New 2004 gs500f pulls to the left when braking

[dsgs500f]

So, I just bought a 2004 gs500f with 6000k, The bike is in great condition but, it feels like it leans to the left and pulls to the left when braking with the front brake. I called the deal they said it most likley need new seals and fork oi @ $280.00 they can fix it. What do you guys think could be the problem?

[bucks1605]

I don't know if that's the problem, but I wouldn't pay them $280.00 to do that job.  You can buy the parts you need and do it yourself for around $20. I'm sure some of the guru's will chime in with their thoughts on your problem.

[ben2go]

Could be low fork oil,but you'd have fork oil all over the fork if it's leaking.Could be a loose frond axle bolt.The fork springs are weak.It could have bottomed out and broke a fork spring.The rear wheel could be out of alignment.Been doin wheelies?Bad tire.Low tire pressure.33 front/36 rear solo and 33 front/41 rear 2 up.Could be a bent fork or triple clamp.This is all I can come up with right now.

[CndnMax]

Could be low fork oil,but you'd have fork oil all over the fork if it's leaking.Could be a loose frond axle bolt.The fork springs are weak.It could have bottomed out and broke a fork spring.The rear wheel could be out of alignment.Been doin wheelies?Bad tire.Low tire pressure.33 front/36 rear solo and 33 front/41 rear 2 up.Could be a bent fork or triple clamp.This is all I can come up with right now.

what about a tweaked fork brace? just loosen up the for bolts that on the fork brace(not the ones holding up the fender) and see if anything moves back.

[yamahonkawazuki]

could be out of alignment as well

[gsJack]

Countersteering?  Pull right, go left.

[ohgood]

So, I just bought a 2004 gs500f with 6000k, The bike is in great condition but, it feels like it leans to the left and pulls to the left when braking with the front brake. I called the deal they said it most likley need new seals and fork oi @ $280.00 they can fix it. What do you guys think could be the problem?

they quoted fork seals without even seeing the bike ? find a new dealer if you won't do the work yourself.

does your fork 'tink' or 'TONK' when you apply the front brake heavily ? that would likely mean head bearings, and/or axel.

if your triple is loose or the fork brace loose, it can cause weird stuff.

i'm betting on the head bearings.

[pbureau69]

now I think there has been alot of good answers here, but I have another one to suggest

Question: does it do it ONLY when braking ?

have you checked the pads on the front, if one is worn alot more than other you could have this issue as well, just food for thought.

[The Buddha]

Yea some sheite like alingment or somehting.
The next guess I'd try though is neck bearings or somehting like that.
Fork seals do not make it go one side. They kill the damping and make the bike dive too much and pogo and not behave over bumps ... but not pull one way or another.
Cool.
Buddha.

[ajaxgs]

crown of the road that you were on ?

[gaspy]

Countersteering?  Pull right, go left.

As a new rider, I can attest to having inadvertently pressured the handlebars while braking, leading my bike to lean or veer to the left or right. are you a new rider? maybe gsJack is right? Hey, if so, there's no shame! I still practice my quick stops, and it took me a while to realize you have to brace more with your knees instead of arms!

[dsgs500f]

While the bike is stop and i am balanced side to side, the bike is hard to turn to the right, if I turn the bike to the left it is really easy, to the point where I lean a little to the left and the handle bars turn to the left. There for when I brake it feels like it pulls to the let. I have to push the left side of the handles bars a lot harded to keep the bike straight. If I use equal force the bike pulls to the left. Hope this helps,

[yamahonkawazuki]

your bikes a liberal? ( a sorry attempt at political humour)

[ohgood]

While the bike is stop and i am balanced side to side, the bike is hard to turn to the right, if I turn the bike to the left it is really easy, to the point where I lean a little to the left and the handle bars turn to the left. There for when I brake it feels like it pulls to the let. I have to push the left side of the handles bars a lot harded to keep the bike straight. If I use equal force the bike pulls to the left. Hope this helps,

ok, that's really weird. something is loose, or about to break ? seriousely, get it off the road, and find the cause. when you do, post the cause so we can all learn from it.

< yikes >

[The Buddha]

Cables binding up ??
Cool.
Buddha.

[gsJack]

First, put the bike on the centerstand and push down on the passenger grab handle to lift front end, very easy to do.  Grab handlebar grip with other hand and turn from side to side to see if it turns freely both ways to full lock or is binding to the right.  If binding to the right find the problem before riding again.  Could be a cable routed wrong like Buddha suggests or something else as simple.

[GS500F-K8]

Yes, do check for a snagged cable as it maybe routed wrongly and if that is the case you may have inadvertanly over stretched that particular cable in question ?