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21st January 2011
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Biker
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 12 Sportster/Buell Model: Nightster Sportster/Buell Year: 2009
Reputation: 10
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Forks are off
I was recently involved in an accident on my nightster (not fun). Not any major damage but I did go down on the right side. My bars took most of the abuse but now it feels like my forks are off. When I lean right it seems very loose and when I lean left it seems tight. Also when I'm riding a straight line it wants to gradually go right (as if a car/truck had a bad alignment). Is there any way I can fix the issue or do I have to bring it to the dealer?
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You may all go to Hell, and I will go to Texas.
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21st January 2011
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Flat Track Racer
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 224 Sportster/Buell Model: 1200 Custom Sportster/Buell Year: 2001 Other Motorcycle Model: BMW R75/6 Other Motorcycle Year: 1976
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Just a thought. You may want to double check the rear wheel alignment. That's been known to make 'em track funny.
-DH
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22nd January 2011
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Senior Master Custom Bike Builder
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,688 Sportster/Buell Model: XL1200 R Sportster/Buell Year: 2006
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Loosen and retighten the front end, the forks may be twisted. There is a certain procedure to follow, but I'm too "tired" to remember what it is.
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Ricor test rider for IAS Shocks, Intiminators and Vibranators. Works Dual Rate fork springs, fork brace, Avon Venom X tires, loosen drive belt, and set frame rails level to floor. Read the "7 Pages of Suspension" thread in the Suspension Sticky Index to learn how to fix your suspension.
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22nd January 2011
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XL FORUM TEAM MEMBER
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Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Sunny Italy
Posts: 15,573 Sportster/Buell Model: XLH 1200 Sportster/Buell Year: 1993 Other Motorcycle Model: Moto Guzzi California EV Other Motorcycle Year: 1998
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As XLXR said, loosen the front forks. Then get out your service manual and follow the procedure for tightening 'em up and be sure to adjust the "fall away."
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Jim in Italy
'93 1200
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22nd January 2011
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Ride That F'N Sportster!!
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Carolina Coast
Posts: 12,350 Sportster/Buell Model: Highly modified 1200 c Sportster/Buell Year: 01 Other Motorcycle Model: FLHX H-D Street glide Other Motorcycle Year: 2013
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Loosen and realign the handbars also, then retighten when straight, most likely the cause of your alignment issue
just loosen the triple tree pinch bolts top and bottom to realign the triple trees, NOT ALL AT THE SAME TIME, cause the front end will drop out.. 
the FM is really NOT specific about the proper fall away method,
as long as the stembolt has NOT been loosened or re-torqued.. fall away shouldn't even be an issue..with the bike being lifted front wheel on, tighten it down until you have resistance. Then back off until it is smooth, swinging the front end from side to side making sure it has no resistance or no binding at all.
just double check proper alignment of the triple tree's and handlebars which most likely took the brunt of the fall causing your alignment issue..
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RTFS Ride That F'N Sportster!!
Sportsters are like prison shanks, small..fast..DEADLY!
When life throws a curve...lean into it and open the throttle.
The wheels beneath me, the road ahead of me..These are the reason's why I ride!!
Last edited by xllent01; 22nd January 2011 at 15:24..
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22nd January 2011
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Super Moderator
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Duarte, CA
Posts: 5,670 Sportster/Buell Model: Sportster 883L Sportster/Buell Year: 2006 Other Motorcycle Model: Honda CB350 Cafe Style Other Motorcycle Year: 1970
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If you are not familar with these procedures, you should have the work done by a professional. Having the front end setup wrong can cause some serious problems when riding at speed.
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2006 883L
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BEFORE YOU CLIMB ON YOUR MOTORCYCLE, CHECK THAT THE NUT THAT CONNECTS THE HANDLEBAR TO THE SEAT IS NEITHER TOO TIGHT NOR TOO LOOSE.
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