While reconsidering all of this and getting on and off of the centerstand, slowly rolling over potholes, etc, I may also be dealing with some stiction. It's sooooo hard to get a good read on this.
There is clearly bottoming out knock in cases where the forks are fully unloading. But in rolling the bike forward off of the center stand I'm also hearing a fainter clunk almost immediately after the front tire hits the ground. It seems to fit the feel and sound of stiction if I keep an open mind about it. I have a robust fork stabilizer brace over the fender that the previous owner also included in an effort to tone down the frame wobbles. I've taken great care, following any fork rebuilds, to install this brace last in order so that it can be shimmed and spaced before tightening so it doesn't impede the free travel of the forks. But I've never actually ridden the bike without it. That may be my next step.
You're very much not alone
There is clearly bottoming out knock in cases where the forks are fully unloading. But in rolling the bike forward off of the center stand I'm also hearing a fainter clunk almost immediately after the front tire hits the ground. It seems to fit the feel and sound of stiction if I keep an open mind about it. I have a robust fork stabilizer brace over the fender that the previous owner also included in an effort to tone down the frame wobbles. I've taken great care, following any fork rebuilds, to install this brace last in order so that it can be shimmed and spaced before tightening so it doesn't impede the free travel of the forks. But I've never actually ridden the bike without it. That may be my next step.
Hi, I went back to Max two weeks ago to 'discuss' the clunk - Phil had two suggestions: remove the preload spacers or replace the springs with stock.
1. I removed the preload spacers (he cuts them in half). When I unscrewed the nuts there was no tension at all on the nut...so I installed stock size spacers and it is def preloading the springs but made no difference, still clunks. Then tried no spacer, same clunk...
2. may try stock springs next. does anyone have any good used stock springs?
3. this is driving me nuts...
thanks Chuck
You're very much not alone