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Fork alignment help needed

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Old Jun 1, 2016 | 01:50 PM
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Default Fork alignment help needed

I was referred to post my original question in this section of the forum... so here we go

With the help of everyone in this forum I rebuilt the forks and calipers on my new to me 1996 fatboy, thank you !

So after putting everything back together I have noticed my forks are not aligned meaning my handlebar are slightly (I would say probably a 6°) turned to the right when rifing straight

What I did wrong was with the excitement of putting everything back together I did not tighten everything slowly quarter turn at a time I tightened one side and then tighten the other side all the way and I am guessing that's where I went wrong

So currently I have the fat boy jacked up on a motorcycle Jack with both the front and the rear wheel off the ground I have loosened the axle bolt and the pinch bolts and the calipers.

Basically I loosen everything from for caps down,, I have NOT loosened up the fork caps.

What is the best way for me to alight the forks from this point?
 
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Old Jun 1, 2016 | 03:01 PM
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Update, after watching a video, I loosened up the fork caps and bounced the bike up and down a few times..

"Seems" to be okay , but the fat boy has the chrome plate and the head light hanging of to side so it's hard for me to gauge.

Any tips at this point ?
 
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Old Jun 1, 2016 | 03:28 PM
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I generally loosten the top and pinch [at the lower tree] and put it where I want it, then tighten a bit, check, and tighten some more...
BTW a bent handlebar top clamp will make [force] your handlebars crooked also...
 
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Old Jun 2, 2016 | 05:45 AM
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When was the last time you replaced your riser bushings?
 
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Old Jun 3, 2016 | 10:57 AM
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Originally Posted by texashillcountry
When was the last time you replaced your riser bushings?
This. Work on getting the forks straight first, then figure out why your handlebars don't line up. If your bushings are shot, get polyurethane replacements. They don't transmit vibration any more than rubber, but they last.
 
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Old Jun 4, 2016 | 10:07 AM
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Originally Posted by CBCanada
So after putting everything back together I have noticed my forks are not aligned meaning my handlebar are slightly (I would say probably a 6°) turned to the right when rifing straight


Originally Posted by texashillcountry
When was the last time you replaced your riser bushings?

There is nothing to align on your forks...if your handlebars are crooked it is in the risers...you can put your wheel against something solid and straighten it up...but it won't stay long...new riser bushings are the cure.
 
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Old Jun 5, 2016 | 09:13 AM
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Not much of any adjustment to the forks, Either they are straight or not. Not would indicate something bent.

The idea of loosening the caps or just upper and lower tree pinch bolts with the front axle or wheel in place should settle all square with the world. Betting it is already square tho.

Some bars can be tweaked (bent) easily but the bushings are a real good bet with what you describe.

WP
 

Last edited by WP50; Jun 5, 2016 at 10:22 AM.
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Old Jun 5, 2016 | 09:44 AM
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If the bars still seem to be pointing wrong then slacken off the bar clamps and have a heave on them, to realign them in the clamps.
 
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Old Jun 5, 2016 | 10:41 AM
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Originally Posted by texashillcountry
When was the last time you replaced your riser bushings?
This is a new to me bike so I have no idea.
 
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Old Jun 5, 2016 | 05:50 PM
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Swap in a different top clamp...just to see.....What? 5 Mins??
 
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