Front Suspension Vibration / Rattling on rough surfaces

[AussieKiwi]

I just wanted to start a dedicated thread for this as I am reading a lot of mentions about it in other threads.

My CT has this issue - it is very unpleasant on anything but smooth roads.  Let's keep each other up to date on what dealers are doing / saying on this issue here.

I am concerned about this as I otherwise love the bike!  I hope it is loose head bearings or settings that can be adjusted!

 

[AussieKiwi]

Update: Just went to the dealer - we checked their demonstrator bike which was delivered the same say as mine. The head bearings were way loose!

I got home and checked my bike, they are loose too! - this explains the rattling perfectly. 

My bike is booked in for it's first service on Thursday and they'll be adjusting them then.

Can't wait to feel it when they are adjusted correctly.

 

Shame on Honda for sending the bikes out with mal-adjusted head bearings!

[jacob]

Glad to hear this as this is also what my mechanic has said - mine is booked in for next Tuesday so also looking forward to feeling the difference - I will post after Tuesday - keen to hear from you AussieKiwi after your booking on Thursday

Originally Posted by AussieKiwi

Shame on Honda for sending the bikes out with mal-adjusted head bearings!

[Doc]

Wow. My 1000km service is on Monday - I'll get this checked out.

[Captain Scarlet]

Lift the front wheel and pull forks towards and away from you. If they move / it doesn't feel solid, your bearings are loose.

Bit of an oversight by Honda. It seems like maybe they've got the torque setting wrong for the head bearings. Easily sorted though, that's the good news!

[Doc]

Originally Posted by Captain Scarlet

Lift the front wheel and pull forks towards and away from you. If they move / it doesn't feel solid, your bearings are loose.

Bit of an oversight by Honda. It seems like maybe they've got the torque setting wrong for the head bearings. Easily sorted though, that's the good news!

Without a centre stand I've go no chance. It's a job for my dealer on Monday for sure.

Captain, is it possible that Honda could make such a big miscalculation? (being kind) - it doesn't seem to be an isolated problem.

[AussieKiwi]

Originally Posted by Doc

Without a centre stand I've go no chance. It's a job for my dealer on Monday for sure.

Captain, is it possible that Honda could make such a big miscalculation? (being kind) - it doesn't seem to be an isolated problem.

Hi Doc, you can easily check your head bearings without a mainstand, as the two bikes I have found with the problem are so loose!

Here is how.

Sit on the bike in neutral.
Grab both bars firmly and hold the front brake on
Push very firmly up and down on the front suspension with all your body weight
If your heard bearings are loose you will feel through the handle bars a very small knock on each push down of the suspension

Optional - If you have someone that can help you - they can put their fingers between the top of the frame and the bottom of the top triple clamp. They will actually feel the relative movement of the triple clamp against the frame while you are pushing up and down.

Let  us know what you find!

[AIR4CE1]

Disappointing that I once described Crosstourer as "peerless" when they now have as many production defects as a Triumph. 

Nothing like stupidity or lack of basic quality control to burst the bubble