunking. Since you just picked the bike up, they should adjust it for free.
You may be able to replicate the noise. Get on your bike, with both feet firmly planted on the ground, put the bike in neutral and hold the front brake. As hard and as fast as you can, push down on the handlebars and pick up on them. Do this back and forth a few times to see if you hear or can feel a clunk. This only works if the bearings are really loose though. If you get the feeling or noise, have the bearings checked.
If you can get the front securely off the ground, you can grab the front wheel and push it front to back and see if you can feel any play.
If you still cant detect anything, I would still suggest gettting it looked at. You really shouldn't hear any clunking. Since you just picked the bike up, they should adjust it for free.
#3
09-11-2009, 06:54 AM
It could be the sound of one of the springs hitting the stock (top of the fork tube).
Most dealers will only repair what they have to & really both forks should have been done,
This allows for any differences in the fork oil viscosity etc (+ correct amount & quality of oil). Which could go towards the noise. Even putting the springs in upside down (easy to do if don't really care what your doing) can cause it.
Most dealers will only repair what they have to & really both forks should have been done,
This allows for any differences in the fork oil viscosity etc (+ correct amount & quality of oil). Which could go towards the noise. Even putting the springs in upside down (easy to do if don't really care what your doing) can cause it.
Last edited by pacemaker; 09-11-2009 at 07:06 AM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
