Front end clicking

[Stagger Lee]

Just developed a solid click in front end when turning bars. Stops if front wheel is elevated. Cant see anything. Internal maybe? Could a hard landing cause this? Cheers

 

[Stagger Lee]

So, I think its coming from the top of my forks. If I take just a little weight off the front end, jack it up an inch or so, wheel still on ground it goes away. 

[Dougie]

Might be my ears but just sounds like a bit of plastic “flicking”, like a school ruler or a mudguard in a grifter wheel. Maybe a loose bit of inner trim / radiator surround near the headstock, or a cable catching? Doesn’t sound metallic in the video. 
get someone to turn it while you’re under the front with a torch. 

[Stagger Lee]

I have had a good look from above and below for something catching. Cant find anything. Also none off that explains why it goes away with the weight off forks. When wheel is in air, bars move freely and smoothly. Putting my ear close to radiator, sound emits from above. Nothing around triple clamp and behind fairing changes in relation to position if forks are extended or not, I believe, only the wheel drops down and extends brake line. 

I have put my ear to forks, I think its coming from there? A bent compression piston, cylinder? I'm not suspension savvy. Am I over thinking this?

[Samm]

I remember seeing a post from Rally Raid about shattered plastic fork spring guides inside the front forks. That’s the only fork damage I’ve ever seen reported. Feb. 8 of this thread:

 

 

Could it be a loose steering stem? Have you checked for play by pulling forward on the forks when the bike is on a stand? 

 

Also check that your top and bottom triple clamp pinch bolts are all tightened to spec. I have heard a similar creaking noise while loosening pinch bolts to realign forks after a crash. Could be related. While you’re at it check the axle pinch bolts as well. 

Edited August 27 by Samm

[AZJW]

How about some particulars so others can better help,  such as has the bike been worked on or crashed recently?   Did you buy it new or used? Mileage?

[Stagger Lee]

17 minutes ago, AZJW said:

How about some particulars so others can better help,  such as has the bike been worked on or crashed recently?   Did you buy it new or used? Mileage?

Bike new, never crashed. I do however have a tabletop speed bump on my street that is a great kicker. I have been launching off of that. Did so yesterday.

[Stagger Lee]

30 minutes ago, Samm said:

Could it be a loose steering stem? Have you checked for play by pulling forward on the forks when the bike is on a stand? 

All tight, checked, rotating, smoothly

[Stagger Lee]

35 minutes ago, Samm said:

I remember seeing a post from Rally Raid about shattered plastic fork spring guides inside the front forks. That’s the only fork damage I’ve ever seen reported. Feb. 8 of this thread:

 

Oh! Thanks for the input.

[AZJW]

44 minutes ago, Stagger Lee said:

Bike new, never crashed. I do however have a tabletop speed bump on my street that is a great kicker. I have been launching off of that. Did so yesterday.

Did the clicking start after those launches?  

If you don't have a mechanics stethoscope,  you can use a poor man's one. Get a long screwdriver, then put your thumb on the handle end, then place your ear on your thumb. Then put the screwdriver tip on different parts of the front end as you rotate the bars causing it to click. When the sound is the loudest, you're found your source.

[Stagger Lee]

24 minutes ago, AZJW said:

Did the clicking start after those launches?

That's what I'm afraid of. I have been hitting it harder, and yesterday was a good one.

 

26 minutes ago, AZJW said:

Get a long screwdriver, then put your thumb on the handle end, then place your ear on your thumb. Then put the screwdriver tip on different parts of the front end as you rotate the bars causing it to click. When the sound is the loudest, you're found your source.

Heading to the garage now. Thanks

[Dan M]

I agree with Dougie. It sounds like something is hitting plastic. Could it be the throttle or clutch cable hitting something?

[Stagger Lee]

4 hours ago, Samm said:

Could it be a loose steering stem?

Was a loose steering stem nut. Thanks @Samm and @AZJW.