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Author Topic: Odd handlebar movement and "click" when braking hard  (Read 5946 times)

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WFP

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Odd handlebar movement and "click" when braking hard
« on: September 03, 2008, 04:38:11 PM »
I have noticed this for quite a while but I had to brake hard this morning on my way to work (took the Deuce  ;D ) today and felt it at an uncomfortable moment.

As the front forks compressed, and at the last moment before I ease up on the braking, the grips give the sensation that either the handlebar is rotating ever so slightly or that it is somewhere in the riser, moving a millimeter or two forward...it also makes a brief "clicK" when this happens.

Any Thoughts?

/Bill

BTW, I still LOVE this bike ... I am actually glad the ultra is in for the 10K service forcing me to take it to work for the first time in a couple of years!
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naitram

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Re: Odd handlebar movement and "click" when braking hard
« Reply #1 on: September 03, 2008, 04:45:22 PM »
a few things i think of.

does it feel like its returning to normal position?

if so maybe a stress crack forming in the bars
or time for new riser bushings

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WFP

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Re: Odd handlebar movement and "click" when braking hard
« Reply #2 on: September 03, 2008, 04:47:51 PM »
Yes, it does return to a "normal" position.
Bar is pretty open with no signs of stress cracking.

Bushings...maybe, are they normally rock solid or intended to allow some movement?

/Bill

Quote from: naitram on September 03, 2008, 04:45:22 PM
a few things i think of.

does it feel like its returning to normal position?

if so maybe a stress crack forming in the bars
or time for new riser bushings


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naitram

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Re: Odd handlebar movement and "click" when braking hard
« Reply #3 on: September 03, 2008, 04:53:48 PM »
i would expect some "normal" amount of movement. dont know if you got anything better then stock in a CVO

i'd bet hd-dude could reccomend an easy upgrade
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Re: Odd handlebar movement and "click" when braking hard
« Reply #4 on: September 03, 2008, 11:19:56 PM »
The rubber riser bushings can twist a little, allowing a slight twist to the bars. Especially as they get older. Replace them with Urethane riser bushings and you should be fine Bill! Have em in all my bikes! :2vrolijk_21:

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ultrafxr

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Re: Odd handlebar movement and "click" when braking hard
« Reply #5 on: September 04, 2008, 11:05:28 AM »
Could also be that steering stem is loose or bearings bad.  Had exact problem on my previous ultra - steering stem was not properly adjusted and became loose.
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Re: Odd handlebar movement and "click" when braking hard
« Reply #6 on: September 04, 2008, 04:45:51 PM »

After 5 years, odds are that the rubber bushings are getting a little soft.  If so, a new set will firm things up, or as Howie mentioned the aftermarket can provide a firmer bushing made of urethane that will probably outlast the bike.  The urethane bushings I'm familiar with will reduce the flex of the bars, but a tradeoff is the added vibration that gets through.  Kind of like the rubber versus urethane motor mounts.  For safety sake, I would also check the steering head bearings and adjustment.  Loose or worn bearings can also give you a similar feel and click.

Jerry

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Re: Odd handlebar movement and "click" when braking hard
« Reply #7 on: September 09, 2008, 10:23:00 AM »
I'd be willing to bet that it's the stem. Mine did the same thing.
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Re: Odd handlebar movement and "click" when braking hard
« Reply #8 on: September 10, 2008, 09:14:10 AM »
did you ever grease the neck bearings? these come pretty dry from factory. :bananarock:
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biz44

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Re: Odd handlebar movement and "click" when braking hard
« Reply #9 on: October 18, 2008, 12:00:22 AM »
I would bet dollars to donuts that its a steering head bearing out of adjustment. Get yourself a HD Factory Service Manual (dont mess with any of that Clymer or Haynes crap) and find the correct method for your year/model. You can also then adjust the "fall away"....its my opinion though that the MOCO likes to keep things a bit on the loose side....I make mine a bit tighter....it makes for a more stable platform.....just my .02$
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kev

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Re: Odd handlebar movement and "click" when braking hard
« Reply #10 on: October 20, 2008, 04:28:49 PM »
have you checked the head stock bearings recently
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Chief

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Re: Odd handlebar movement and "click" when braking hard
« Reply #11 on: October 20, 2008, 05:56:34 PM »
Quote from: WFP on September 03, 2008, 04:38:11 PM
I have noticed this for quite a while but I had to brake hard this morning on my way to work (took the Deuce  ;D ) today and felt it at an uncomfortable moment.

As the front forks compressed, and at the last moment before I ease up on the braking, the grips give the sensation that either the handlebar is rotating ever so slightly or that it is somewhere in the riser, moving a millimeter or two forward...it also makes a brief "clicK" when this happens.

Any Thoughts?

/Bill

BTW, I still LOVE this bike ... I am actually glad the ultra is in for the 10K service forcing me to take it to work for the first time in a couple of years!

Most likely it's the stem nut that isn't tight enough, allowing the forks to move back just the slighest under hard braking. My bike is doing the same thing and will get addressed during this winter's tune-up. It's annoying, but nothing I'm overly concerned about.

:indian_chief:
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WFP

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Re: Odd handlebar movement and "click" when braking hard
« Reply #12 on: October 20, 2008, 06:00:01 PM »
Quote from: Chief on October 20, 2008, 05:56:34 PM
Most likely it's the stem nut that isn't tight enough, allowing the forks to move back just the slighest under hard braking. My bike is doing the same thing and will get addressed during this winter's tune-up. It's annoying, but nothing I'm overly concerned about.

:indian_chief:

I did have it corrected and was just an adjustment of the stem/tightening.
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Chief

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Re: Odd handlebar movement and "click" when braking hard
« Reply #13 on: October 20, 2008, 06:36:53 PM »
Quote from: WFP on October 20, 2008, 06:00:01 PM
I did have it corrected and was just an adjustment of the stem/tightening.

That's good to hear. That makes me a bit more interested in pulling the fairing apart to tackle it. Not as easy as the Deuce.

:indian_chief:
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