2016 road King is making a klunking noise
#12
06-20-2017, 11:21 PM
Ya know, here again, it's just about impossible for any of us out here on the World Wide Web to give any really usable advice...we can't hear or feel the issue. And, because it's a Harley, there may NOT be any issue!!! Every single Harley I've owned clunks into gear. Nature of the beast.
That said, OP, the best advice I can give you is go to somebody you trust who's experienced with Harley Davidsons...who's been around and ridden them for many years...and ask them to take a ride on yours. If there really is a problem, they'll be able to discern what the problem is more or less. And if it's just a Harley being a Harley, they'll be able to tell you about that too.
And, hey, what the heck, doesn't hurt to get a second or third opinion...and/or the opinion of an independent Harley mechanic, as well. But your thread is gonna generate probably pages of guesses, some wild, some educated, but NONE for certain!
That said, OP, the best advice I can give you is go to somebody you trust who's experienced with Harley Davidsons...who's been around and ridden them for many years...and ask them to take a ride on yours. If there really is a problem, they'll be able to discern what the problem is more or less. And if it's just a Harley being a Harley, they'll be able to tell you about that too.
And, hey, what the heck, doesn't hurt to get a second or third opinion...and/or the opinion of an independent Harley mechanic, as well. But your thread is gonna generate probably pages of guesses, some wild, some educated, but NONE for certain!
#13
06-21-2017, 12:45 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
I've found (through the years) that the best two tools you can have for locating noises is a short piece of hose (think stethoscope) and a rubber mallet.
If it's, a noise you hear when the engine is running, hold one end of the hose to your ear and the other end in your hand as you move it around your engine.
Using the rubber mallet, do a gentle "tap test" on every suspect item on your bike.
I think three of the most unusual noises that I've located with the rubber mallet was a loose front brake rotor, a front wheel "hubcap" on a Heritage Softail, and a loose or broken muffler baffle inside the muffler of a Fat Boy.
The Fat Boy's owner was sure that he had a serious engine problem and was he thrilled when I found his problem.
If it's, a noise you hear when the engine is running, hold one end of the hose to your ear and the other end in your hand as you move it around your engine.
Using the rubber mallet, do a gentle "tap test" on every suspect item on your bike.
I think three of the most unusual noises that I've located with the rubber mallet was a loose front brake rotor, a front wheel "hubcap" on a Heritage Softail, and a loose or broken muffler baffle inside the muffler of a Fat Boy.
The Fat Boy's owner was sure that he had a serious engine problem and was he thrilled when I found his problem.
#14
06-22-2017, 10:04 AM
Stellar HDF Member
The front caliper (I think) also 'clunks' when you stop in certain orientations and decel amounts... you will get used to Harleys after a while (if this is your first one of this model) and "ride it" is the best advice you can get. Learn to be very specific about what you think is going on by listening carefully. Polish the bike by hand and you will often find the loose parts if there are any. If it doesn't handle properly then definitely get it check out... otherwise, ride it for reasonable distances near your home town until you become more confident in its quirks.
#15
06-22-2017, 10:32 PM
Road Warrior
First of all...welcome to the forum (even though you have been lurking already).
Second....try to meet up with some local Harley owners at a local dealership function and talk about their bikes and then bring up what is bugging you about yours. HD owners are good people regardless of what you might think about how they dress or look.
Third...introduce yourself to the Queens of the Road Ladies group here.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/the-q...kers-only-139/
Second....try to meet up with some local Harley owners at a local dealership function and talk about their bikes and then bring up what is bugging you about yours. HD owners are good people regardless of what you might think about how they dress or look.
Third...introduce yourself to the Queens of the Road Ladies group here.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/the-q...kers-only-139/
#16
06-22-2017, 10:34 PM
Stellar HDF Member
Ya know, here again, it's just about impossible for any of us out here on the World Wide Web to give any really usable advice...we can't hear or feel the issue. And, because it's a Harley, there may NOT be any issue!!! Every single Harley I've owned clunks into gear. Nature of the beast.
That said, OP, the best advice I can give you is go to somebody you trust who's experienced with Harley Davidsons...who's been around and ridden them for many years...and ask them to take a ride on yours. If there really is a problem, they'll be able to discern what the problem is more or less. And if it's just a Harley being a Harley, they'll be able to tell you about that too.
And, hey, what the heck, doesn't hurt to get a second or third opinion...and/or the opinion of an independent Harley mechanic, as well. But your thread is gonna generate probably pages of guesses, some wild, some educated, but NONE for certain!
That said, OP, the best advice I can give you is go to somebody you trust who's experienced with Harley Davidsons...who's been around and ridden them for many years...and ask them to take a ride on yours. If there really is a problem, they'll be able to discern what the problem is more or less. And if it's just a Harley being a Harley, they'll be able to tell you about that too.
And, hey, what the heck, doesn't hurt to get a second or third opinion...and/or the opinion of an independent Harley mechanic, as well. But your thread is gonna generate probably pages of guesses, some wild, some educated, but NONE for certain!
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Wcwhipp (08-13-2024)
#17
06-23-2017, 12:21 PM
Road Warrior
My Grandpa would hear a noise in his cars, then look over to me and say "here is how you fix that" as he cranked up the radio.
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N1265 (07-31-2023)
#18
07-30-2023, 06:48 PM
Intermediate
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VikingMikko (08-07-2023)
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