Triumphrat

tealetm · 02-26-2006, 08:41 PM

Let me start from the begining. I have a 95 S3 which was in perfect shape until the end of last riding season when I laid it down doing about 15mph. I've finally replaced all the damaged part and today I finished putting it all back together.

Unfortunately, I noticed a problem When I let the bike down, the front fender did break, however I couldn't find any marks on the front forks where there was significant impact.

However, I noticed that with the bars and yoke straight to the bike, the front wheel was slightly out of alignment (to the right). Its not the clip-ons- they are straight and equi-distant. Also, when turning the bars, the stop seems just a little closer to the tank on the right side then the left.

My question is two-fold. With stock clip-ons and a full turn, how far should the bar ends be from the tank (I can't exactly remember from last season...)?

Also, how is is possible for the wheel to no longer be straight with the forks? I looked briefly (couldn't be out in the cold anymore) and couldn't find any spots where they looked bent, or where clamps seemed to have moved.

Any help before I strip down the frond end to look into it a little more? Thanks!

(this picture was before the accident)

Slinky · 02-27-2006, 02:50 AM

It may just be the forks are twisted, it happens easily even in a low speed drop. To cure it, you need to loosen the wheel spindle nut & pinch bolts, and the bottom youk epinch bolts.

You can then grip the wheel between your knees and pull on the bars to line everything up by eye. Or, put the front wheel against a wall and push down hard on the bars a few times to compress the forks.

Once you are happy torque everything up again.

tealetm · 02-27-2006, 05:51 AM

After looking at the manual a little bit, I was thinking the same thing. Its not off too much which makes me hope it just can be adjusted and not bent. I'll keep ya posted!

MickMaguire · 02-27-2006, 09:45 AM

The wheel does not sit exactly in the center of the forks it should be offset to the right slightly as shown, it should be parallel to the forks. If you feel the wheel is not upright then there could be a problem. If its the offset you are worried about then dont worry, it's always been that way.

dazco · 02-27-2006, 03:05 PM

What slinky says works. If it's a slight twist which is common even in slow speed drops it usually strightens it right out. Loosen axl, bottom triple clamp and fender and compress the fork a bunch of times with the wheel against a wall.

pineygroveshop · 03-04-2006, 08:41 PM

It works, works, works. Just did it on my '03 Tiger and am running true again.
Thanks for the tip.

tealetm · 03-06-2006, 07:46 AM

Looks like I got it all straightened out (pun intended) so thanks a bunch for the reassurance and help! Hopefully I'll be out riding this week!