Steering Alignment

[PaulBK7]

Got a bit of a steering alignment issue on my 08GS, when traveling in a straight line the handlebars are approx 3 degrees out of square i.e. RH side is closer to me than the left.As far as I know the bike hasn't been dropped (bought it as an ex demo with 4K on it)
Had a quick look to see if I can make any adjustments however unlike other bikes I've had where you undo the pinch bolts on the top and bottom yolks it appears there are no pinch bolts on the top yolk or at least non that I can see.
Am I missing something (other than a brain)
I know I can take it back to the dealers (and will be as I have several "issues" for them to sort out but I'm waiting for the 6K service) but I was hoping it would be a quick job.

Any advice will be gratefully recieved.

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

there is an issue on some bikes with the lower (only) pinch bolts coming loose or not being tightened enough.
Worth checking first.
25NM, need to be tightened top - bottom - top - bottom to make sure they are tight as tightening one will slacken the other until the whole thing is snug.
Check the front axle is tight and the axle pinch screws are tight.
You can rotate the top fork tubes easily by hand so do that and see if there is any binding - if so it might indicate something bent of misaligned.
Put front wheel against kerb and bounce the front to compress the forks, see if any thing binding.
If nothing shows up, you can slacken the pinch bolts, axle, bounce the bike to align all, then tighten axle, then pinch bolts.
All above being ok, most prolly bent handlebar from a drop, and easy enough to get used to (damhik, cough)...

 

[RickG]

As Bin ridin says.

A low speed drop would be common for a demo bike that had new punters paddling about on tippie-toe in the car park for the first time and could do the bars. Any evidence of damage elsewhere e.g. rocker covers?

 

[PaulBK7]

there is an issue on some bikes with the lower (only) pinch bolts coming loose or not being tightened enough.
Worth checking first.
25NM, need to be tightened top - bottom - top - bottom to make sure they are tight as tightening one will slacken the other until the whole thing is snug.
Check the front axle is tight and the axle pinch screws are tight.
You can rotate the top fork tubes easily by hand so do that and see if there is any binding - if so it might indicate something bent of misaligned.
Put front wheel against kerb and bounce the front to compress the forks, see if any thing binding.
If nothing shows up, you can slacken the pinch bolts, axle, bounce the bike to align all, then tighten axle, then pinch bolts.
All above being ok, most prolly bent handlebar from a drop, and easy enough to get used to (damhik, cough)...

Thanks mate, I will give that a go

 

[PaulBK7]

As Bin ridin says.

A low speed drop would be common for a demo bike that had new punters paddling about on tippie-toe in the car park for the first time and could do the bars. Any evidence of damage elsewhere e.g. rocker covers?

No mate, bike was mint, no obvious scrapes or scratches. I'm going to have a closer look this weekend.

 

[PaulBK7]

Bringing this back into play!!!!

I have now had my 6K service and as I said I asked them to check the steering alignment.
Apparently 2 techs checked the steering, with string from the back wheel blah blah blah to no avail. They have said all is fine.

I don't agree, I can clearly see (and feel) the handlbars and top yolk are on the piss by approx 3 - 5 degrees when I'm travelling in a straight line (throttle side closer to me).

If I undo the pinch clamps and lock the front wheel and give the bars a good twist, will it make any difference or will I damage something.

I need to get this sorted out as it is spoiling what is otherwise a really nice bike to ride.

Thanks

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

Wot you do is loosen the pinch bolts on the forklegs and the wheel spindle pinchbolts. Pump forks (hard to do with the brake, bit easier to do against a kerb, and after a few pumps, tighten the wheel spindle clamps and the fork clamps. Fork clamps need to be tightened top-bottom-top-bottom-top-bottom to make sure they are fully torqued.