Hi, now I have an operational front brake, I'm able to rock the bike back and forth while the brake is applied.

Is it normal to expect a certain amount of play in the front forks?

The bike is newly rebuilt - and the fork links certainly seemed fairly snug when I fitted them.

Thanks in advance.

Andy

email (option): adh325@hotmail.com

Hi Andy,

First, you have to determine the source of the play.

If the links were snug fit, the play might come from the steering head.
Maybe it needs some fastening, or new rollers/races.

Noam.

email (option): noam10@gmail.com

May be play in the torque arm attachment depending on what bike it is.

You sometimes get that sort of play and clunking noise from the brake anchor. Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Yes, If it's an M20 both the shouldered brake plate retaining bolt and the keyhole slot in the brake plate it fits into can become worn resulting in free play..

A new bolt will solve the first problem, the brake plate can be repaired with some welding and filing.

The diameter of the shoulder on the bolt should be a snug, but free, fit in the plate. When tightened it should pinch the plate against the back of the forks...To that end before the bolt is tightened the brake plate should be just touching the back of the fork leg.

If it isn't check the spacing of the wheel within the forks and that the brake plate torque arm isn't distorted...

Also be careful that when tightening the shouldered bolts locknut that you don't inadvertently loosen the bolt....Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

I've just checked and it's coming from the top forward links (I.e. the one directly under the speedo bracket). Slight visible movement, and knock.

Bugger. It's all painted and greased up ready to go!

I can't remember if the links were handed, for example if I installed them on the opposite sides, or turn them 180 degrees it might improve?

The links can be put either side, but the correct location is the ones with threads for the long through bolts should be on the right (Off side). Normally there is a centre pop on the underside of the link. Again it doesn't really matter which way round they go, but it's done so that you can replace them in their same locations. Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

A bit of play in the fork links has never affected my handling on different bikes. Just keep the sideplay to a minimum. Save yourself the trouble and just keep riding.

My main concern was getting it through the VOSA (now DVSA) test before I'm allowed to get it re-registered.

Does anyone have any experience of this - and able to advise how rigorous it is?

I'll definitely get it sorted eventually, but I've geared myself up to get it on the road before Christmas - and this'll definitely knock me back a few months.

I've never heard of a VOSA test before re registration..At least only if the vehicle is in certain categories of insurance write off (B and C I think).

Do you mean a mechanical inspection?....If you do it's news to me and I'd be interested to know more...

Regarding the worn fork link spindles I believe Dave Plumb here on the forum repairs them and he usually turns jobs round fairly fast...Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

VOSA have been asked to check vehicles that are undergoing a registration application for DVLA since all the local DVLA offices have been closed. It's not always required though. I have just recently registered a Velo by paper work only. But if an inspection is required, it is only to verify frame numbers and a visual confirmation of it being genuine. Not a mechanical inspection. Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

And for reference..'write off' categories that can be returned to the road are C, D and X...once the relevant criteria have been fulfilled...Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com