Fork alignment help needed

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Jun 1, 2016 | 01:50 PM

CBCanada

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: May 2016

Posts: 165

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From: Oshawa, Canada

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?

Jun 1, 2016 | 03:01 PM

CBCanada

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: May 2016

Posts: 165

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From: Oshawa, Canada

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 ?

Jun 1, 2016 | 03:28 PM

Racepres

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2014

Posts: 8,565

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From: Cental, MI

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...

Jun 2, 2016 | 05:45 AM

texashillcountry

Dirt don't hurt

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 21,062

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From: Haslet Texas

When was the last time you replaced your riser bushings?

Jun 3, 2016 | 10:57 AM

Uncle G.

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 9,324

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From: Upstate New York

Quote:

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.

Jun 4, 2016 | 10:07 AM

Tom84FXST

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 15,705

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From: Farmington ,MS

Quote:

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

Quote:

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.

Jun 5, 2016 | 09:13 AM

WP50

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 6,183

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From: W. Texas

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.