Post wreck rebuild & non-stop issues

[AndyM]

Following up on my post wreck rebuild, I am at a bit of a crossroads.

This past weekend I replaced the front aluminum frame/headlight frame (old one was bent quite a bit) and am still having a problem with the right grip bottoming out when the handlebars are at full turn. I assume that the handlebar (side that I went down on) is bent (though it sure looks straight) but am not exactly sure how to test this or how to figure out if it is another issue. I don’t really want to buy a new hand grip and all it’s parts just to find out it is something else.

Also, since the front frame/headlight frame install, I am now getting a ratcheting sound when I turn the bars left or right.

I have already put a lot into the bike to rebuild it and figure I am in too deep to stop now as I have no idea what I could do with the thing.

Any thoughts or help would be greatly appreciated. If anyone is interested in an R11S for parts, let me know

[markjenn]

Is the clip-on at the proper rotation angle on the fork tube? (If its stock, it should have an indexed position.) Off-hand, I think it would be hard to get a grip-tank interference issue by something bent in the bodywork, so I would think it has to be an alignment issue with the top triple, fork tubes, or clip on. If the clip on is actually bent, I would think that would be very visible and even it if is, you could probably solve the issue by rotating the clip on further outboard.

- Mark

[wswartzwel]

Look just under the top triple clamp... The black cast aluminum frame has two tabs on it that act as steering stops... Sounds like one of them is snapped off.

[AndrewA]

Its probable that the forks have twisted in the top triple clamp and/or lower clamp. Have you tried to align these?

A ratcheting noise? Is the rubber on the upper ball joint binding?

[AndyM]

Originally Posted by AndrewA

A ratcheting noise? Is the rubber on the upper ball joint binding?

Not from what I can see. I need to get another set of hands to hold the bike and move the front wheel and see if being in low will help me pinpoint the sound. It was not making the noise prior to the replacement of the front frame/headlight carrier.

[AndyM]

Originally Posted by wswartzwel

Look just under the top triple clamp... The black cast aluminum frame has two tabs on it that act as steering stops... Sounds like one of them is snapped off.

Both tabs are intact.

[cageyar]

Not familiar with the R11 series but does it have a steering dampner? Bent or dented?

[Rapid Dog]

....have the computer reset at the dealer when your done also.

[Emmbeedee]

Originally Posted by AndyM

If anyone is interested in an R11S for parts, let me know

I have my own R11S wreck to fix so if you're breaking it up, I'd buy some of it.

But I'm sure you won't do that so... anyone have a headlight assembly to sell?

I've been fixing my wreck slowly for a year now, and have fairings from Beemer Boneyard waiting for me to pick them up at the UPS depot tomorrow so progress is being made but the headlight's going to be a problem if I can't find one soon enough

Good luck finding your solution; no point in quitting now.

[bill pierce]

Originally Posted by AndyM

I am now getting a ratcheting sound when I turn the bars left or right.

I have already put a lot into the bike to rebuild it and figure I am in too deep to stop now as I have no idea what I could do with the thing.

Check the upper and lower ball joints real good. I would suspect that as a possible source of the ratchet noise.

Don't give up! You will be happy when you get it all sorted.

[Guest24]

A few pictures would be more useful in visualizing your problem. Take some pics of full throw in both directions of the clip-ons in relation to the plastic. I'm wondering if the plastic hasn't shifted. Can't tell much without pictures.

[AndyM]

So I got the grip figured out once I got the bodywork temporarily back on and had points to measure, it was rotated in slightly. Hopefully that is all.

Will try to get the ratcheting noise taken care of in the next week or two. I never touched the ball joints and it was not making the noise before the front aluminum frame install.

[AndyM]

Nevermind. The right grip/handlebar is bent. Need a new one.

[Guest24]

Originally Posted by AndyM

Nevermind. The right grip/handlebar is bent. Need a new one.

I was wondering last night if the clip-on may have been damaged.

[AndyM]

At quick glance it looks right. I used a tape measure and sure enough it is lower at the bar end than the left one.

[Guest24]

It doesn't take much. Can you put it in a fixture and bend it back?

[AndyM]

Originally Posted by Nail24

It doesn’t take much. Can you put it in a fixture and bend it back?

That is my plan at this point.

[wswartzwel]

Aluminum like to break when you bend it back... Not real safe.

[roger albert]

+1

[Guest24]

Even a minor adjustment, Bill?