Front alignment question
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Cambridge, OH
Front alignment question
Ok, so I laid down my 06 sportster for the first time. Wasn't too bad, pulled into a gravel parking lot and it slid out from under me and fell on the right side. Luckily barely any damage but I had my insurance come and check it out to fix the minor repairs and mainly the alignment. Bike still able to ride but the bars need to be turned barely to the right to stay straight. My ins agent said its common and I just need someone to hold the bars straight and kick the front wheel to get it back into alignment. He did inspect all the parts and everything in safe and in tact but I just wasn't sure on his method of fixing it. He said a shop mechanic was the one that told him this. Should I just bite the bill and take it to HD to have it fixed or is he correct? I really dont want to pay a mechanic $100 just to kick my wheel. lol. any Help is appreciated.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,007
Likes: 126
From: Manassas, VA
If Harley needs to adjust it, wouldn't your insurance cover it?
This thread may be of interest to you:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...handlebar.html
This thread may be of interest to you:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...handlebar.html
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Cambridge, OH
They covered it but even though the money was given to me I hated to waste it "if" it was something I could do myself. I have no problem paying them if I needed, which I plan on doing now.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 41
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From: Colorado Springs
I had a similar accident on my 2012 Nightster. Was pulling over onto gravel for a quick stop and ended up laying the bike on its right side. To fix the front alignment I ended up putting the front tire against a pole and using my body weight while sitting on the bike to bend it back. Took 3 or 4 quick jerks and it was back to normal. Everything feels fine with the front fork but when I take it in for the 1000 mi check I'll make sure to have them look at it.
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Cambridge, OH
Thanks guys. Scuba I checked out the thread and was informative. Seems like his method may have been right to an extent. I may try it to get it a little more aligned real quick right before I ride to HD to have them make sure its ok this week.Thanks again
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,256
Likes: 522
From: USA
Loosen the triple clamp and tree fork tube pinch bolts, loosen the axel.
Bounce the front suspension. Retighten. That is how I understand to reset for minor alignment issue.
Otherwise, remove the forks and measure the tubes for straightness. Also check front axle straightness. Check the alignment of the frame steering head (but with ins. if that is bent you get a frame and maybe a totaled bike) and the stops for the tree on the frame. And check operation of your fork lock mechanism. Finally check rim for trueness.
Many front end crashes one will find a divit in the bearing race.
Yet your accident is on gravel and a slid out. Maybe a simple alignment. Good luck.
Bounce the front suspension. Retighten. That is how I understand to reset for minor alignment issue.
Otherwise, remove the forks and measure the tubes for straightness. Also check front axle straightness. Check the alignment of the frame steering head (but with ins. if that is bent you get a frame and maybe a totaled bike) and the stops for the tree on the frame. And check operation of your fork lock mechanism. Finally check rim for trueness.
Many front end crashes one will find a divit in the bearing race.
Yet your accident is on gravel and a slid out. Maybe a simple alignment. Good luck.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Loosen the triple clamp and tree fork tube pinch bolts, loosen the axel.
Bounce the front suspension. Retighten. That is how I understand to reset for minor alignment issue.
Bounce the front suspension. Retighten. That is how I understand to reset for minor alignment issue.