GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: ralph13 on July 23, 2008, 03:38:09 PM

Title: Fork/handlebars leaning to the left
Post by: ralph13 on July 23, 2008, 03:38:09 PM
I've noticed for a while that while riding in a straight line, my fork seems to lean to the left side. My handlebars were previously bent from a tip-over, but I got them straightened out, and I took my GS in to a mechanic's to have the fork adjusted. That has helped remedy the problem somewhat, but I still lean to the left. Any ideas on what can be done?
Title: Re: Fork/handlebars leaning to the left
Post by: the mole on July 23, 2008, 05:22:19 PM
What do you mean by "leaning to the left??" If the bike is travelling straight, are the handlebars at an angle, ie. not at right angles to the front wheel? If so, check that the forks are straight, you can eyeball this very carefully from the side, easier if you take the front wheel out. Even a minor drop can bend a fork tube and/or twist the lower triple clamp. If they are parallel, try just loosening the upper fork clamp bolts and then push the bars till they are straight (jam the front wheel against something solid), retighten the bolts and try it.
Title: Re: Fork/handlebars leaning to the left
Post by: GI_JO_NATHAN on July 23, 2008, 08:08:14 PM
I had a similar problem with my bike when i first got it. Turned out the rear wheel wasn't aligned properly which caused the bike to track sideways.