Front end 'clunk', headstock bearings?

[TamSV]

When mine did this I thought it was actually topping out. It definitely wasn't bottoming out.

It seemed to me the clonk was when the wheel dropped off the other end of a speed bump rather than when I initially hit it.

When I put in Hagon progressive springs and oil it improved the handling but still clonked. Stronger linear springs and heavier oil might help. A GSXR front end definitely sorts it.

I don't remember being able to recreate the clonk on the sidestand though.

IMO it's a hydraulic lock. You ask the fork to compress rapidly, the oil gets to the point where it can't travel through the aperture in the damper rod any faster, and so the fork locks up. Change your oil for one with a higher kinetic viscosity than standard and it gets worse, which would explain the difference between your bike and your mates. Just crap forks.

got this on my 99 curvy, and also had it on my 89 VFR .. have always been told its nothing to worry about

In my few years experience here and as an owner I've seen nearly everyone post that it does it and no-one post that it posed a problem. a tad annoying perhaps but nothing to worry about.

The threads usually end with

they all do it sir, its a "feature"

Most threads do seem to end with that,

But it shouldn't do it, and its really annoying! ahh well, i guess a strip down in summer will show whether i can get rid of it or not.

cheers for the replys!

[NTECUK]

Mine does the knock on harsh bumps . No noise just rocking it back and forth , so you need to look deeper .

Originally Posted by BoostFairy

Most threads do seem to end with that,

But it shouldn't do it, and its really annoying! ahh well, i guess a strip down in summer will show whether i can get rid of it or not.

Different forks or cartridge emulators are your only options to get rid of it. Or a lighter oil, but that would make the suspension even worse than it already is.

rob yeah mine clunks but only when you know youve gone a bit to fast over a bump if you know what i mean, where as when i rode yours it seems to do it at the littlest bump in the road, im going gsxr route lol

Thats assuming the problem is hydraulic lock which im not convinced it is, there are a few threads which claim the knock went away with thicker oil....

Ill have to have another ride on your ghigo, but i don't remember yours doing it nearly as bad as mine.