Notchy, clicky sensation though the 'bars

[specialgray]

I'm getting a strange sensation I can't pin down and that seems to be getting worse. It feels like tiny clicky bumps though the handlebars, as if I'm hitting the occasional tiny stone on an otherwise perfectly smooth road surface.

Happens every few seconds on the freeway.

I can only feel it though the handlebars, not the footpads.

Occurs at all engine and road speeds (within legal limits of course, faster untested).

Doesn't seem to feel better or worse under acceleration or braking.

Bike has the standard (non Ohlins suspension).

Bike has done about 75,000 KM, but has been very well looked after.

Forks not pitted or corroded at all (good Australian weather!)

First guess is head bearings, second maybe the shock not damping under compression properly when hitting any tiny bumps.

What do you good people think?

[Herb]

Welcome along.

Does the sensation frequency increase or decrease in line with road speed?

[specialgray]

Seems to increase, so reacting to more input from the road.

[Herb]

Start with the obvious if you have not already. Wheel bearings, tyre condition. Move up through the suspension checking it moves smoothly and check the area around the ball joint.

[dysondiver]

try gently breaking and see if it stays there or vanishes too ,, i had ticky pads that did that

[Grip Fast]

My R1200S had that sensation when I first got it 4 years ago, but only up to about 30mph. It got better (smoother) with speed. That is fitted with Ohlins though, and it turned out to be the rear unit needing an overhaul and some new internals. Had both units overhauled professionally, and they sorted it.

I felt it through the bars and kept fiddling with the front to try and dial it out. The bike had 19,000 miles on it when I got it.

Worth eliminating other / simpler things first, as already suggested. But if all else fails, suspect the suspension, including the rear unit.

[dave the german]

My R1200S had that sensation when I first got it 4 years ago, but only up to about 30mph. It got better (smoother) with speed. That is fitted with Ohlins though, and it turned out to be the rear unit needing an overhaul and some new internals. Had both units overhauled professionally, and they sorted it.

I felt it through the bars and kept fiddling with the front to try and dial it out. The bike had 19,000 miles on it when I got it.

Worth eliminating other / simpler things first, as already suggested. But if all else fails, suspect the suspension, including the rear unit.

I'm no engineer but wouldn't have thought about the rear shock although thinking logically it's part of the running gear. Just had my Ohlins serviced - cannot wait to see what difference there is (if any, or any that I can notice although both had started to weep oil)

[Mitch1100]

Telelever ball joint ?

[andy griff]

second Mitch's opinion

[specialgray]

Thanks everyone, I'll have a look on the weekend and see if I can figure it out

[specialgray]

The previous owner had fitted raised bars (heli-bars I think) and braided lines. The lines were designed and measured for the standard bike, so the front line was taut when the forks were at full extension. I think what was happening is that as the suspension uncompressed at the front, the forks extended and the brake line was stopping the last 1cm or less of travel. This was pulling on the brake line, causing it to narrow and apply a tiny bit of pressure, which pulled the front brakes on a tiny bit. Just enough for me to feel it.

I replaced the standard bars and the issue went away. I was a little unfamiliar with the feeling from the front end, having never had telelever suspension before, so the other sensations though the bars were the comparative roughness of the engine (compared to a silky inline four) and road surface abnormalities.

Gave it a good ride this weekend and it seems fine, so I think I got it

[dysondiver]

wow ,, now theres a turn up for the books ,,, well done