Readers ask: How To Align Motorcycle Handlebars?

Can motorcycle handlebars be straightened?

If the handlebars are bent you’ll need to straighten them out or replace them. Of course the accident may have tweaked the forks, and that is more involved. In that case try loosening everything up front, lining it back up and tightening it back up. If the fork tubes are bent then you’ll need to replace the tubes.

Why is my motorcycle pulling to the left?

A motorcycle may pull to one side while on the road because of a misalignment between the handlebars and the front tire which is usually caused by misaligned front forks. A pull to one side can also be caused by wear on one side of the front tire as well as an unbalanced front tire.

Should my saddle be higher than the handlebars?

As a general rule of thumb, you want the top of the handlebar about as high (or higher than ) the saddle, unless you’re a sporty rider looking to ride fast. Try touching your elbow to the nose of the saddle and reaching forward towards the handlebar with your hand.

Can you straighten bent motorcycle forks?

If they are only out of alignment, they are easily straightened, and there are plenty of posts that explain it better than I can. If they are really bent, that’s a different story. I think it would take more than a slight gravel road mishap to really bend the forks but it could easily knock them out of alignment.

How do I know if my motorcycle handlebars are bent?

Check for obvious signs of bending such as cracked paint or metal. If these are present, the bars are definitely bent. The bars should be symmetrical, so you’ll want to get an angle finder. You can place it on each bend of the handlebar and compare the angle with the same bend on the opposite side.

How do I check my alignment?

How To Check Wheel Alignment At Home

1. To check the toe, park the vehicle on level ground with the tires straight ahead and the steering wheel centered.
2. Measure from line to line with the tape level with the floor.
3. Measure again on the back sides of the tires.
4. If the steering wheel is already centered, adjust the tie-rods on each side the same amount.

How do I know if my bike fork is bent?

To see if the tube is bent, you can remove the front wheel, then turn the tube in the clamps and watch for the bottom end of the fork to move around. Or, since you’ve gone that far, take the fork all the way off, put the axle end in a vise, and turn the stanchion.

What causes bad wheel alignment?

Here are the top three reasons your vehicle may fall out of alignment: Sudden disturbance or impact from hitting something such as a pothole, bumping into a curb, going too fast over a speed bump, or an accident. Suspension components, including poor shocks or struts, become worn or loose affecting alignment.