Question:
Motorcycle front tire look crooked after dump. Easy fix?
After I laid my bike down during a 10 mph turn, I notice that when i straighten the handlebars my front tire isnt aligned. Is this a big problem? Im not familiar with fixing motorcyles. I have a gsxr 600 and been riding for 1 and ahalf years
Answer:
Always give year, make, engine size and model # when asking questions. We need all of that info to give an informed answer. Sometimes the year can make a difference. Ride the bike in a straight line about 10-20mph. Loosen your grip on the handlebar hand grips. Continue in a straight line as if you were riding with no hands (keep your hands in a gripped position to control the bike if it gets out of control). If the bike continues in a straight line, the problem might be something as simple as bent handlebars. If the bike veers to one side or another, the problem is a little more serious. Cartridge forks (upside down) are very strong and it's not likely they would bend, or move out of alignment from a slow speed fall. Bent axle Bent steering stem Bent frame Get the bike checked by a professional. Conventional forks - All of the above and/or Bent fork tubes Twisted fork tubes in the steering stem.
The forks are probably just twisted a bit. You can go through all the rigamarole of loosening everything up and re-torquing, or you can just ride the bike up to a fire hydrant, building or other relatively immovable object, lay the side of the tire up against it, and tweak the bars straight. That way, you won't have to finish your ride nagged by the thought that your front end is all wonkus. If you still feel the need to do something more elaborate when you get home, you are free to do so.
The front forks, steering stem or frame could be bent. I'm not saying they are, just a suggestion. Here are a couple of tests. While riding at a slow speed (30mph), relax your grip on the handlebars. Your bike should go straight. If it leans or wants to turn, then something with the front end is wrong. Check that both fork tubes are at the same height in the upper fork bridge. To check for bent forks or steering stem - with the bike on is side stand, put a jack under the front of the motor. Jack up the bike a little so there is no weight on the front wheel. Loosen the upper and lower triple tree clamps on one of the fork tubes. You should be able to spin the fork tube without any binding. Tighten the bolts and try with the other fork tube. To check the steering bearings for wear - jack the bike a little more to get the front wheel completely off the ground. You should be able to turn the handlebars all the way left-right without feeling any notches in the bearings.
Always give year, make, engine size and model # when asking questions. We need all of that info to give an informed answer. Sometimes the year can make a difference. Ride the bike in a straight line about 10-20mph. Loosen your grip on the handlebar hand grips. Continue in a straight line as if you were riding with no hands (keep your hands in a gripped position to control the bike if it gets out of control). If the bike continues in a straight line, the problem might be something as simple as bent handlebars. If the bike veers to one side or another, the problem is a little more serious. Cartridge forks (upside down) are very strong and it's not likely they would bend, or move out of alignment from a slow speed fall. Bent axle Bent steering stem Bent frame Get the bike checked by a professional. Conventional forks - All of the above and/or Bent fork tubes Twisted fork tubes in the steering stem.
The forks are probably just twisted a bit. You can go through all the rigamarole of loosening everything up and re-torquing, or you can just ride the bike up to a fire hydrant, building or other relatively immovable object, lay the side of the tire up against it, and tweak the bars straight. That way, you won't have to finish your ride nagged by the thought that your front end is all wonkus. If you still feel the need to do something more elaborate when you get home, you are free to do so.
The front forks, steering stem or frame could be bent. I'm not saying they are, just a suggestion. Here are a couple of tests. While riding at a slow speed (30mph), relax your grip on the handlebars. Your bike should go straight. If it leans or wants to turn, then something with the front end is wrong. Check that both fork tubes are at the same height in the upper fork bridge. To check for bent forks or steering stem - with the bike on is side stand, put a jack under the front of the motor. Jack up the bike a little so there is no weight on the front wheel. Loosen the upper and lower triple tree clamps on one of the fork tubes. You should be able to spin the fork tube without any binding. Tighten the bolts and try with the other fork tube. To check the steering bearings for wear - jack the bike a little more to get the front wheel completely off the ground. You should be able to turn the handlebars all the way left-right without feeling any notches in the bearings.
