2004 Ridgeback - troubling rhythmic clunk

[Rich_M]

Hi All,

I bought a 2004 Big Dog Ridgeback w/ 4K mi and love it. I put about 800 mi on it so far and everything seemed fine until recently. I noticed in the past couple of weeks a kind of rhythmic clunking coming from the bike. It doesn't show up until about 40 mpg. I checked the primary chain, and it was loose, so I got it back in spec. Oil pressure and temp seem fine. Throttle response feels normal, bike starts up great. The clunk isn't really loud, doesn't occur below 40 mph, but I never noticed it before, so I am concerned.

But I just took a test ride and it's still there. Also, since I am riding, it's hard to pinpoint exactly where it's coming from. I did notice when I was adjusting the primary chain that the compensator housing has a small dent in the lip of the housing (not the sprocket, but the cup on the outside of it), and was wondering A.) is that a problem, i.e., can it damage the bike? and B) What is this part called and can I replace it?

Given the age of the bike, I was going to change the fork oil, too. I thought maybe I was mis-hearing it and it was something with the front end. But to my ears, it sounds like it's coming from underneath the front of the bike. I am open to any ideas/theories you guys may have.

 

[Rich_M]

Sorry, I should add that I have the S&S 117 and a baker 6.

 

[HMAN]

Does the clunk occur when doing anything special? Braking, accelerating, shifting? Start by checking majors. Axels, brakes, forks etc. Ck the triple tree bolt also. Ck the top motor mount bolt. Trans bolts. Ck the VR, make sure it aint loose. As far as the compensator is concerned, the dent is a normal manufacturing mark. If it goes south, you will hear a whine like an old Singer sewing machine.

 

[Mikeinjersey]

Sorry, I should add that I have the S&S 117 and a baker 6.

Check drive belt adj and look at all the cogs for damage. This flowchart may help.

 

[Rich_M]

Does the clunk occur when doing anything special? Braking, accelerating, shifting? Start by checking majors. Axels, brakes, forks etc. Ck the triple tree bolt also. Ck the top motor mount bolt. Trans bolts. Ck the VR, make sure it aint loose. As far as the compensator is concerned, the dent is a normal manufacturing mark. If it goes south, you will hear a whine like an old Singer sewing machine.

Shifts like butter, no worries getting it into N. I had a sneaking suspicion it was the front end. I don’t think it’s the brake.

Thanks man. It seems proportional to the rpm, but not directly. In other words, it seems to be speed related. I think you’re onto something because I think I’m feeling it in the front end. But I’ll go over the items you suggested and reply back.

 

[Rich_M]

Check drive belt adj and look at all the cogs for damage. This flowchart may help.

Thanks man! This is gold!

 

[Chong]

Add to the list exhast fasteners.
Another consideration is tire balance, wheel bearings, since you mentioned it comes on with speed.