Front End Chatter Under Slow-Speed Braking

[AlexUSA]

I'm getting a pretty significant chatter coming from the front end of my XR under medium to hard slow-speed braking (15km/h to stop). I don't feel it at all at high speeds. As I brake and the front end is loaded up, it seems that little bumps and road imperfections cause chatter and shaking.

It's much worse on my 17" motard wheel/tire than my 21" dirt wheel/tire.

I don't feel pulsing in the lever, only up through the forks and handlebars.

Brakes have been bled and calipers cleaned. I don't think it's a brake problem.

Does this sound like a steering head bearing problem? Or could it be in the shocks?

 

[Tom]

Could be the head bearing (worn, or just plain loose), or it may be that you need the fork oil changed. Have you seen any oil residue on the fork stanchions? Might be that you have lost some oil due to a bad seal.

 

[johnnysneds]

Pull your front brake on whilst stationary and rock the bike back and forward and feel for movement from the bearings. Or put the bike on a stand, sit down facing the front wheel, grab each fork at its lowest point and and do the same check by push/pulling.