03-23-2022, 05:11 AM
As Max describes above, using a spirit or carpenter's level is a great tool to tell if forks are bent. They are a very straight and rigid I-beam. When held across the fork tubes, on straight forks, they should contact at 4 points. There should be no rattling or rocking.
If there is less than a credit card's gap at any point, the forks may just "tweaked", and possibly correctible without removal. I've straightened many "tweaked" front ends just by holding the front wheel against a post, and giving the handlebars a solid shove.
If the level contacts solidly, the forks are either most likely straight, or pushed back evenly from a straight-on impact. If so, tighten all the axle and clamp bolts, and the triple clamp bolts. Put the bike on the centerstand, have a helper put weight on the back seat (or put a jack under the front of the engine/exhaust to take some weight off the front end).
Loosen the pinch bolts of the triple clamps ON ONE SIDE ONLY. Then turn the fork tube through one rotation by hand or with a wrench on the top nut. If it does not bind, it is straight (or very, very close). Tighten the pinch bolts and try the process on the other side.
That RamCam is a hoot!!
If there is less than a credit card's gap at any point, the forks may just "tweaked", and possibly correctible without removal. I've straightened many "tweaked" front ends just by holding the front wheel against a post, and giving the handlebars a solid shove.
If the level contacts solidly, the forks are either most likely straight, or pushed back evenly from a straight-on impact. If so, tighten all the axle and clamp bolts, and the triple clamp bolts. Put the bike on the centerstand, have a helper put weight on the back seat (or put a jack under the front of the engine/exhaust to take some weight off the front end).
Loosen the pinch bolts of the triple clamps ON ONE SIDE ONLY. Then turn the fork tube through one rotation by hand or with a wrench on the top nut. If it does not bind, it is straight (or very, very close). Tighten the pinch bolts and try the process on the other side.
(03-22-2022, 09:26 PM)GoldOxide_imp Wrote: Risking a bent front fork? ...
That RamCam is a hoot!!