Twisted forks, help needed.

[who_me_33]

As the topic states, the front forks on my bike (fxr150) appear to be slightly twisted (handle bars and wheels aren't at right angles). 2 things I want to know, how would this occur, (hasn't been in an accident lately (was in dropped before I bought it, but they were straight when I got it)), and the other is what is the best way to fix it. Ive tried hitting it against a power pole, didn't seem to help (not sure if I was being brutal enough) loosening the triple clamp, and then tried untwisting them against a concrete step, but that didn't help. Any help would be much appreciated, as I'm not overly happy riding with them twisted, and am (finally) going to get my restricted (on Wednesday) , and its probably not the best look if they have a nosy over the bike, and see the forks twisted.
Cheers.

[Bonez]

As the topic states, the front forks on my bike (fxr150) appear to be slightly twisted (handle bars and wheels aren't at right angles). 2 things I want to know, how would this occur, (hasn't been in an accident lately (was in dropped before I bought it, but they were straight when I got it)), and the other is what is the best way to fix it. Ive tried hitting it against a power pole, didn't seem to help (not sure if I was being brutal enough) loosening the triple clamp, and then tried untwisting them against a concrete step, but that didn't help. Any help would be much appreciated, as I'm not overly happy riding with them twisted, and am (finally) going to get my restricted (on Wednesday) , and its probably not the best look if they have a nosy over the bike, and see the forks twisted.
Cheers.Stand with the front wheel between ya legs facing the back of the bike and give the bars a heave. Get some to hold the bike upright if needed.

[who_me_33]

Cheers, Ill give that a go tonight, and let you know how it went.

[F5 Dave]

Erm.

OK small light bikes don't always have the best grip on the forks but I'd not be relying on wrenching the bars. Loosening off the triple clamps (top or bottom, but not both) is the best option & then bouncing up & down. If it doesn't straighten then there is something wrong.

Bars could be bent, they can get twisted & is hard to see by eye. Other option is forks bent. Lower poss is triples bent or axle.

Best check if you can is support the bike underneath & take the wheel off, re insert axle just sitting there. Loosen triples on one side & rotate the fork leg. If the fork lowers move from side to side then fork needs straightening. Surprising how low speed thuds can sometimes do damage.

[who_me_33]

Ok, will try that if it occurs again. And about the bars, it wouldn't be with clip-ons would it. And will will look at that if it doesnt sort it, or it re-occurs.

[hospitalfood]

you can try loosening bottom triple clamp and maybe even front axle, then roll forward and front brake hard several times, good technique for bouncing. this should work. if not check for bends as mentioned.

[F5 Dave]

Ok, will try that if it occurs again. And about the bars, it wouldn't be with clip-ons would it. And will will look at that if it doesnt sort it, or it re-occurs.

I've read the above several times & still can't grasp what you mean. I assume from the first part you have wrenched it sort of in line? This doesn't ness mean it is straight. How freely do the forks move? Is there any binding?

Yes Clipons will bend on those with surprising ease & are hard to see if so.

[who_me_33]

Ok, didn't know about the clipons being so easy to bend. And Ive wrenched it inline. Forks move freely, and no binding. If it happens, I might just take it to someone who knows bikes well (and is more mechanicaly minded than me), just to be safe.