Clicking somewhere around the handlebars

[Haynesemail]

From the title it's probably evident that I'm not that sure about the workings of my 02 Transalp. A crime, I know. So I'd be grateful if anyone could suggest why, when I brake reasonably heavily, I feel a small click as though the handlebars are moving forwards slightly. It isn't affecting the handling and, ironically, it's only begun since I collected the bike from its 40k service at Honda Chiswick. Any thoughts would be welcome.

[btbloke]

get it straight back to them,could be something loose,or worse,get them to check there own work.

[Recycler]

There are rubber dampers under the handlebar mounts to absorb vibes. The bars are supposed to move a little but you shouldn't feel it riding.
Clicking sounds like the steering bearings may be loose. Get the front wheel off the ground (easy if you've a centrestand), grab the forks and try to push them back and forth, if there's movement you'll feel it.

The Haynes manual for the TA is good - about £16 in Halfords.

[Lumiya]

A loose steering isn't always evident when the forks are pushed with the front wheel off the ground as great pressure can sometimes be needed to make it go click. My GPz passed 2 MOT's with a click on braking that the MOT'er couldn't find and it was only cured with a new headrace.

With the front wheel off the ground try tightening up the headrace about an eight of a turn at a time until the steering feeling a bit slower/tighter, then back off 1/8th and it should feel free again (if not back off 1/8 at a time until it feels smooth). Now go for a ride, if the steering still clicks under braking or feels at all notchy from side to side then replace the headrace bearings.

Kymmy

PS..As for HAYNES manuals...you looking to get yourself a bad reputation or what??????

[babybadger]

There are rubber dampers under the handlebar mounts to absorb vibes. The bars are supposed to move a little but you shouldn't feel it riding.

The Haynes manual for the TA is good - about £16 in Halfords.

Mine wobbles quite a bit on the rubbers, can these be removed /replaced?

[moon]

From the title it's probably evident that I'm not that sure about the workings of my 02 Transalp. A crime, I know. So I'd be grateful if anyone could suggest why, when I brake reasonably heavily, I feel a small click as though the handlebars are moving forwards slightly. It isn't affecting the handling and, ironically, it's only begun since I collected the bike from its 40k service at Honda Chiswick. Any thoughts would be welcome.

I had a worrying "clak" from the front end under braking ('91 model) & was very concerned about the forks & bearings etc. took it to my usual mechanic & he discovered that it was the speedo cable catching on it's guide as the forks compressed & freeing with a "clak"...

he moved the guide about an inch up the mudguard & that cured it (didn't charge me either).

[Haynesemail]

Thanks to everyone for the advice; turn's out Kymmy was spot on. Sparked by BT's comment I took it back to Chiswick Honda who didn't seem overly concerned - they tightened the headrace whilst I drank my free coffee and didn't even charge me. That said, for the amount I paid for my last service, I'm not surprised they wanted to keep me on side. Anyway cheers again everyone - I feel a lot happier knowing the bike's safe.