Is it my steering bearing?

I noticed the other day while pushing my bike around that if I put on the front brake and 'pump' the front end there is a very noticable knocking.

I don't think it's play in the brake pads, what could it be?

[yorkie_chris]

Could just be badly adjusted, have you tried getting the front end off the floor and checked for play there?

Edit; also does it noticeably affect handling?

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

Could just be badly adjusted, have you tried getting the front end off the floor and checked for play there?

Edit; also does it noticeably affect handling?

What's the best way of getting the front end up?

The only thing I have noticed about the handling is when I went over a pot hole the other day I could hear the knock quite lound.

It's a new bike and only just had it's 600 mile service

Brake discs knocking? Grab hold of them and see if there's excessive play between rotor and bobbins.

[yorkie_chris]

Aren't the brake discs supposed to be floating to some degree?

If it is the head bearings with a lot of play in them then I would expect it to cause a pretty noticable wobble.

[Biker Biggles]

Errrr------600 miles new bike?It is due it's first service so should go back to the dealer for that to be done and the problem mentioned at the same time.

I'm not too mechanically minded so take this with a pinch of salt but I think I remember seeing mechanics check the steering bearing by doing the following:

1. Crouch down on the left side of the bike, with it on the sidestand.
2. Tip bike towards you using the sidestand as a pivot.
3. The front wheel is now in the air and you can freely turn the bars from lock to lock to check for knocking/notches in the movement.

This may not be gospel, and I think some people may advise against it due to strain put through the sidestand I guess. Just know that I've seen a few mechanics do this when checking my SV in the past. I think this checks the steering bearings...anyone know any different?

Surely if the front wheel is down and the brake is on, the 'pumping' you are doing doesn't seem to have any impact on the steering does it, you didn't make it sound like you were turning the wheel...? Anyone/everyone please enlighten me if I am wrong, need all the mechanical knowledge I can get

My bike has done it since new too, heavy pot holes or drains produce a clunk form the front end. I thought it may be the budget suspension but after a bit of investigating i found this http://www.svrider.com/tips/clunk.htm . Not tried it yet but i may do if it gets any worse.

[yorkie_chris]

From that link;

5 pounds of torque, that isn't even a unit of torque, and presuming he means foot-pounds then it sounds excessively tight IMO.

On my 125 and on my trialies I've always done the rign up just enough to eliminate obvious play in the head bearings as im sure that overtightening will load up the bearings and knacker them in short order.

There are a number of things known to clunk, rattle and knock on SVs so don't assume its got to be the head and torque the bearings to death until you're sure!

This exact same thing happend to me, untill i replaced the yokes, now there is no knocking, my yokes were bent to Feck. but i was also told a heavy crack on the front end ( deep pot hole, Curb in my case ) can make this start happening