Forum

[wilf]

Hi Ray, you may be right. I had to replace the studs that hold the wheel clamps as one of them was stripped after the tumble. It was definitely OK before. I've also just noticed the LH steering stop(if that's the proper name for it) is properly bent. I've run a string from the back wheel to get an idea of alignment, and with the handle bars positioned straight ahead the front wheel is about 10mm to the right. If I line the wheels up the bars are turned to the right, as when riding. Odd thing is, handling is perfect! If you don't look at the handlebar clamp you wouldn't know there was a problem.

[wilf]

Having thought it through I think the wheel spindle must be OK,as the wheel runs true. I think the fork legs are straight as they go up and down without any rubbing. I reckon the fork legs are just seized in the bottom yoke. I'll loosen everything off again and spray the bottom yoke clamp with WD40, then unscrew them about half a turn from the top (nacelle). Hopefully this will break their grip in the bottom yoke. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
Wilf.

[big al]

Hi, I had the same problem years ago with a BSA 15. It turned out to be a twisted frame near the steering head. The frame was sent for straightening which cured the problem. So wilf take the tank off and look closely for any cracked or flaking paint on the frame and check straightness with eye and a steel rule. best of luck Big Al (Truro)

[wilf]

Hoping it's not a twisted frame Al. As the bike fell on its'left hand side and the LH steering stop lug I bent and the handlebars are slightly bent backwards it looks as though the front wheel kept going left after everything else had reached it's limit. Having slackened all the obvious fixings, held the front wheel between legs and yanked mightily on the bars I can't detect any sign of movement in the forks. I've carried out this procedure several times. Perhaps a judicious tap with club hammer and block of wood may be in order? Or more leverage on the bars with the wheel locked somehow? All suggestions most humbly accepted.

[Nettshubby]

Put too much force on with wheel locked and you could run risk of twisting wheel rim!

Ray.

[wilf]

Thanks for the warning Ray, I'll take it easy. Might try loosening off the forks from the casquette to see if it will free the bottom yoke clamps, which I suspect may be seized to the fork legs, if that makes sense.

[Dennis C]

If they are seized then they could not have moved in the fall.

[wilf]

Mmmm, that sounds logical Dennis. I'm just hoping it's not a twisted frame.

[big al]

Hi Wilf, any news on the forks/ handlebars Hope you have it sorted...... All the best Big Al (truro)

[wilf]

Hi Big Al, I got sidetracked into painting the kitchen, but plan to to get at it again over the next couple of days. I may take out the front wheel, slacken everything off and turn the bars fully right, then see if I can get a bit more leverage BETWEEN the forks with 4ft of 4x2. I think I haven't got the strength to hold the forks between my legs and pull on the bars at the same time. Cheers, Wilf.