Two things:
The "knock" you hear may well be an indication that the carbs need to be vacuum synchronized. You need a set of vacuum gauges to perform this, or someone/shop to do it.
When you replace the forks, it's a great opportunity to also replace the steering head bearings at the same time. These are in the neck of the frame, and there are sets at the bottom and the top. Most people replace the stock steel balls and races with tapered bearings from All Ballz. You can get a set for your exact model. Knock out the old races and tap in the new. Reinstall the steering stem, tighten down the stem, then install forks. Adds about 2 hours total to a fork replacement task, but well worth the effort and safety of doing it.
I will definitely look into that. Replacing the steel balls doesn't sound too bad but I am sure I will eat those words...
Nice bike Phenam! I'm in Milwaukee and if you want some help hit me up. Shoot you can bring it here and we can "putz" with your bike. Knocking may be the cam tensioner as well as the carbs needing to be sync d. I have a synchronizer as well.
I would LOVE bring it up to putz around with it with you. I can't think of a better way to learn the ropes around a bike than with someone who obviously knows their stuff. Problem is I don't have a car; I sold it the day after I moved to Chicago so towing the bike is a bit of an issue. I plan on getting the bike checked out anyways as it is a recent purchase, and after I am confident that the bike can handle a road trip, I wouldn't mind a day trip up to Miltown either way. Or even better, come down to Chicago, for services rendered, dinner and drinks on me...
But I guess my question is for future work done on the bike, should I be looking into a lift? A basic wheel chock?
