I took the SV on a longer run and got the impression that the forks were out of alignment and/or the handlebars were bent although it ran ok and didn't seem to handle any different. Put it on the AbbaStand used a spirit level to make sure bike was level and measured from bar weight screw centre to ground - no difference. Are they bent, measurements say no but... (it doesn't help that I have a voltmeter clamped to the rhs so it's difficult to get a good uncluttered view - and it's a pain to remove)
So to the forks: I removed handlebars to access and loosen steering cap bolt (30mm socket - had to go buy one), lower fork leg clamps (headlamp is in the way for a socket), calipers, axle pinch bolt and axle. Pumped forks which, allegedly, should realign them.
Then I noticed that the radiator had been pushed to the left and its brackets were bent which might explain why I thought the forks were off since it was in my sight line when looking at them.
I removed the rad bolts and eased the brackets back to plumb but, worringly, they moved like a ratchet in a couple of click steps.
The bracket's welds seem intact and firm but to be on the safe side I used JB Weld to reinforce them. Time will tell...
A genuine Suzuki radiator is now £604, 2 days ago it was £588. There are cheaper ones on ebay (Chinese?) but I try to avoid supporting the CCP whenever possible. This will be a good test of the strength of my beliefs if I need one
