AAAAH! bent fork tube

[mjn12]

So my bike went to the stealer to find out if I really did have a tweaked fork tube or if I just suck at putting the font end together. Stealer said it was the fork tube and wanted to charge $1100 to fix it. They said the tubes were $700!! Maybe for new forks, but not just the inner fork tubes. 

The outer tubes shouldn't be bent right? They look cast, like they would be a lot more likely to break than to bed.  I'm guessing just the internal tubes are bent since they are so thin.   Anyone know what year inner tubes are compatible with a '00 gs and maybe what tubes off other bikes?   I'm definately going to try to do this myself and want to avoid ordering new tubes from ron ayers or bike bandit if I can find some used straight ones.

Also , what about straighteners, I think Ive heard tlak of pepole who have machines to straighten these things on the board but a quick search didnt turn up anything.

The good news is the supposedly to the front wheel aligned enough that the 110x80x117 tire doesn't rub the fender and the carbs are tuned and according to the dealer it purrs now instead of sputtering and coughing and they fully inspected the bike (on dad's insistence) for about $200, most of which my dad has offered to cover since I'm a poor college student and wanted to do the repairs myself.  I think he just doesn't want his garage messed up anymore.

[manofthefield]

I had mine straightened for $35 a piece. (my Bent forks... options thread) The trick is just finding a shop that does it

[The Buddha]

Buy a whole GS for 700 and swap out ...
Or buy a front end from someone ... maybe me after I implement the katana swap ... OK never mind takes too long ...
Cool.
Srinath.

[jeremy.karnes]

I may have a set of forks for sale.  They need the seals done (I have them and would include in sale).  Let me know if your interested and we'll talk price.  They aren't perfect (tiny bit of pitting at top of inner tube) but it doesn't affect their performance at all.  They have factory springs inside.  I can take pics if interested.

-Jeremy

[werase643]

machine shops have been straightening fork tubes since bikes were born

if you can feel a ripple at the bend....replace
if just a gradual bend.....can't feel a ripple when you slide your fingers over it....have the(or do it yorself) fork tube  removed from the lower outer assy and have the tube pressed in a set of v blocks...and check for run out.... and I can't find a spec....i'll get back to you on that