[MaximX]

Hi - I did the string thing from FOG last night and here is what I found.

The rear wheel is parallel to the centerline of the bike - so the rear wheel is aligned. But when I run the strings forward, the front wheel is 1" to the left. What I mean is that the front wheel is paralleled to the rear, but the centerline of the front wheel is 1" off of the centerline of the bike. I think what FOG said in the "string thing" thread might apply:

Now rig another plumb line near the front wheel.

Measure from the line to the top and bottom of the front wheel rim. Both of those measurements must be the same.

If so you’re done.

If not:
Depending on how bad, you may be able to adjust this condition.
If worse than ¼” you have a bent frame
If less than ¼” try this:

If the wheel tilts away from the line at the top extent that fork tube in the triple clamps 1/8” conversely shorten the opposite side the same amount.

Re check. Go another 1/8” if necessary.

Re check the horizontal alignment, because you just moved the wheel to the side.

That’s it. No alterations or changes to these instructions will work.
FOG

In other words, I believe the front wheel being off of centerline is either due to one fork leg being longer than the other, or the frame is bent. Please God don't let the frame be bent.

So, I loosened up all of the triple tree clamps, and tried pushing with my hands, hammering, and put a tie down strap to hold the bike in place, and the other to pull the bottom of the wheel. I didn't pull too hard with the tie down. None of these seemed to move the forks back.

Do you all think my frame is bent, or are my forks out of alignment? Or could my triple tree be bent? If my forks are out of alignment, how should I fix that? Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[MaximX]

Also - forgot an important piece of information. My fork tubes spin freely with the triple tree loosened. I believe this means that my fork tubes are straight and the triple tree is not bent. Or does it? So - is it possible to bend the frame without bending the triple tree or fork tubes?

 

[fog]

You did everything right except you mis interpreted the result. the rear in not aligned untill it points at the center of the steering head bearings as defined by the front wheel. Even if the frame is bent, this is how you make the best of it. Move the rear to acompolish this, parallel means nothing as you can rotate the front.
Did you Rock the forks?

FOG

 

[MaximX]

I understand what you are saying. Even if the frame is bent, then I can make the rear angle a little off of the bike's centerline to track through the front tire.

Just to make sure you understand what I am saying:

The forks are not twisted, I measure and rocked. What I mean to say is that with the front pointed straight ahead, and with the rear pointed straight, the front and rear are not tracking on the same line. I will draw a crude picture below. This is looking down on the bike, with the 000's being the wheels, and the ----- being the string that I measured with.


----------------------------------------------------------------------
0000000000 0000000000
0000000000 0000000000
0000000000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

So both wheels are pointed straight ahead, but the front forks are 'cocked' to one side.

 

[fog]

Yes I understand completly what you said, Re aim the rear wheel too center the front.

FOG

 

[MaximX]

First, thanks FOG for your help.

So I am guessing by your reply that you don't think it is too serious? Even if I were to take this bike to the track?

 

[fog]

Perfectly normal, just get the rear wheel straight.

FOG