Are my forks bent?

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

Hi,

How would I know if my front forks are bent? even slightly.

[Spanner Man]

Good mornig.


Unless you can see a bend, the only way to tell is to remove the forks, & with the slider clamped in a vice, rotate the stanchion, & look for any oscillation at the top of the stanchion.

What makes you think they're bent?


Cheers.

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

Good mornig.


Unless you can see a bend, the only way to tell is to remove the forks, & with the slider clamped in a vice, rotate the stanchion, & look for any oscillation at the top of the stanchion.

What makes you think they're bent?


Cheers.


Well the handle bar on right was bent around and the nut on the top yoke sheered off, so I straightened it and tightened the pitch clamp (awaiting top yoke) and rode it today and seems to turn to the left ok but is easier to turn right, if that makes sense?

[Spanner Man]

Good morning.


Do the handlebars appear to be straight when you're riding? Or do they seem to be turning slightly in one direction?

If they do, the forks may well be twisted slightly in the yokes. Loosen the bottom pinch bolts, & the steering stem nut, & carefully tap the outer circumference of the front tyre against a solid object i.e. a wall. Tap the opposite side of the wheel, to the way the handlebars seem to be pointing. i.e. If it seems like you're turning right, tap the left side of the front tyre, & vice versa.

Mind your discs & the wheel rim when doing this.


Cheers.