Front End clunk

[Conair]

Noticed since Ive had my new 2014 concours a clunck coming from the front end, after complete stop down by the brake and fork area i hear a delayed clunk. not real loud but noticeable. sounds like the calipers releasing or somthing to do with the  ABS. Is this normal ? as I have never heard on other bikes,it like something releasing about a secound or two after stop is completed! Thanks   

[Pilgrim]

It's the lock in the glove box.

[The Pope]

Check (if you haven't already done so) all of the hardware (bolts) in your front brakes and forks.

Something else that you should check would be the stem bearing. Sometimes the nut that retains them isn't properly torqued from the factory or verified by the dealer when the bike is removed from the crate.

[JerBear]

I agree with steering stem.  Put it on the center stand, have someone push on the seat to get the front tire off of the ground and push/pull on it from the front and see if here is movement. it should not be loose and clunky, rotation yes but not front back movement.

[jimmymac]

Probably the brake pads releasing. Perfectly normal.

[bob h]

Here's a long shot, but I had a similar front end "clunk" when my '88 C10 was new.  Turned out to be just a very small excess clearance between the inner race of the upper steering head bearing and the steering stem.  When you came to a stop it would give a faint clunk when the braking pressure eased up. 

I fixed it by putting a few drops of Loctite between the bearing inner race and the steering stem to take up the clearance, then set the adjustment and let it sit for a day so the Loctite could set up. It's been fine ever since.

Yours may not be the same issue, but it's probably something similar that is getting pushed while braking, but has just a bit of clearance that gets released when the braking forces are relaxed.  Good luck, things like that can be hard to narrow down!!

[Conair]

Probably the brake pads releasing. Perfectly normal.

Thats were my moneys at, taking it to stealers tomorrow. Its new and under warranty,besides 600 mls check up! I did the oils,50.00$ for them to go over the bike, I think it was 300.00 on the Harley !! Thanks for the input,glove box lock 

[Conair]

It's the lock in the glove box.

Could be my handgun in there.

[Throttle 8]

Could be my handgun in there.

Obviously not a Desert Eagle then! lol!

[maxtog]

Obviously not a Desert Eagle then! lol!

Yeah, that is one tiny little box.... I wonder if even my LCP will fit in it (although I have no interest in trying, since that is not where I would want it).

Back on topic, I can say that I have never had any kind of clunk on my 2011 front end when/during/after braking.... so it is certainly something I would check (are bolts tight, are things right, etc).

[Conair]

Yeah, that is one tiny little box.... I wonder if even my LCP will fit in it (although I have no interest in trying, since that is not where I would want it).

Back on topic, I can say that I have never had any kind of clunk on my 2011 front end when/during/after braking.... so it is certainly something I would check (are bolts tight, are things right, etc).

Im able to put my 1'  expandable baton in there and insurance ,reg,papers thats it.wouldnt have a problem with my 380 either !

[Conair]

Ok , verdict is in, its the front brakes, mechanic went the extra mile. Drove threw parking lot,heard it didnt know were it was coming from, so he got another mechanic and he walked along side so he could pin it down. He said it was coming out of the right side caliper. Put his hand on it while bike was being braked and could feel it as well. The mechanic called me back and had the caliper tore apart and explained it was a slight movement in the retainer holding the pads he said it wont hurt anything and It would be alright. At that I then forgot my harley did the same thing,when I replaced the pads myself with a aftermarket set no more clunk. He finished torqueing rest of inspection and gave me a detailed paper of all he did. I was charged 50.00$ I like it when you are taken to the garage and explained and shown what it was! The guy working on it is a sport bike owner and rider and seems very nice and knowledgeable. I also asked about using 89 octane in this engine he said it was fine to use it and wont matter,just not regular. Went on a 130 mile jont around the bluegrass today and had a blast.went to 3 kawasaki dealerships scoping out some awesome tourmaster jackets on sale 20% off this is the best time to save money on clothes,in the winter. Extremely happy with my bike all but the stock seat and tires gotta go!!    

[Conair]

Probably the brake pads releasing. Perfectly normal.

Spot on Dude Thanks

[jimmymac]

Spot on Dude Thanks

I get lucky every now and then.
The ZX14 and Connie share the same brake system, and I've been riding this platform for the last 10 years. 8 brake pads releasing at the same time makes one heck of a racket. Especially when new.