| Author |
Message |
    
Jrockne
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 09, 2011 - 10:28 pm: | 
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2004 XB12S with 22,000 mi.
When coasting to a stop and the clutch is engaged I can hear and feel a "tick". I did change the brake pads about 200 miles ago, but that doesn't seem to be the issue at all because it does it when the brakes are not being applied. It seems to still be running and riding fine, but this worries me. I bought the bike with 9,500 miles on it and this is the first I have noticed this, but I can't for the life of me put my finger on what it could be. Any thoughts on what I should be looking for?
Regards,
Rocky
(Message edited by jrockne on August 09, 2011) |
Terrys1980
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 09, 2011 - 10:48 pm: |
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Could be a wheel bearing. You will need to lift the front end of the ground and spin the wheel by hand to see if you can feel it. |
Jrockne
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 09, 2011 - 11:26 pm: |
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I will check that asap. It just didn't seem like it because others have described different symptoms with the bad bearings such as handling issues.
Also - I only feel one "tick" per stop, never more than one and it doesn't happen every time. When it started it was probably 25% of the time, and now it's closer to 60%
Any tips for the easiest/safest way to lift the front wheel?
(Message edited by jrockne on August 09, 2011) |
Terrys1980
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 - 08:52 am: |
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If its just a tick when you stop I would take a look check the tightness of the brake caliper mounting bolts, rotor mounting hardware and steering head bearings. The brake rotor bushings could be worn out.
The safest and easiest way would be with a Put Bull bike stand. It uses the bottom stem nut to lift the bike and gives you more access to the front end.
I used to hang the front end from the rafters on my front porch with some ratchet straps. I have a garage now so I will be installing some eye-bolts to hang the bike from the ceiling. |
Al_lighton
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 - 09:36 am: |
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Most likely it is the steering head bearings. The single tick when you stop is the giveaway. After a while, it'll turn to TWO ticks, once when you put on the brakes, and a second when you release them. It'll get progressively worse. Tightening the stem nut might reduce the symptom a little, but it's a short lived fix, they need to be replaced. It's somewhat of a pain to change them, as you need to disassemble a fair amount of the front end, and hang the front of the bike from the rafters or something like that.
Al |
Jrockne
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 - 02:36 pm: |
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It's gotta be the Steering head bearings. Thank you both very much, I love this site!
I'm planning on doing this and several other small things over the winter as they are usually pretty long and cold here in Indiana.
Am I good to continue riding in the meantime? It is my favorite form of transportation. |
Al_lighton
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 - 10:19 pm: |
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Well, my lawyer advises me to say that you should change them right away.
But realistically, it probably not an issue at this time. When it gets louder and you get the two clicks, well, then it's time to take it down for the job.
But be advised, NOTCHY steering head bearings are a recipe for a tank slapper. If the steering doesn't stay smooth, stop riding.
I'd probably lay off the wheelies for a bit, though 
Al |
Jrockne
| | Posted on Monday, August 15, 2011 - 01:50 pm: |
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http://www.harborfreight.com/1500-lb-capacity-atv- motorcycle-lift-2792.html
Any experience with a stand like this one? Will it work for our XB's?
Edit: Scratch that, I have something else in mind. Thanks again for the diagnosis!
(Message edited by jrockne on August 15, 2011) |
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Click/Tick in front end