So today,
Checked headstock bearings and seem to be ok but will change them if I can't solve it by doing other easier/cheaper things first.
New front wheel bearings arrived today so displaced front calipers and spun the wheel, seemed to spin freely enough for a couple of rotations then slowed to a stop. Anyway removed front wheel and dust seals and one of the bearings was definitely on it's way out, very gritty to turn between fingers and had slight rust deposits on it. I fear this has been my fault as when I got the wheels powder coated I had to put in bearings before I could have the tyres fitted... However I washed, dried and sealed the wheels before putting them on the bike... I obviously got water on the bearings... every day is a school day, won't be doing that again!
Anyway, New bearings in and refitted front wheel, lightly spun it and thought it was never going to stop spinning!! A huge improvement! Put the calipers back on and the wheel didn't spin much because of the resistance from the pads. Took it for a run and still the same problem although not so sure it's a pulse through the lever as much as just juddering and shaking the front fairing and mirrors and feeling it through the pegs and frame...
Shame it hasn't helped but I'm glad I changed it as it was definitely needing it!
I'm going to replace the rear wheel bearings as they were also washed before being refitted and the chance of one of them being rusty etc is fairly high and for my own piece of mind I want to replace them. It might make no difference to my problem but then it might, if the rear wheel bearing isn't happy then by using the front brakes the weight is taken off the rear wheel so if it's resonating and not turning right it could be translated to juddering through the frame... maybe...
Not going to have a chance to do anything with the bike for the next week but will let you all know if I come up with anything. Pad retaining springs also arrived today darrsi but didn't have a chance to try that as I'd already started the bearings and just wanting to change one thing at a time so I know what the problem has been.
Chris