Forks twisted!!!!
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 331
Likes: 9
From: Hampshire UK
Forks twisted!!!!
Well I have clocked a few more miles on the RK and love every minute of it.
Did notice that whilst riding that the speedo face and the steering lock is not in line and suspect the forks are twisted, is this an easy job to correct without removing the top covers?
Also noticed that although this bike was registered in 2001, the frame states 10/99.
Is this common that it was manufactured in 99, then shipped to the UK in 2000 and first owner registered in 2001, so I bought a 1999 model, oh well she is mint condition with 2500 miles on the clock ( I hope ! )
Did notice that whilst riding that the speedo face and the steering lock is not in line and suspect the forks are twisted, is this an easy job to correct without removing the top covers?
Also noticed that although this bike was registered in 2001, the frame states 10/99.
Is this common that it was manufactured in 99, then shipped to the UK in 2000 and first owner registered in 2001, so I bought a 1999 model, oh well she is mint condition with 2500 miles on the clock ( I hope ! )
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
you can tell what model year it is by the sticker on the frame neck. and by the vin number.
also, forks may not be twisted at all. the console could be off a tad making it look like the forks are pointing off.
also, forks may not be twisted at all. the console could be off a tad making it look like the forks are pointing off.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: I'm usually in the dog house
If it makes you feel any better, mine is the same way. It's been like that since I got it. It bugged me for about a week or so and I got over it. I suspect that something is just a tad out of alignment between the nacelle, dash and gas tank. With my new tires, I can pretty much ride all day long without hands on the bars. So, I am convinced that the frame and alignment are ok. Oh, I have a 2000 Road King. If it really bugs you a lot, you might try to loosen and move the rear (by the seat) of the gas tank a little bit to see if that fixes the problem. You might need to loosen the front bolts a tad to get it to move at all. Don't forget to tighten it! :-) Check to see if your dash is completely centered too. I never got mine quite lined up, but I'm not going to let it bug me - she'll be 10 years old soon and is still a lot of fun to ride. Good luck!
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,942
Likes: 7
From: guntersville, al
there are so many lines and shapes when you are looking over the front of your bike to be able to see an out of line situation. also your seating position can throw your line of sight off too.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 331
Likes: 9
From: Hampshire UK
Very true, but the trouble I have is that after 30 years in the aircraft trade has made me spot the slightest error in alignment so I am always examining these things.
I think its the tank that is the worst offender as it dips to the right, I will have to reline it to rest my mind. Also the handlebars are on the move so will tighten the rubber mounts up. Bikes been in a garage for 4 years before I bought it and has such low mileage, I don't think the owner new a lot about bikes as he only just past his test and bought the Harley.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: WACO
Very true, but the trouble I have is that after 30 years in the aircraft trade has made me spot the slightest error in alignment so I am always examining these things.
I think its the tank that is the worst offender as it dips to the right, I will have to reline it to rest my mind. Also the handlebars are on the move so will tighten the rubber mounts up. Bikes been in a garage for 4 years before I bought it and has such low mileage, I don't think the owner new a lot about bikes as he only just past his test and bought the Harley.
I think its the tank that is the worst offender as it dips to the right, I will have to reline it to rest my mind. Also the handlebars are on the move so will tighten the rubber mounts up. Bikes been in a garage for 4 years before I bought it and has such low mileage, I don't think the owner new a lot about bikes as he only just past his test and bought the Harley.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,413
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From: eastern oklahoma
there may be a bit of so called, "twist" in the front end to compensate for what is known as the crown of the road. honda started doing this a long time ago. it's where the steering actually turns left just a little bit to the left. we don't notice it because we're always riding on crowned roads. meaning that the roads are made so that water and snow will go towards the shoulder rather than staying on the road. i don't know if harley has adopted this system, but it's likely.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 331
Likes: 9
From: Hampshire UK
Have own Moto Guzzies for the past 10 years, talk about alignment. I own a Sport Corsa 1100ie and the fairing does not lign up correctly. Left side is a good tight fit to the tank but the right side is a great big gap. I digress, the Harley is well built in my opinion and I suspect that there are parts that need a tweak here and there. I would take more time and care if I were to assemble a crated machine than someone who is against the clock!
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