[hellmet]

My motorcycle recently had its front tire changed, wheel bearings changed, fork kit changed. Also, fork bend was removed, or that is atleast what they say.

However, after this supposed 'overhaul' the bike has started to tilt to the right. It isn't pulling to the right. No. If you leave both your hands off the handle the bike goes straight but the entire bike feels like it is riding on an angle. Also, the new tire shows signs of wearing off on the right side. Here's how it is riding (sorry for poor paint skills):



I took the vehicle back to TVS service but they only have one guy working on tires and alignment so he just cannot see the problem.


I'm at my patience's end with these mechanics. It would be great if you could point me to where I could start looking.

[bblost]

The rear suspension has adjustment points. Please check if they are the same on both sides.

Also also count if the cogs on the metal plate adjuster is the same for both sides on the axle.

[Divya Sharan]

Check the rear suspensions first to ensure if they're both set at the same setup. Also, get the forks checked for bend (again). Maybe, the bend wasn't removed properly. One way of getting this done is replacing the forks with another bike and riding for a short while.

[hellmet]

Originally Posted by bblost

The rear suspension has adjustment points. Please check if they are the same on both sides.

Also also count if the cogs on the metal plate adjuster is the same for both sides on the axle.

Thanks bblost, the Victor has a rear suspension adjust switch so I'll check if they're both on the same setting. Any chance they could be off even if they're on the same setting?

I had no idea the plates on the adjuster could screw with the riding angle. Just assumed it'd make my ride feel awkward. I'll check that too.

[bblost]

Originally Posted by hellmet

Thanks bblost, the Victor has a rear suspension adjust switch so I'll check if they're both on the same setting. Any chance they could be off even if they're on the same setting?

The shocks have these rubber bushes. In my bike one of them had worn off and it caused some unsteadiness in the ride.

I had no idea the plates on the adjuster could screw with the riding angle. Just assumed it'd make my ride feel awkward. I'll check that too.

If there is a significant difference, the bike will try to steady itself and it may feel like a tilt. I have not experienced it and its just a theory I came up with.

[black12rr]

Why was the fork bent ? . Did some thing hit you perpendicular way ?. Then the front and rear wheels may not be aligned or in straight line .There could be bend in T-cone itself .

[sukiwa]

Originally Posted by hellmet

If you leave both your hands off the handle the bike goes straight but the entire bike feels like it is riding on an angle. Also, the new tire shows signs of wearing off on the right side.

If bike is feels like it's riding on an angle, do you feel pain in any of the shoulders? Secondly, does rear tyre also show wear on right side?

[hellmet]

Originally Posted by black12rr

Why was the fork bent ? . Did some thing hit you perpendicular way ?. Then the front and rear wheels may not be aligned or in straight line .There could be bend in T-cone itself .

Nothing hit my motorcycle. The mechanic told me so when I explained that my ride was unstable and he included fork truing in the list of his jobs.

With the bike on center stand, the fork looks absolutely straight but the vehicle tilts as soon as I start riding.

Originally Posted by sukiwa

If bike is feels like it's riding on an angle, do you feel pain in any of the shoulders? Secondly, does rear tyre also show wear on right side?

I have some pain in the back, and it feels like my back is coping for the tilt.
Need to check rear tire. Will check it this evening.

Originally Posted by bblost

The shocks have these rubber bushes. In my bike one of them had worn off and it caused some unsteadiness in the ride.

If there is a significant difference, the bike will try to steady itself and it may feel like a tilt. I have not experienced it and its just a theory I came up with.

Thanks again! Will get my bike checked at a suspension shop.

[ebonho]

Your down tube is bent. Probably same hit that bent your forks.

Truing the forks on a bent down tube will give you these symptoms.

[hellmet]

Originally Posted by ebonho

Your down tube is bent. Probably same hit that bent your forks.

Truing the forks on a bent down tube will give you these symptoms.

That's not good news. Nothing hit my vehicle actually, unless someone purposefully made it fall, although I thought motorcycles were more resilient than that.

Can down tubes be straightened?

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by hellmet

That's not good news. Nothing hit my vehicle actually, unless someone purposefully made it fall, although I thought motorcycles were more resilient than that.

Can down tubes be straightened?

You said your fork was bent. Forks do not bend on their own.

When forks bend, depending on the force that bends them, and the angle, the T stem and even the down tube can get bent as well.

Most times, people only straighten the fork tubes, and live on with the bike. But the bike continues to pull to a side.

Yes, the T and the down tube can be straightened and re-aligned. The front end of the bike has to be stripped for that first. It is a specialist job best done by someone with experience.

[hellmet]

Originally Posted by ebonho

You said your fork was bent. Forks do not bend on their own.

When forks bend, depending on the force that bends them, and the angle, the T stem and even the down tube can get bent as well.

Most times, people only straighten the fork tubes, and live on with the bike. But the bike continues to pull to a side.

Yes, the T and the down tube can be straightened and re-aligned. The front end of the bike has to be stripped for that first. It is a specialist job best done by someone with experience.

One question, though. If the down tube is bent, wouldn't it be noticeable even if the motorcycle is on center stand, or while stationary?

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by hellmet

One question, though. If the down tube is bent, wouldn't it be noticeable even if the motorcycle is on center stand, or while stationary?

Not necessarily. The bend out of the vertical axis is usually too small for the untrained eye to make out.

But every single degree off the axis gets multiplied manifold along the length of your front end all the way down to the front axle.

[vkarulkar]

I would suggest to check the wheel alignment check use old school string method.
This should clearly bring out the error.
Also, consider the amount od fork oiled filled in. If its not same, RH & LF leg assemblies wont wonk in near sync and put additional load on brace fender & axle.
with fender and brace fender removed, check alignment of the forks. This can be checked with ease of axle entry in the axle mountings.
Also, consider frame alignment & swing arm alignment check as well.

[hellmet]

I had the wheel truing done for both wheels and the side wobble is gone. (Edit: Just noticed I didn't mention that at all yet)

Switched the suspension setting on the rear, but that didn't help.

Took the bike to Ranigunj, the area famous for such works. A guy rode the bike and tells me that the forks are bent. Either he doesn't know what he's saying (which is slightly improbable), or the TVS mechanic made a mess of my forks.

Will be getting the rear wheel aligned somewhere. I really don't have the inclination to DIY this job.

Right now, the motorcycle is drawing more value than it is giving back in terms of rideability and service. Might be time for it to go, but one look at new motorcycle prices and I take a step back.