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xs650 > > Frank-in-Bike, Non XS parts that are Interchangeable > > Front / Rear Ends and Shocks > > Checking for bent forks |
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snapcasezx3 Full Member
Joined: Mar 22, 2008 Posts: 19 Location: Portland, OR
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Posted: March 2, 2009, 1:27 pm Post subject: Checking for bent forks |
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I hit some gravel and ended up dumping my bike. I wasn't going very fast (<25mph) and had only cosmetic damage. However, I want to make sure that my forks aren't bent and that my alignment is fine. How can I test for these things? I am hoping I don't have to take it to a mechanic, because I have done everything on my bike myself so far. Thanks.
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yamaman Support Staff
Joined: Jan 04, 2007 Posts: 1638 Location: Perth Western Australia
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Posted: March 2, 2009, 1:43 pm Post subject: Re: Checking for bent forks |
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The most correct way to check if a staunchion is straight, is to remove it and roll it on a dead flat surface (a sheet of glass works). Roll it a tad, measure with feeler gauges, roll some more measure some more & so on.
If it's not to bad it can be straightened, it's obviously not to bad as your not sure if it's bent!
Good oportunity to replace that 30 year old fork oil anyway!
Really though, if you push down as hard as you can on the bars and feel no stiction, then they are probably ok!
Cheers
_________________ Its not enough to have an aim in life, you have to pull the trigger! |
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pamcopete 650Rider Supporter
Joined: Oct 10, 2008 Posts: 875 Location: South Carolina
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Posted: March 2, 2009, 2:02 pm Post subject: Re: Checking for bent forks |
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snapcasezx3
The triple trees will bend just as easily as the forks. You have to remove them and place them on a flat surface to see if there is any distortion. Here is a pic of a bent lower triple tree.
In this particular incident, the forks were not bent, but the handle bars pointed right when the wheel was straight ahead, which is the real test for anything bent in the front end. The handle bars will not line up.
You can also use a laser level held to each side of the rear wheel to form a beam that should be equa distant from either side of the front wheel. This test checks for overall alignment, including a bent frame.
Regardless of whether the forks, triple trees or frame is bent, the handle bars are more likely to be bent.
If the bike fell on the right side and the brake lever hit the ground, then another possible damage area can be the master cylinder and/or the brake lever. The master cylinder can be internally damaged by the sudden high pressure produced when the brake lever hits the ground. I had a brake lever break off about two weeks after an accident that caused the bike to fall on the right side. I changed the MC just to be on the safe side.
_________________ Ride.Enjoy.Life is simple |
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jayel 650Rider Supporter
Joined: Apr 16, 2006 Posts: 3417 Location: SE Iowa 1974 TX650A
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Posted: March 2, 2009, 2:02 pm Post subject: Re: Checking for bent forks |
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forks are pretty tough, if you didn't bend the handle bars you probably didn't bend the forks.... if the bars are out of line find a tree or telephone pole and bump the side of the front wheel against it to straighten them out, or block up the front end loosen all the pinch bolts and straighten them that way
_________________ all it takes is time and money -- Where are we going and why are we in this hand basket? |
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snapcasezx3 Full Member
Joined: Mar 22, 2008 Posts: 19 Location: Portland, OR
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Posted: March 2, 2009, 2:46 pm Post subject: Re: Checking for bent forks |
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Everything is good at low speeds (I've ridden it up to about 35mph) I just want to make sure before I go 60 that everything is correct. Thanks for all the great feedback I will check it out after work tonight.
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