Noise in front

[Beast]

Hello all

I just purchased a 2000 Standard on Friday. This is my first Valk and gotta say "what a fantastic motorcycle"
I have a noise that developed today or at least I became aware of it today. When I just nudge the front end left or right I hear a light clunk. When I apply the front brake noise stops, when I have a partner grab the tip of the front fender ( brakes off)  and pull straight up the noise stops. Removed the right caliper to check pads looked ready for replacement but thats about it, slides worked ok. Previous owner said he replaced tires and pads at one point in its life of 17000 miles.

Any common problems I should look for.

Thanks

Dave

[Chrisj CMA]

Congrats on the Valk......as far as the noise, it sounds a bit like the normal "floating" caliper noise that is a fairly common comment about noises on the bike.  Im not sure if I follow the part about pulling up on the fender but if you think the noise is coming from the brake calipers, then I wouldnt really worry its normal.

There is one other common thing that could be related to what you said about the fender.  look up under the fender witha  flashlight.  There are rubber sound dampening pads glued to the inside of the fender.  Sometimes they partially "fall" down and can contact the tire.............

Hope that helps

[Valker]

I second the floating calipers idea.

[Beast]

Thanks guys, I'll check out the fender

[Scott from FL, now in Maine]

I would also check the front end for notching in the steering bearing or possibly loose. Jack the bike up securely and pull up on the front forks to see if you feel movement in the steering head. Also while jacked up and see if you feel any roughness when turning left and right slowly. I haven't dealt with this myself to much, but others on the board have experience with this and can direct you better to testing it and repair if needed. It is my understanding that sometimes this can be fixed by re torgueing with the proper procedure. Good Luck and enjoy the ride. Valk's are a riders dream come true as far as I am concerned. 

[Beast]

Noise is from the fender. I didn't have time to narrow it down as to why, but I do know its from the fender. When I was waxing the bike on my lunch break and put pressure on the fender , it made the noise. Also, one of those dampners is loose. Do most remove it or use some adhesive to put it back on?

 Maybe, I should describe it as a creaking noise.

[Chrisj CMA]

ya, take the wheel off and just yank that sucker