possible twist in the forks
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
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possible twist in the forks
I really want to purchase a Dyna low rider from my neighbor. Price is reasonable and bike is in great shape with low miles.
One caveat is that the front forks have a slight left hand twist, causing the bars to favor the right hand about 1/8-1/4 inch rearward bend. The haedlight seems to point slightly right. When riding in a straight line the bars are slightly noticable canted right.
We attempted to loosen the trees and axel and align the bars with the wheel. (but forgot to loosen the fender), After retightening it appears that nothing changed.
Now I have two thoughts in attempt to rule large issues out.
PLease tell me if my logic is correct.
1) Eliminate the idea of bend fork tubes,,,,, I was going to loosen both trees on one side and rotate the fork tube within the trees 360'. this should show whether or not the tubes are slightly bent. ( if they are, they should bind when gently rotated while the tree holds them aligned).
If my logic is correct that would eliminate the possibility of the tubes being bent. This would prove a simple (or complex) alignment issue)
2)measure bars to determine if they may be slightly bent.
3)Lastly , loosen everything again including fender and try to re-align.
Or should I let the local dealer have a look (not sure of what it will cost).
The slight out of alignment issue isn't noticable until riding. Even then it is only perceivable if "looking for it" as in a pre purchase inspection.
Or should I simply bow out and look elsewhere for a HD
thanks
One caveat is that the front forks have a slight left hand twist, causing the bars to favor the right hand about 1/8-1/4 inch rearward bend. The haedlight seems to point slightly right. When riding in a straight line the bars are slightly noticable canted right.
We attempted to loosen the trees and axel and align the bars with the wheel. (but forgot to loosen the fender), After retightening it appears that nothing changed.
Now I have two thoughts in attempt to rule large issues out.
PLease tell me if my logic is correct.
1) Eliminate the idea of bend fork tubes,,,,, I was going to loosen both trees on one side and rotate the fork tube within the trees 360'. this should show whether or not the tubes are slightly bent. ( if they are, they should bind when gently rotated while the tree holds them aligned).
If my logic is correct that would eliminate the possibility of the tubes being bent. This would prove a simple (or complex) alignment issue)
2)measure bars to determine if they may be slightly bent.
3)Lastly , loosen everything again including fender and try to re-align.
Or should I let the local dealer have a look (not sure of what it will cost).
The slight out of alignment issue isn't noticable until riding. Even then it is only perceivable if "looking for it" as in a pre purchase inspection.
Or should I simply bow out and look elsewhere for a HD
thanks
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 138
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RE: possible twist in the forks
I had this on my 2003 wide glide (when I had it) took it to my dealer he said it was due the the "unbraced" nature of the forks and the fact that the brake set up is only on one leg, the forks tend to twist a little under braking,if you hold the front brake on and bounce the forks as hard as you can,watch the front tip of the fender move sideways....it's quite alarmingbut apparently normal.
If you've ridden the bike and it tracks straight and true and is ok in the twists,I doubt the forks are twisted.
I did all that loosening the trees trying to adjust it out etc,but as soon as I used the front brake with any force, the "twist" was back.
Have to say all theHarleys I've owned have had this except those with a twin disc set up or braced forks,even my 07 Night Train has a little discrepancy if I look hard enough.
If you've ridden the bike and it tracks straight and true and is ok in the twists,I doubt the forks are twisted.
I did all that loosening the trees trying to adjust it out etc,but as soon as I used the front brake with any force, the "twist" was back.
Have to say all theHarleys I've owned have had this except those with a twin disc set up or braced forks,even my 07 Night Train has a little discrepancy if I look hard enough.
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 14
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RE: possible twist in the forks
this does have the twin disc setup on the front.
I don't notice a twisting when braking, only in the fact that the bars are "tweaked" a little to the right and the light has a very slight right hand point to the chrome housing. The light was noticed just by looking down at it from overhead and relating it to the orientation of the top tree. I haven't ridden it at night to determine if the light is actually illuminating the wrong area of the street. DXeep down I don't feel that the forks are bent, but now I'm unsure if this is something to be concerned about or not. Thanks for any advice.
I don't notice a twisting when braking, only in the fact that the bars are "tweaked" a little to the right and the light has a very slight right hand point to the chrome housing. The light was noticed just by looking down at it from overhead and relating it to the orientation of the top tree. I haven't ridden it at night to determine if the light is actually illuminating the wrong area of the street. DXeep down I don't feel that the forks are bent, but now I'm unsure if this is something to be concerned about or not. Thanks for any advice.
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