Handlebar offset - not aligned with front wheel!
Thread Starter
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5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 3
From: Michigan
Handlebar offset - not aligned with front wheel!
Anyone seeing this issue where the handlebars are slightly offset, about a 1/2 inch? Mine are to the left, so when my front wheel is near perfectly straight my handlebars are turned slightly as if I am turning left. I've had four different H-D service techs at four separate shops look at this and two have said they are coming from assembly like that... and two have said it could be fork damage. Backstory: my bike was hit while parked on center stand with steering locked and the front fender was smashed so ever since then I have assumed it caused damage to my front end (forks, triple tree, etc) which caused the offset... but now that I am hearing about other bikes with this "offset" and I am slightly losing my mind. Would bikes actually come out of assembly with noticeably offset handlebars? My insurance company has authorized a tear down of the front due to the bike being hit.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 250
Likes: 72
From: Maryland
I have nothing valuable to add, but I have a question. So when you ride the bike in a straight line are you actively countering the steering to make up for the offset ?
Also, when ever I start my bike I unlock the steering lock and turn the handlebars straight, I always do a little jig of the handlebars because I think the bars are slightly offset. It's almost like a habit, But once I start the engine and once I start riding I have no question about the alignment.
Also, when ever I start my bike I unlock the steering lock and turn the handlebars straight, I always do a little jig of the handlebars because I think the bars are slightly offset. It's almost like a habit, But once I start the engine and once I start riding I have no question about the alignment.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 10,298
Likes: 7,779
From: West Central FL
Loosen your upper pinch bolts or top nuts, straddle the front fender and jerk the bars in the opposite direction and check for center. Repeat if necessary until things are straight. Then tighten everything down and go on with your day happy.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
From: LA
This may sound crazy, and after reading this thread I'm going to verify on my bike to ensure that the front end is visually aligned, but my bike has the steering damper and with the angle it is installed, it gives the optical illusion for a second that the handlebars aren't aligned.
I may have taken too many shots to the head as well.
Arn
I may have taken too many shots to the head as well.
Arn
Thread Starter
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5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 3
From: Michigan
Not an illusion here... mine are offset. I have a work order estimate from Corpus Christi H-D - the third shop to take a look - that states "found the trees are offset, maybe a bent fork. Would need to remove the forks to visually inspect."
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 40
Likes: 52
From: BC
Fork legs might be twisted in the trees slightly but i bet it's just the riser / bar is twisted a little.
Easy fix.
Easy fix.
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Thread Starter
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5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 3
From: Michigan
Update - PA coming out of assembly with crooked handelbar
Getting more and more evidence that the handlebar "offset" is coming from the factory. Know of a few local PA drivers that didn't notice until someone pointed it out. They have a similar "crookedness" with their steering. I suppose that it took my bike getting hit for me to notice..... but, I just can't believe I did not see it when I took it from the dealership. The offset isn't tiny..... it's quite noticeable, maybe 1/4-1/2 inch from where it should be.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: India
I recently got my 21 model pan america special and i think I noticed it too while riding. i am looking at the dash line and the handlebar riser lines and it looks as if it is ever so slightly tilted to the right. it slipped my mind when i reached home but now that I see this post, i will go and check it again.