front alignment

[ian]

Some of you may remember that I had an accident back in Feb. Well, after replacing my springs a few weeks ago, I came to realize that at least one of my forks are bent. and I've kind of suspected that my front end is not properly aligned. It may just be me but it looks like the bars are turned slightly to the right when actually going straight ahead. What should I do to fix this? can I get an alignment like I can with a car? do I need to buy new forks? If so, will that solve it or are there other potential problems as well?

[M in KC]

If you have a bent fork, you need a new one or at least a straight one. And no you can't align a bike like you can a cage. When you pull your bent fork look for other crash related damage. Lower triple free, the neck at the frame, fork brace, front fender, etc. Replace/repair all that is damaged.

[ian]

Is it going to cause problems riding with the way it is now?

[M in KC]

At a minimum you need to check the balance of the front end for other crash damage. I would pay particular attention to the neck on the frame. Look for cracks, rust, buckled paint etc. If you really wanted to be thorough drop the triple trees out of the neck and check the base of the stem at the lower triple tree. I think I have an old lower that will ilustrate what happens in some crashes to the joint where the stems meets the lower triple tree. The front end like anything else is a system. When one part is compromised others have to compensate for its difficiency. If everything is still solid you will probably end up with some tire wear issues and premature bearing failures in the wheel or triple tree. I wouldn't be trying to impress the ladies with the "...look mom no hands" trick with a front end that isn't true. And watch youur fork seals. Again if the slider isn't running true to the fork the seal will have more pressure on one point than the rest and could fail prematurely as well.

[yamaha_george]

At a minimum you need to check the balance of the front end for other crash damage. I would pay particular attention to the neck on the frame. Look for cracks, rust, buckled paint etc. If you really wanted to be thorough drop the triple trees out of the neck and check the base of the stem at the lower triple tree. I think I have an old lower that will ilustrate what happens in some crashes to the joint where the stems meets the lower triple tree. The front end like anything else is a system. When one part is compromised others have to compensate for its difficiency. If everything is still solid you will probably end up with some tire wear issues and premature bearing failures in the wheel or triple tree. I wouldn't be trying to impress the ladies with the "...look mom no hands" trick with a front end that isn't true. And watch youur fork seals. Again if the slider isn't running true to the fork the seal will have more pressure on one point than the rest and could fail prematurely as well.

M,
all sound advice, BUT he could try hands free of the bars to see if the bike does wander.
With the wheel out of alignment to the bars the MX boys loosen the triple s Clamp bolts on the legs and then use a tree,post to thump the wheel back into alignment with the bars.

When the springs were taken out & replaced were they a problem to take out / replace ie a bit sticky. If a fork leg is bent yes replace it but if that is not feasable IMMEDIATELY (ie cash / availability) then the fork leg can be straightened in a press by a gentle touch and plenty of soft material round the chrome.
The test to straightness before & after is to let it roll on a known flat surface (glass)