New to the FZ6 and need a little help!

[Katana07]

Just wanted to start by saying that these forums have already been an invaluable source of info for me so far, and can't wait to get some more experience on my bike. Here is my problem. i bought a used 05 FZ6 a few days ago, and have noticed that when i'm on the highway tracking straight, my left handlebar seems to be forward a little more than the right. this bike had been layed down by the previous owner going going into a right hand turn. I don't think the handlebars are bent, because it appears that the whole assembly where the handlebars attach are also at the slight angle on the highway. I've heard of people just butting up the front tire againsta concrete wall and then smacking the handlebar to "tweak" the forks back into place. is this advisable? i also thought about loosening all the triple tree bolts and seeing if they would help solve the problem. thanks for the help guys!

Jason

 

[Jb40k]

Hey Katana, firstly welcome to the forum and congratulations on your purchase! I have a similar problem after going down from locking up mid-corner (quite a while ago now)... I've not really found it a problem or noticed any negative effects on my riding. It would be useful to know what the rest of the forum suggests.

 

[n1one]

**Welcome**

The best thing to do is post up some pictures of the front end of the bike....

1. A view of the handle bars from the riding position..
2. a view of the front end from the left side.
3. a view from the right side.
4. a view from the front.

On the side and front views...get the whole front end including the wheel.....

From those pictures it will be easier to see what you dealing with.....

Post up and I think some one here will be able to suggest some things....

DO NOT just put the front wheel against a wall and try to strong arm the bike back into position......

talk to you soon..

 

[RJ2112]

Just wanted to start by saying that these forums have already been an invaluable source of info for me so far, and can't wait to get some more experience on my bike. Here is my problem. i bought a used 05 FZ6 a few days ago, and have noticed that when i'm on the highway tracking straight, my left handlebar seems to be forward a little more than the right. this bike had been layed down by the previous owner going going into a right hand turn. I don't think the handlebars are bent, because it appears that the whole assembly where the handlebars attach are also at the slight angle on the highway. I've heard of people just butting up the front tire againsta concrete wall and then smacking the handlebar to "tweak" the forks back into place. is this advisable? i also thought about loosening all the triple tree bolts and seeing if they would help solve the problem. thanks for the help guys!

Jason

Jason,

The most common correction for this sort of issue is to re-align the fork tubes. The fork legs themselves are pretty tough, as are the tripple clamps..... but the clamps only 'clamp' the tubes. The grip they put on those tubes is pretty stout, but it is possible to twist the tubes in them. Once there is twist, it will not release until the pressure from the clamps is reduced.

The way I was taught to correct this, some 25 years ago, is this:

1) loosen the front axle, the fender mounts, and the upper triple clamps. DO NOT LOSEN THE LOWER TRIPLE. The axle has a pinch bolt on the opposite side from the monster allen key (left side of bike when you are on it).

2) sit on the bike, and apply the front brake hard. Then 'pump' the front suspension half a dozen times. Get it to move as far through the suspension stroke as you can. (This will cause the tubes to align parallel to each other. Path of least resistance.)

3) tighten to appropriate torque the upper triple clamp, then the axle, then the fender mounts.

This is going to solve 90% or more of minor boo boos..... IF the fork seals were not damaged you should be good to go. IF there is no obvious kinked metal involved.... you should be good to go.