Triumphrat

tigerdutch · 11-13-2007, 04:18 PM

I have recently bought an 04 tiger with 25,000 miles on the clock, I have a slightly irritating knocking noise which seems to be coming from the front forks when riding over slight bumps. I have recently repaced the steering bearings and replaced the fork oil with 682ml of 10w fork oil.
I cannot replicate the noise when the bike is idle by bouncing on the front end nor does there seem to be any play in the lower cast fork legs which may suggest the internal guide bushes are worn.It can sometimes be felt slightly through the handle bars. my friend has an 06 tiger and his is fine.Has anyone experienced this on the tiger? and can you help?

Pickaxe · 11-13-2007, 04:50 PM

I've always had a slight knocking noise on my 06 Tiger. It sounds for all the world like, slightly loose steering head bearings, but isn't because if anything, the're slightly tight.

I remember reading a thread somewhere, a shuttle valve or the like, in the fork, knocks under certain conditions.

TIGERBLOG · 11-13-2007, 05:56 PM

Yes, I have the same rattling sound from the forks of my 2005 when riding over speed bumps or along the unmade stony track up to my house. Nothing is loose and my local bike engineer didn't seem bothered by it when I mentioned it to him soon after I bought the Tiger last Jan. When I've got the cash I am going to fit tougher progressive springs prior to some 2 up touring next year - I'll see if it still rattles then.
Mike

brgtiger · 11-14-2007, 10:42 AM

my 05 does it also. i read that the fix was to replace the fork oil with 15w. this weekend i replaced the springs with some progressive ones and replaced the oil with 15w. i haven't ridden that far but i did ride across my front yard, a little over an acre, and it did feel better i have to find some speed bumps to see if the clunking noise is gone.

miker · 11-14-2007, 07:11 PM

To quote the famous adage "They all do it". At least everyone I've spoken to around here has had the same "knock"

Mine has done it from new, and apparently heavier oil and a small spacer somewhere in the top of the forks is the fix. I haven't bothered, it gives the bike character....

Mick

katoomon · 11-14-2007, 10:54 PM

Changing to a heavier fork oil and making the klunk go away makes me think the forks are topping out; especially when you consider that Triumph increased the spring resistance starting in '05. I grew up on dirt bikes and may be a little spoiled, but this is the most miserable fork I have ever ridden/owned. Well, within the last 20 years anyway. I am going to try some heavier springs and Infinity sub tanks, if I can find a place to mount them.

http://www.infinitymachineanddesign.com/

That might make a more compliant front end, then I'll probably hate the rear shock. I don't really ride this one off road, I just want it to suck up ugly pavement without sending a useless jolt through the bars.

Others have stated there is some sort of valve in the forks to reduce dive when braking hard. I can't see how a valve could differentiate between a braking force and off road riding, smooth compressions, berms, etc. What happens when braking over stutter bumps or square edged potholes?

Can someone explain this valve further? Until then, I'm going with lighter oil = topping out.

greenman · 11-17-2007, 01:27 PM

There are quite a few posts on this and its worth using the search to find them. I dont think there is any conclusive answer though, seems that rather than "they all do that, sir" its "some of them do that, nobody knows why"

DAGAD · 11-26-2007, 04:07 PM

That seems to sum it up well, Greenman. My '06 has done it from new and when it's out of warranty next March, I will be fitting Hagon springs and oil in their kit. I have been told it makes all the difference to the standard forks? Watch this space.........................
Roy.

brgtiger · 11-27-2007, 10:00 AM

i fitted progressives and the 15w. the oil that came out was alot thicker than the 15w. the clunk is better but not gone. i like the ride and handeling better with the progressives as i gave it a little less preload to soften it up a little. i liked the ride of the 02 better than the 05 so now it is a little closer.

byjingo · 12-03-2007, 02:38 PM

This forum is great isn't it? My 06 bike (6,000 miles) has made this clunk noise from the steering head area but I haven't been able to put my finger on what the problem was. The bearings etc are all good. I will now rest at ease, safe in the knowledge that "they all do it"

Bob