Front end shutters under hard braking?

MeltDownZ

Registered
I've only owned my '01 for about 3 weeks. I notice that the front end shutters, even makes a clack clack clack sound, under hard braking. My initial thoughts were perhaps a warped brake rotor. Any thoughts as to what it might be?
 
mine can do a lil of that. first, I need to not break so hard, ease up to it and change my style. it's all about smooth movements. that's what MY problem is there anyway
 
I would say something in the front brakes, warped rotors as you thought. Check to make sure everything is tight and the pads are in good shape and installed corectly
 
i had someone tell me that and it was a bad front tire from low pressure and hard braking. but i dont know your situation, just a thought
 
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Definately check the pressure first.

Check if there is a wear pattern on the front tire.  If it was run low it will be cupped or scalloped or look like it has scales like a reptile (Large ones)

Hoss up the front end and you will be able to see any warp in the front rotor as you spin the tire.  Remember the bike has floating rotors so they are slightly (slightly only!) looose when they are cold.  Don't touch em when they are hot!

Check to see if your rivets (The large rings that hold the rotor on the hub) are loose or coming out.  Again, they should move only slightly.

With the wheel in the air, lift the front wheel up and down (by hand) and side to side.  There should be NO play at all.  Any play indicates a wheel bearing.  Another good way to check is to have someone else move the wheel around and hold a finger between the hub and the spindle.  Your finger may be sensitive enough to dectet motion your eye cannot.

Check your steering dampener.  It should also be loose enough to move vertically, it may even clank when you go over serious bumps, like twain twaks, (mine does) but there should be no play in the end joints.  Use the finger and movement method to check this also.

Visually inspect your front rim for cracks.  The bead section of the rim, and where the spokes contact the rim are common (well not real common but that is where it usually starts) places to find fractures.

Good luck and let us know what happens.
 
Damn...Mike...That's hard to follow...I just want to add...Check your forks for a leak...Rode a friends 12 the other day and experienced a bad wobble...He was leaking oil there the lack of oil on one side caused the wobble...
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Thanks everyone! I'll try some of these suggestions. Funny thing, there's no pulsing or any signs of shutter unless the braking is under very hard conditions.
 
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