Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: JRCollings on February 12, 2017, 12:00:55 PM

Title: "Clonking sound" when compressing forks after seals replaced - thoughts?
Post by: JRCollings on February 12, 2017, 12:00:55 PM
Good day everyone. I have a 2012 Connie with 50k miles on it (had her since new). I recently had the fork seals replaced at the dealer.. and now I notice that when I 'bounce' the forks down to compress them, there's a 'clunk' coming from somewhere after what I guess is about an inch of travel.. I can feel it when riding too.. but the bike appears to ride ok... I discovered this as I had to reset my preload after collecting the bike as the front was much stiffer than before...... All suggestions / ideas welcomed. Cheers, John.
Title: Re: "Clonking sound" when compressing forks after seals replaced - thoughts?
Post by: B.D.F. on February 12, 2017, 12:41:30 PM
If it is a very metallic, rather sharp noise, it is probably the head stock bearings. They require a lot of attention, or replacement, on the C-14 as they are angular contact bearings with an extremely shallow angle used. Swapping them for tapered roller bearings worked out well for me- much more robust without making the steering any perceptable heavier. The only thing is that with tapered roller bearings, they cannot be torqued to the factory spec.'s or they will be difficult to turn; I believe I torque mine to around 5 to 7 ft. lbs.

Brian

Good day everyone. I have a 2012 Connie with 50k miles on it (had her since new). I recently had the fork seals replaced at the dealer.. and now I notice that when I 'bounce' the forks down to compress them, there's a 'clunk' coming from somewhere after what I guess is about an inch of travel.. I can feel it when riding too.. but the bike appears to ride ok... I discovered this as I had to reset my preload after collecting the bike as the front was much stiffer than before...... All suggestions / ideas welcomed. Cheers, John.
Title: Re: "Clonking sound" when compressing forks after seals replaced - thoughts?
Post by: Riverszzr on February 12, 2017, 05:33:23 PM
Is everything tight?

Did "they" assemble something wrong?
Title: Re: "Clonking sound" when compressing forks after seals replaced - thoughts?
Post by: JRCollings on February 13, 2017, 04:47:34 PM
Appreciate the feedback gents.. I think I shall have to take her back down there and show them the issue as something clearly isn't right - this didn't happen before... I'll keep you all posted if / when I learn anything.. in the meantime all suggestions / thoughts / ideas still welcomed.. Cheers, John.