handlebars not aligned

[flipboy]

I finally took my 2004 out for the first time today. I just bought it used on Tuesday. The first thing I noticed is that the handlebars aren't straight. You have to have them pointed slightly right for the bike to go straight. I'm hoping this is just something minor that happened when the previous owner dropped it in the parking lot. I tried doing a search to see if I can align the handlebars myself, but I didn't really understand some of the directions I read, and I don't know if it would apply to the 2004 gs. Can someone please direct me with simple terms or even pictures of what bolts to loosen and re tighten. I am very new to the bike world and don't know what all the parts are that are referred to on the post. I really want to avoid the dealer because I don't want to be taken advantage of since I know nothing about bikes. Thanks to this forum though, I feel comfortable enough to tackle an oil change and brake fluid bleed tomorrow.  Thanks again in advance to anyone that can assist with the handlebars.

[ukchickenlover]

Did you buy it from a dealer, if so they should sort it out for free as it is not safe for the road.
I think it should be the same as the older bikes were what you have to do is loosen the 4 front fork bolts and loosen the 4 bolts that hold the bracket on the front mud guard. You can then get the wheel straight with the handle bars and then tighten up all the bolts.

[pantablo]

first simply check that the handlebar itself isnt bent from the drop.

[flipboy]

Wow, I love this forum, such quick responses. I ran downstairs to look at the bike right now. I don't think is is the handlbars, becaues even the instrument cluster points a little right when I'm going straight. I'm sorry if this sounds retarded, but can you please be a little more specific on which bolts to loosen. I look at the fork and the handlebars and I see a ton of different screws and bolts. Also, I bought this from a private party. She transferred the warranty over to me, but I wouldn't imagine the warranty company covering something like this.

[runsilent]

Put the bike on the centerstand and loosen the 4 screws that hold the front fork brace to the fork tubes, item 7 in this diagram:

http://www.psndealer.com/fiche/images/Suzuki/2004/Motorcycles/2105_38B.gif

And loosen 3 of the four screws that hold the fork tubes in the tripple clamps, items 7 and 12 in this diagram:

http://www.psndealer.com/fiche/images/Suzuki/2004/Motorcycles/2105_45.gif

The twisted assembly will spring back into place after loosening all these screws if nothing is bent.

[flipboy]

Thanks for the reply and the diagrams runslilent. I will give this a try this morning.

[flipboy]

Ok, I was about to go and try to make the adjustment, but I noticed that one of the screws from the first diagram in missing. Actually it is the exact same one that is marked #7 on the diagram. Can I safely take off one of the other ones so I can take it to the hardware store to get something exactly the same? Also, why do I only loosen 3 of the 4 screws in the second diagram?

[scratch]

You only have to loosen three, because that way, they others will rotate around the one that is holding up the front end; in other words, if you loosen all of them, without the rest of the bike being supported, the bike will just slide down the tubes by itself.

[runsilent]

You can safely remove any or all of the screws #7, the fender will just be loose while they are all out. If you can't find a socket type screw, a hex head will work OK.  I put hex head screw there on one bike, they are easier to remove later.  Just don't look so neat.

[flipboy]

Scratch, so does it matter which one I leave tight? I'm off to Home Depot right now to try to find a replacement screw for the one missing.

[scratch]

Not really, but in your case leave one of the top ones; I prefer to leave one of the lower ones secured, but you need that to go gt yourself the new bolt.  Also, be prepared for the tube that you loosen/remove both bolts may creep up through the tripleclamps.

[flipboy]

Ok, I have the four bottom bolts loose. I also have the three fork bolts loose. I left the one on the left side bottom tight. Am I supposed to twist it back to get it straight, or is is supposed to straighten itself out after loosening the bolts?

[b52bombardier1]

Hello,

    I certainly would not ride this motorcycle at any speed above about 35 miles an hour, maybe slower.  If the handlebars are not straight, it could be that the forks are also not aligned.  With the forks possibly mis-aligned, you will eventually hit that "magic" speed whereby the steering will violently go left to right, right to left and lock to lock until you either break both of your wrists or crash or more likely both.

  Take it back to the dealer and ask a pro to look at it.  It is your life and this kind of behavior in a motorcycle is as close to professional rodeo and bronk-bustin' as you can get with an internal combustion engine!! Please, let a good professionally trained motorcycle mechanic look at it.

Rick
04 GS500F
04 BMW R1150RT
02 Honda XR70R for the kids.

[scratch]

Put the front tire between your knees and straighten everything out by the handlebars.

[flipboy]

Finally took the bike out again tonight after making the adjustments this morning. It is still not aligned. I noticed when I was walking it out of the garage that when it is fully turned to the right, the clutch lever hits the windshield. I didn't pull on the handlebars too hard when I had it loose though. I will try this again one more time. If I can't get it, I guess I will have to go to the stealership. How much do guys think I would have to pay to get something like this done?

[scratch]

See if one of the mechanics will do it for a case of beer.

[3imo]

post pics here before going to a dealership.