question regarding handlebar and fork alignment

I know this is going to sound weird, but I noticed that it appears my handlebar triple clamps and fork are not straight relative to the instrument panel. I say this is weird because the bike rides quite good with little vibrations. I am assuming that some of you have noticed this (maybe not). Is this normal? One thing I did check was the steering lock both left and right, and the handlebars do not touch the gas tank. One side is a bit closer than the other, but not by much. Thank you to those who reply.

 

Actually this isn't weird at all. It isn't correct either!

What you need to do is loosen off the bolts that clamp your forks in the upper and lower tripple clamps, then align the upper and lower tripples so they are straight and square. After they are straight you torque the bolts back up and all should be well as long as you don't have a bent fork or tripple clamp.

This is all assuming that your instrument panel is in fact centered and straight which may be a mistake. Has the bike beed down or crashed that you know of?

I can tell you that if your bike is sitting with the forks turned all the way to one side where the stop is making contact with the frame and someone kicks the front tire which puts a load on that stop, it will twist the forks in the tripple clamps, resulting in what you are describing. Sometimes you can just give it a boot in the other direction and all is well but I think it is better to loosen off the bolts and straighten the alignment before you tighten them back up.

The clip-ons have a small amount of adjustment in them that may account for the clearance issue on the tank that you are seeing. After you get the tripples straight, loosen the clip-ons and position them as far back agains the stop as you can. Then compare the clearances.

Your little vibrations could be caused by a wide variety of things including tire wear, balance, brake rotors, wheel bearings, steering head bearings etc. I had one VFR that was mooth as silk as long as I was in a slight turn but upright and straight it had a tiny but irritating vibration. It was the result of the front tire tread pattern. A different tire fixed the issue.

Good luck!

 

Thank you jethro911 for your reply. well it turns out my eyes were playing tricks on me. My forks are indeed not twisted. I understand that my handlebars are not perfectly aligned. That doesn't matter as I am just going to ride the bike and not worry about anything. Sure my bikes has a few dings and scratches and such. I say whatever! I'm not going to stop riding because my bike is not in showroom condition.

 

Well that is good news indeed!
I like your attitude, just keep riding till they take the privelege away........I don't think too many bikes are showroom although many of the members bikes here may be close. Nothing to be ashamed of actually, how about a pic or two of your 2002?

Funny thing about "show room condition". Have you walked through a showroom recently? I don't know about the States but the dealers up here don't really take care of their stock very well. The bikes in the showroom are generally not in the best condition, being scratched and all covered with greasy finger prints from peoples grubby grippers and snot nosed children. (small rant for Monday am)

Hey we are practically next door neighbors, you are only 4 hrs away as the VFR growls. LOL...

 

:welcome: to the madness enjoy your new ride and be safe. Post some picture befor people call you a liar.