Hey i was just wondering if a bike gets the forks bent during a crash.. what will it look like, feel like, and ride like? Will there be a difference when riding at high speeds or when you brake?

I'm just curious as to how bent forks will affect the ride. i realize there are different degrees of bend but i'm wondering what a very slight bend will do?

Thanks again in advance for all the help.

Peace

The greater the bend the less stable at higher speeds and under braking, steeper steering angle. Springs may bind in the tubes. They will not be bent the same amount so they will be twisted and feel like the bike pulls. Left and right turns will be different. Not safe to ride on at any time.

I cannot testify to riding a bike with bent forks. As a parts cow for my 90 GS project, I bought a donor chassis with bent forks and it was plainly obvious by inspection that it would be a mess to ride.

Like water, the mechanical system that makes up the fork will seek the lowest point of resistance. The stability of the steering will be affected. How much? Don't know.  :dunno:

If the bend is severe enough, the steering could be unresponsive, or uncontrolled, or none of the above.

What matters is that when the fork assembly is compressed, the dampers are trying to move onto a curved surface when they are made to move onto a straight surface. Extra wear and/or binding occur.

It would make for an interesting study to analyze the dynamics of a "bent system" of varying degrees. I think the thing would behave to a point and then slump/bump over an oscillation point. Just a guess.

Here is what they'll look like (bad case)



Mine are bent so badly that I can only turn.. if I try to drive straight, the front tire rubs on the header pipe.