front end noise

[moose53]

Hi,
Does anyone have any idea what could be causing a "thunka-thunka" noise from the front end while I'm riding? It started yesterday on my 2008 GL1800. I have over 30000 miles and had the 32000 mile service done a couple months ago. I changed tires, added centramatic balancers, and had brakes put on last year. I've had no problems whatsoever until this noise started yesterday on my way home. I noticed at slow speeds, if I slightly engaged the front brake the noise disappeared or diminished greatly. I'm not a mechanic though I am mechanically inclined, meaning I can replace stuff if I know what I'm looking for, but I don't mess with anything too technical. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[Viking]

Try disabling your anti dive system. This is the most likely culprit. You can get a kit here:

http://www.motomfg.com/GL1800_Goldwing_ ... p/gl-1.htm

[moose53]

Thanks man! I've ordered the part and it looks like something I can do easily enough. I appreciate the help and the quick response.

[FlyBoy2121]

I Moose 53

What brand of tire you install ?

FlyBoy2121

[moose53]

I run Elite III's. It doesn't seem to be a problem with the tire. While I'm waiting for the anti-dive shim to arrive, I'm going to pull the fender and check the brake calipers to see if a bolt vibrated lose. I'll check the pads while I'm in there.

[Viking]

As you are pulling the plastic anyway, check where the front part and the center part of the fender meet. Sometimes these tap together.

[moose53]

I removed the front part of the fender and checked the caliper bolts for tightness. I didn't find anything out of order. I forgot to bring down a flashlight so I couldn't really see the pads, but when I spun the tire I didn't hear anything - no thunking or scraping - nothing. I took the bike for a quick spin around the parking garage and, of course, I heard nothing! I'm going to wait and install the shim then take the bike for a more challenging test ride. If it's gone then it was either the shim or gremlins. I'll give a status update after I do this.
Thanks to all who've offered help.
Moose

[FlyBoy2121]

I Moose 53

The vibration comes from your front fender, E3 tires vibrates a lot, I change for Avon Cobra, I have less vibration.

FlyBoy2121

I run Elite III's. It doesn't seem to be a problem with the tire. While I'm waiting for the anti-dive shim to arrive, I'm going to pull the fender and check the brake calipers to see if a bolt vibrated lose. I'll check the pads while I'm in there.

[moose53]

I appreciate the input Flyboy, but it wasn't a vibration, it was a thunka-thunka sound. This is my 3rd set of Elite III's and I haven't experienced any problems with them.

[Peteswing]

I have read that the install of your centramatics may your problem. Some how they can be installed backwards or upside down. When improperly installed you will hear the noises you you describe. I would start there.

[moose53]

Well, here's an update on the front end noise - don't know what caused it, but it's gone. It started out of the blue and sounded like something with the wheel. Slow speed - slow thunka-thunka. Fast speed - fast thunka-thunka. Ordered the anti-dive shim, but still waiting for it! Checked all of the screws and bolts for tightness and everything seemed good. Today, I methodically took off everything and put everything back on. Then I went to get gas. No thunka-thunka! I doubt it was the tires as I've been riding the same type since I bought the bike and these tires were put on last year with no problems. The centramatic wheel balancers were correctly installed and all of the bolts were tight. Today I rechecked them and retightened them. The bolts to the calipers were all tight. Today I rechecked them and I retightened them. Fender back on and all bolts tight. No anti-dive shim so the anti-dive mechanism is still engaged. But no thunka-thunka. I'm guessing it was gremlins! Going camping this weekend and I'll be paranoid the whole drive down to southern Indiana!
Thanks for all of the suggestions. They really are a big help to someone like me with only rudimentary mechanical skills.