Author Topic: V-Strom 650XT front fork judder (Read 2369 times)

Goldie · « **on:** October 19, 2021, 14:20:14 »

Hi, does anyone else suffer from front fork judder on uneven tarmac roads. Its a 2020 model and only done 1100miles, its as if the head bearings have come loose but I have double checked these and there is no movement in the head what so ever.

Tintent115 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 20, 2021, 21:11:21 »

Yes. Although I would call it more of a vibration than a judder. My last 650XT did it, felt like something was loose. The 2021 XT does the same but perhaps to a slightly lesser extent......

Goldie · « **Reply #2 on:** October 21, 2021, 10:02:19 »

If yours is a 2021 model have you not taken it back to the dealer to get it sorted as this is surely not right ?

Oop North John · « **Reply #3 on:** October 21, 2021, 11:13:30 »

I'd suggest trying to ride another bike of around the same age, maybe a demo one, and see if it's the same, to confirm whether it's a "feature" or problem.

Goldie · « **Reply #4 on:** October 21, 2021, 11:46:02 »

I didn't find a problem with the demo bike I took out, that only had 129 miles on the clock. I have read reports now that say these bikes have cheap forks on them, I'm now wondering what steps I have to take now to get it sorted out? It just spoils what is otherwise a very good comfortable bike to ride.

hill100 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 21, 2021, 11:48:22 »

probably just budget suspension. What bike were you riding before you bought this one?

Goldie · « **Reply #6 on:** October 21, 2021, 11:57:45 »

KTM690 and KTM exc350F, I know there is no comparison with these bikes WP Xplore units but I didn't expect that much difference between the demo bike and the one I purchased with only 1100 miles on it.

Brockett · « **Reply #7 on:** October 21, 2021, 12:09:51 »

I have never experienced this on any bike that did not have very worn headrace bearings. I'd check every nut and bolt on the front end from the radiator mounts forward to the front mudguard. Also check the tank mounts. I did once hear an intermittant clonking sound on my K9 and later after many checks found a 10mm socket lodged in the front fairing/bodywork. Not one of my sockets but lost by a previous owner maybe.

V-Twin · « **Reply #8 on:** October 21, 2021, 15:18:28 »

Goldie, so what has the dealer have to say about it?
I trust they don't say " they all do that".
Maybe suggest this is not fit for purpose!
Would be good to know the reason why Original buyer p/x in only 1100 miles???

Get the dealer to test it out, & maybe suggest you get an email off to Suzuki Customer service.

Goldie · « **Reply #9 on:** October 21, 2021, 15:33:41 »

The bloke I bought it from had purchased it in lockdown without trying it

, lets just say he had very short legs and couldn't get on with it . I have just booked it in for its yearly service of which is a fork inspection. When the front brake is applied and the forks compressed hard is when you hear the knocking noise.

V-Twin · « **Reply #10 on:** October 21, 2021, 15:40:59 »

Sounds like it could be a Brake Disc problem.
If the Discs run out of true, it causes vibration.
Vibs can run up forks & make the front feel horrible.
The Bike is still under warranty, so they should sort it.
Good luck.

Oop North John · « **Reply #11 on:** October 21, 2021, 17:05:23 »

IIRC there's a well known clunk when the forks are unloaded, eg over a bump.

Unless the bike's been crashed I wouldn't have thought there'd be much difference in the fork action between yours and the demo bike. Has it had a front tyre change do you know? Also, when I fitted a fork brace on a Glee then part of the checks, again IIRC, was to pump the forks up and down to make sure that the wheel / forks etc were in the correct alignment.

Steady Freddy · « **Reply #12 on:** October 21, 2021, 17:07:02 »

......definitely forks?
.....or could it be ABS playing up?

Rusty Nuts · « **Reply #13 on:** October 21, 2021, 17:14:17 »

This has gone from:
fork judder on uneven tarmac roads
to:
When the front brake is applied and the forks compressed hard is when you hear the knocking noise.

Very many people, including myself, have noticed a definite front end "clonk" when the 650 goes over a bump. Are you sure it's not this that you are experiencing when braking hard? It's as if there's something moving in the fairing, up near/behind the headlights.

Goldie · « **Reply #14 on:** October 21, 2021, 17:26:11 »

The test I did in the garage was to apply the front brake then push down on the forks to recreate the same kind of noise ?
I have not tried braking hard on the open road yet ?
It is most notable in corners on uneven surfaces.
Is the "clonk" you hear when the fork is fully extended?

Rusty Nuts · « **Reply #15 on:** October 21, 2021, 17:57:20 »

Mine was when the forks hit a bump. Just a single noise relating to a single event, not a judder as such.

Barbel Mick · « **Reply #16 on:** October 21, 2021, 18:26:21 »

Mine's the same as Rusty mentions. It's been like that from new (8 years). The front wheel hits a bump, pothole or other sharp type bump, & I can hear one knock.
Never heard it for years though....I wear earplugs now.

UK_Vstrom650 · « **Reply #17 on:** October 21, 2021, 23:16:45 »

+1 on earplugs - no issues with funny noises then

In fairness, get the bike looked over by the dealer, but expect the noise to be the nature of the beast and nothing to worry about

Barbel Mick · « **Reply #18 on:** October 22, 2021, 09:55:38 »

Yes, should have included the 'get it checked over' in my post.
Definitely mention it to the dealer when you take it for the service but if there's nothing found be prepared to live with it.

V-Twin · « **Reply #19 on:** October 22, 2021, 17:23:46 »

I presume the Front Tyre pressure is correct & not over inflated??

Check the rear as well.