Fork alignment question

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Jun 4, 2016 | 06:38 PM

#21

HarleyScuba

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 4,007

Likes: 126

From: Manassas, VA

To check the triple-tree alignment, I used a piece of Aluminum tread plate that's 3/16" and pretty darn flat. A sheet of glass, would function as an alignment gauge, too. After making certain the four points of the triple clamps were touching the Aluminum sheet, then torquing the clamps to spec, the fork legs slid in like they were greased with butter. For alignment of the clamps, it's as good as any other reference, to start. I had to remove the headlight, to allow the sheet of Aluminum access to the four points of contact, of course.
Tracks straight, no funny tire wear or brake anomalies.

Jun 5, 2016 | 10:43 AM

#22

CBCanada

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: May 2016

Posts: 165

Likes: 0

From: Oshawa, Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by skully1200

Not 100% certain about your 96 Fatboy, but on my 04 Road King, the fork leg is not supposed to be flush against the spacer. Not sure why, but your first picture is what it should look like according to my service manual and from looking at my bike.

Can you post a picture of your service manual shows my that?

Jun 5, 2016 | 11:00 AM

#23

NORTY FLATZ

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2015

Posts: 15,997

Likes: 7,111

From: Sandy Eggo's North County

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrmnvtwins

loosening the tree clamps and tweaking the bars will change the alignment of the fork tubes and can be done on the lift with both wheels off the ground but you will need to have somebody hold the front wheel straight while you tweak.

Best way to do this by yourself is to straddle the front wheel and push/pull on the bars, while facing the headlamp. Do this with the triple clamps slightly loose. Do your push/pull on the correct grip, then tighten the triple clamps evenly. This is an old dirtbike trick after a "getoff."