05 R1 front suspension problems

ridersblock

ridersblock

Disabled Veteran
I went down at RFR a couple weeks ago. Now I'm feeling a bit of a 'click' or a 'thump' when I am hard on the front brakes. The forks don't appear to be bent, and I think the sound (and feeling) is coming from inside the front suspension near the triple tree. After calling around someone said it might be the steering head bearing? What do YOU think it may be?

Check out the video of the crash here.

I need to figure this out before my June 13th track day.

Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Hooli

Hooli

Big Ugly
I'd replace those stock ball bearings with tapered rollers (if you haven't already). And while you're at it, have the suspension freshened up with new fluid, proper springs and possibly a revalve, if the internals are still stock.
 
afm199

afm199

Well-known member
Ever replaced head bearings before?

Put the bike on a center stand and see if the clik is the brake pads clicking on the caliper. Happens a lot. It is highly unlikely you damaged a fork inside without bending the ever loving crap out of it. I had a set of forks that clicked the entire time I owned them. It happens.

If you can FEEL the click, it is probably head bearings. Don't replace them if you don't know how to, unless you have the tools and expertise. It is not a five minute job.
 
Blade56

Blade56

Need for Speed
I would agree in checking the head bearings fo excessive play. If you do want to change them, get a shop manual and it will explain how to do it.
 
Hooli

Hooli

Big Ugly
You can knock the races out with a hammer and long drift, working carefully and evenly. I've done it on a few bikes. Use the old "new races in the freezer" trick to get the new ones in; you can use the old races to seat them in. Be sure they go in square. As for the bearings on the steering stem, I would take them to a competent bike shop to remove the old races and install the new ones on the stem. ;)
 
ridersblock

ridersblock

Disabled Veteran
Problem solved by the couple at Evolution Suspension. Rob told me all I had to do was tighten the big nut on the center of my triple tree.

Thanks for the help!
 
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