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[oneday0211]

Hearing a noise in front brakes when moving slow and only applying front brake, makes a clunk noise took it by dealer they say it is the ABS making the noise it is normal. Sounded ok since this is first bike with ABS then the morning with nothing on yet backing out of garage makes the noise really loud. Has anyone else had this problem? Sounds like a pad shifting to me, but dealer says normal.
Thanks
Tim

[Dan_Lockwood]

Hearing a noise in front brakes when moving slow and only applying front brake, makes a clunk noise took it by dealer they say it is the ABS making the noise it is normal. Sounded ok since this is first bike with ABS then the morning with nothing on yet backing out of garage makes the noise really loud. Has anyone else had this problem? Sounds like a pad shifting to me, but dealer says normal.
Thanks
Tim

I have had this on my '08 SERK and on my '09 SERG.

I believe it to be the taking up of slack in the pads and rotor when freshly applying the front brakes.  Usually if i have not used the front brakes in a parking lot and then apply them they do the clunk with a bit snap sound to it.  Not metallic, but just a very firm snap clunk.

I can get mine to do it by backing down my driveway using the front brakes to rotate the pads and rotors to the opposite direction on the frontend.  Then when I move forward I get the noise again.

I firmly feel that this is normal, at least in my case.  Without actually hearing your noise, I can only give you my situation and opinion on my bike.  But your complaint sounds like what I've described.

This is probably NOT the case, but if your steering neck bearings were VERY loose, it could be racking the steering neck back and forth inside the front frame head when you hit the front brakes.  But you would also feel this in the handlebars and your bike would have a very bad wobble at just about any speed.

Any others with a suggestion?

[Screamin]

Agreed. Mine only does it when I first apply the front brake after backing up and using the same. No worries.

[SBB]

Agreed. Mine only does it when I first apply the front brake after backing up and using the same. No worries.

            

SBB

[grc]

I agree, with one possible caveat.  Some small amount of play is normal, especially on the first application when cold, but on a new bike I would still suggest that you verify the torque on all the fasteners for the rotors and calipers, plus the pad pins.  Harley and it's dealers don't exactly have a great reputation for making sure all the fasteners are properly tightened before releasing the bikes to the consumers.  If you don't have the capability or the tools to do it yourself, find a buddy or trusted mechanic to do it for you.

BTW, the story from your dealership about it being caused by the ABS is pure fantasy.  Typical BS response from someone who either doesn't know anything, or assumes you don't. 


Jerry

[oneday0211]

Thanks everyone. I am taking it in for the 1000 service tomorrow. Will make sure they check the torque on all front end parts and neck bearings. I have been an auto tech for 25 years, not much they can BS me with that is why I asked here since this is first abs bike. Asked a few friends with abs they say no clunk noise. Thanks again for all your time.
Tim

[Highjagger]

On the SERG the clunk is caused by the swimming rotor , it is correct , the dealer checked the movement of the rotor and gave his ok .  
Move backwards and pull the brake and move forward again and pull the brake again and the clunk will be there everytime you do this .

[oneday0211]

Yes that is what the dealer told me. I can live with it. Thanks for all advice