How To Straighten A Twisted Motorcycle Fork | The Shop Manual

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So you had a tip over or a low-speed crash on your motorcycle, and now your bike’s front end is twisted and the bars look bent. Don’t worry, straightening things out is easier than you might think, and we’ll show you how to do it in this episode of The Shop Manual.
Learn more about straightening your motorcycle’s front end at Common Tread rvz.la/3PT6gbr
If you’re ready to tackle straightening your forks, you’ll need one of these! rvz.la/3jkTnuy

[@adammoore9088]

You mean I'm not supposed to just hold the front wheel between my knees and turn the handlebars as hard as I physically can while trying not to throw out my back? 😮

[@christopherking2012]

Worked well enough for me, I'm only gunna drop it again anyway.

[@AriH211]

That's a pretty common method for off-road riders addressing a twisted fork on the trail.

[@richardahola692]

I use a 2x4

[@ilham7345]

it works for non long ass fork tube like on a scooter or c-series derivatives

[@56Spookdog]

That and a wall to bump the wheel against are preferred methods.

[@daniellandry9366]

there isnt enough of this guy on youtube on a regular basis. Ari is one of a kind.

[@esatd34]

he knows his stuff for sure

[@ironhorsegladiator5034]

Motorcycle Dealers/Stealers are all filling bankruptcy because of his great Shop Manual Videos. 🤣

[@lathanwalley]

@@ironhorsegladiator5034 akio wow good night

[@MikesProjectsandHobbiesMC]

@@ironhorsegladiator5034A dealship would only charge $899.00 to do this. :-)

[@Timbhu]

Always a pleasure to attend Mr.Henning's class

[@elindenstein]

Dropped my bike about 10,000x on the WABDR and IDBDR in August and my handlebars were all jacked. This has to be one of the first times that I've tried to fix something on my bike and it was drama-free and correct the first time. Thank you!

[@beborodner930]

More Arie and Zack episodes please!! Both of these guys are like the Top Gear of Motorcycle reviews!! And don't get me wrong.. I absolutely love these shop episodes.. they need to stay too.. :)

[@mangoslice6319]

We should get a top gear like show(the British one) with Zack and Ari 🙌🏽 I’d watch it

[@coastaku1954]

No no no, Zack, Ari and RyanF9 from Fortnine, THEN we will have the Top Gear of Motorcycle reviews! Zack would be James May, Ari would be Richard Hammond and RyanF9 would be Jeremy Clarkson

[@iam7f]

I watched all your clips, you are a really lovely person, no one gives a summary of the explanation like you, keep going

[@ironhorsegladiator5034]

Dealers/Stealers are all filling bankruptcy because of all his great Shop Manual Videos. 🤣

[@k1llersm0ke32]

This guy is awesome! He explains things so well, I don’t own a bike or work on one but if I bought one the other day and had this happen to me, without knowing much I am pretty confident I’d be able to fix the problem with his play by play breakdown! Finally a person that made a “how to” video that actually makes sense. Most are made for people in mind then already know what they’re doing, they do not explain much and skip over important things not everyone knows

[@josephreisinger33]

Words to live by. If you want your motorcycle to go do the road straight, make sure everything IS straight!! Thank you Sir and have a merry Christmas 🎅

[@Jack-ny7kn]

This was extremely well done. I couldn't find any good videos explaining how to align a mtb downhill fork, and I thought okay it's fundamentally the same as a motorcycle fork so why not. And now I'm golden. My bike feels better than it ever has.

[@dukie1616]

These videos are always helpful and done well too. Really wish they aired weekly though, that would be quite nice. Anyway thank you and keep up the good work👏

[@richardkenna149]

This is the clip that first came up when i searched up to do this. Extra stoked that the demo was done on a CRF300 Rally, because that's my bike!

[@countryjoe3551]

Ari, I have shared this video twice in the last couple of weeks with 2 riders on FB forums who were asking how to straighten out their tweaked forks. Both of them declared success in getting their stuff straightened back out by following your tutorial. I could tell them how to do the job but you do a superlative job of showing them how to do it. Hopefully these guys will subscribe and continue their moto repair education. Myself, I'm looking forward to the next ASMR rebuild video.

[@hughfranklin5503]

Solid answer to a common question! Great vid.

[@AxelBergander]

I learned not to trust the markings at the rear wheel axle. Looking at you, KTM! I straighten the wheel with a chainlaser (pew! Pew!) and adjust the markings on one side accordingly.

[@mk11981198]

Its much easier with ordinary plank.

[@jhooton75]

As you probably know, at least on the Versys, the hash marks on the rear swing arm aren't exact. For the rear, I really recommend getting an alignment tool to check that the rear wheel is straight. Just one of them that clamps to the sprocket and has a metal rod that points down the chain works well. The hash marks on my Versys are almost one full mark off.

[@AriH211]

Absolutely. Reference lines on the swingarm are just that - references. But it's an easy visual check before you start diving into loosening front-end parts.

[@alanhardy3374]

I always use kite string to check the alignment

[@VoLuTheR]

Right video at the right time, literally yesterday I had my first High-side on the track, and twisted my front forks

[@RevZilla]

Learn more about straightening your motorcycle’s front end at Common Tread rvz.la/3I70ZeE Riding an off-road bike or ADV? RevZilla has a fork-alignment tool to help ensure your fork legs are parallel: rvz.la/3WEtgwZ

[@xorbe2]

This doesn't actually redirect back to your on-site article.

[@justinheard5954]

Allie just took my time and took him get me like a block of wood and chain didn't figure out whether damn bottle jack take your bottle jack and straighten pretty good y'all talk a bit like a tobacco card in about 82 bent like Ben like freaking folded up under there looking like a d rate

[@yurgon]

@@justinheard5954 voice to text? because your statement doesn't make much sense. Are you saying to use a bottle jack and strapped 2x4's to straighten a bent fork?

[@palonoctisursa]

I almost cried when I saw this video, I thought I destroyed the front forks of my motorcycle. I thought I would need to shell out hundreds of dollars for replacement parts.

[@ODDee816]

Literally yesterday I did what I did smh

[@speedyboi4623]

I know this is an older comment but what caused your forks to go out of alignment? Had a slight fender bender on my bike and it very slightly wants to go to the right when I let go of the bars.

[@justcommenting4981]

​@@speedyboi4623 I went over a curb at like 12 mph. It doesn't take much. I was actually able to twist it back holding the wheel between my legs and pulling really hard on the bars. I am on the larger side though and I didn't get it perfectly straight I don't think.

[@bananafoneable]

You saved me a grand by doing this myself. I got into a low speed crash and my rotor got bent and the alignment was totally jacked. After replacing the rotor, something wasn't right. I didn't feel like I was going straight. I was able to loosen the bolts and jump on it a few times and now it feels much better.

[@laillahilaallah001]

Been waiting for this. Thank you ari for everything you do

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Great video as always!

[@sandersondan]

Thanks a million, I love simple straightforward instructions like this without any corny time wasting distractions. Great job

[@RVAMotorsports]

Holy cow this was helpful! Maybe now my Dyna won't feel like it's going down the road sideways!

[@dubsonthebrain5859]

Excellent video and explanation! Thank you, you made my repair as fun as a piece of cake!

[@Jaffa1951]

Great video, as always Ari. I have learned lot from watching these.

[@eyemallears2647]

Thanks so much! My wife feels like new!

[@zeljkomadzo614]

These videos are GOLD! Thank you, have the same problem on a brand new from the dealer... Yeah they missed that and I felt something was odd but didn´t find out before until som days after.

[@lazartsaprev2580]

This is a nice Christmas present

[@JCrozier1]

Thanks Ari! Have a great holiday.

[@mparsons7737]

Love to see more of these, Prof Henning. Merry Christmas 🎅🏼! Thanks !

[@BlockCylinder]

I really needed this video a year ago, and two years ago, and three years ago, and four years ago.

[@andreasbeaufort3594]

These videos are SO GOOD I often feel I could become a mechanic just by watching them. Thanks, Ari!

[@gregshamieh6339]

Recently acquired an F800 GSA that the previous owner had dropped -- his assessment of the front end resulted in buying it for an 'I Stole It' price. Twenty minutes with tools and your process put everything back as it should be -- the bike went from a tad unpredictable on loose surfaces -- following trail camber, etc -- to railing. Can't thank you enough, Ari!

[@alexgere529]

Ari and Zack the best on YT👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@TwoWheeledHepkat]

I've tweaked my frontend out on the trail. If you just kick the front wheel hard enough it usually straightens it out. Or at least straight enough to get back to the trailer with all your tools.

[@thebayleaf221]

Badly needed this video. Thanks a lot!

[@nazhif1]

what a coincidence. I just had a low side literally yesterday on track. Gonna try this & hope I didn't bent my forks

[@tejaspadhye]

for aligning the rear end of the bike, note that most bikes dont have exact demarcations. You might want to use a measure tool or alignment tool specific for this purpose.

[@user-vd7ef9vu2j]

perfect timing on this one. Thanks Ari

[@leftymike8730]

I noticed the fork stem nut was not torqued, is that typical? Will over or under tightening that affect fall away?

[@user-en9qd5nx8w]

Thanks for the reminder on the process. I will say that on some bikes, the forks may actually be fine, it may just be the handle bars are twisted slightly where they mount into the triple clamps. I've dropped my dual sport before and because the handle bar mounts have a rubber "bumper" where they mount into the triple clamp, it could be that they are just twisted at this point. Just loosen the handle bar mounts under the triple clamp and give the bars a tug.

[@robertemmons2260]

Thanks for the tips, Ari. I had searched on here to align motorcycle forks, and your video was the first one suggested. I purchased my 2017 Indian Chieftain used last December, and it seems that it's not tracking properly. It seems just a bit off. I thought that it was my forks, but your tip at 4:35 to check the rear wheel alignment was something that I hadn't considered but made sense. If I remember correctly, I believe that you had posted a video on belt drive tension and alignment. Yes, after a quick search, you did. It was done on that subject five years ago. Thanks, Arizona, for another great video. Now to go outside and check out that rear wheel alignment.

[@leslieaustin151]

All good stuff and perfect advice. However, when you buy front forks and top and bottom yokes (“triple-trees” to you USA folks) off eBay, and the front spindle will NOT come into line, well, you might, like me, be dealing with a bent bottom yoke (triple-tree [funny name]). It took a powerful gas blow-torch to fix that one! Les in UK

[@ShiningQuasar13]

Nice. My bike was on the front stand only as I couldn't get the tire bead to set. Eventually it tipped onto the stand, so it was only on one fork. So it might be misaligned or bent in the front. But good to know it could be the back. Was going to double check the chain tension as there was no marking to measure from on my R6 so I may as well double check the lines, especially if I end up adjusting it.

[@daveyt4802]

Nice topic! Next go over rear wheel steering and alignment.

[@enhinyerorider5914]

Darn it! I really need to start looking for the giant hex axle driver and torque wrench for my bike. Its really the only thing holding me back DIY activities on the front of my bike. Wish it was easy to get proper tools in my country because as they say, “use the right tools for the right job”.

[@gokulhari9403]

Wow. Nice vedio. Clear explanation. My bike was recently crashed and the frok was twisted. I dont know how to solve this my own and dont know what is the procedure. This vedio reallly helped me. Thanks a lot. I thought it was hard to fix. Now my fear was reduced. I will try to fix my bike by myself.

[@murraehaynes3182]

Nicely done…Merry Christmas 👍🏼

[@Tracer9GTRider8]

Great video! Sure beats make a tweak, go for a ride, repeat until it feels right. Use this technique, torque everything, and go for a ride!

[@jasondunn8894]

This is just what I needed after coming of my bike of road. Thanks guys

[@theEHWAZ]

Very helpful! I had to recently bump mine up against a tree to straighten it while out on the trail but need to properly align it.

[@SverreValkenburg]

I thought for a second it was the motorcycle (Alaska) form itchy boots. Great video.

[@cpuuk]

Nice. Merry Christmas.

[@Hey_zues420]

Could also be fork oil to low or to old. I reported axles, bearings, steering head bearing, wheels, new tires, spokes. Then i rebuilt my forks with seals and bushings and was still riding like crap. Took the fork tubes completely off and measured how much oil was in each tube and they were not even close to recommended level. Put in more form oil in each tube and back together. Now it rides like a dream

[@NorthWestMotos]

If I am trailside, I use my boot and kick the wheel straight. The tip at the end of the video was solid gold.

[@Denvr2]

This helped me out a lot, noticed my wheel off center from my forks last ride and was thinking I bent them!

[@thinkdunson]

you're the man, Ari. oh, hey, since i've got your attention... WE NEED MORE CTXP. is there anywhere i can join a subscription or patreon to make that happen? i'm already subbed to RPM... what i mean is something specific to CTXP; not some general RevZilla thing. make it happen, and i'll be on board. you guys are awesome. and maybe find a way to bring Spurge and even Lemmy along on one of them. that would be epic.

[@austinbarrett9613]

Why loosen the fork guards? @1:23

[@seamonkey2010]

So glad you made this channel, dude!

[@yiannishayabusaofficial]

AWESOME VIDEO AMAZING FANTASTIC ! ! ! ! !

[@1993whitenoise]

Ari your the best! Thank you for all the videos you’ve made.

[@c920mrc]

Great tutorial, concise and to the point 👏👏👏

[@jaimeromangil7239]

great video, from SPAIN

[@DmitriyAdv]

Some bikes (KTM dirt/enduro bikes for example) have the top steering stem nut preload the bearing instead of having a collar under the top triple clamp. So you don’t want to loosen that on those.

[@HemanAuDesign]

Arie, when you tighten everything back up, you mention not to torque the top triple tree nut (stem nut) to spec as it will twist things out of alignment again. So when do you torque the stem nut to spec? After you torque everything else (lower triple tree pinch bolts, axle, axle pinch bolts, calipers) to spec?

[@someguyontheinternet7165]

Very useful information as I may or may not have yeeted my mt09 while doing rolling burn outs in a yard. Any chance you guys can bring someone on to demonstrate some paint less dent removal on a gas tank too. 😅

[@jerrybaldwin7543]

Wack it up against a tree 😂HELL YEAH BROTHER

[@KakuiKujira]

Great explanations. You know how things got wrong, how to fix it, and why you do things in X manner.

[@duncanrasey5413]

Awesome video! Thanks for the clear and concise information.

[@benn2026]

I don’t have a great space to work on my bike at the moment, and recently had to take it to a shop to replace the chain and sprockets (Woulda done it myself, but all I’ve got is a parking space on a hill, and no center stand). When I got the bike back from the shop, I could see that there was something funky going on with the alignment, as when I was going straight, the speedometer was at an angle, and one of my arms was extended just slightly more than the other. I’ve never crashed, and don’t recall hitting anything. At first I thought it was the rear end, since the hash marks on the swingarm weren’t aligned. I readjusted (I found that the shop had over-torqued my axle but as well) but the issue remained. The tires are nearing the end of their usability, but aren’t quite there yet. I’m thinking maybe the shop wasn’t very gentle with the bike, and hit it on something, throwing off the forks?

[@dirgharajshrestha]

I just kicked the wheel from side holding the bars, it worked fine. 😂

[@Drumm3rboygaming]

This video saved me from a nervous breakdown!

[@jamescavanagh9276]

Great video as always from Ari

[@freaksarena8306]

The last tip helped me with the issue i was having🖤

[@morto6876]

Thanks! Helped with motorized MTB!!!

[@js3301]

Thanks, good video. Helped me!

[@molallamerica896]

More, please.

[@andyincalimoto843]

for a while I thought I had twisted forks, cause my right handle bar appeared more forward than the left. after trying this method I remembered that the previous owner to my bike had dropped it in a low speed fall. in fact probably at a stand still. that fall was strong enough to put a bend on the right handle bar. im happy to know it wasn't my forks. for now I can ride with the handle bar I have but I will want to get that replaced eventually. bend is just visually noticeable but it doesn't affect my ability to push\pull to turn.

[@quintontaylor7858]

I respect they have the harbor freight $60 torque wrench

[@bradleyhall4637]

Been thinking my front forks are tweaked lately. Sorta look out or alignment. I might give this a try now that I have a front wheel chock and can easily build a center stand for under the frame

[@Dan-56]

I have found with age, arthritis, and carpal tunnel, my “calibrated hands” are nowhere close anymore 😆. The torque wrench is my friend 😉👍.

[@TheCvac]

On my Ducati the "top nut" is also used as a bearing preload adjuster,which is held by a small clamp at the top with an allen key Should i just unscrew the allen bolt in this case or the preload adjuster? The nut I am talking about is full with 8 holes,typical on most ducatis

[@enchantingstayskodai]

Nice info bro I have this problem on my fz25 not even my local mechanic is able to recognise the problem

[@michaelgilliar56]

So when do you fully tighten the top triple nut? Before or after everything (forks etc) are tightened.

[@cavesuki8510]

What about a handlebar that is bent inwards from one side by 3mm?

[@xxshiftlockxx]

With the upper triple clamp pinch bolts still tight, how will the forks rotate inside the clamps to straighten everything out?

[@ironhorsegladiator5034]

Motorcycle Dealers/Stealers are all filling bankruptcy because of all your great Shop Manual Videos. 🤣

[@love4boost]

This is perfect. My bike has been sitting on the rear stand out of alignment since my accident

[@brandonbdl]

Dude, awesome video. Thanks

[@southbayla3137]

Thank you for this videos. Hopefully this will help most people with motorcycles and can ams

[@corso2909]

Thank you!

[@Zzzzzzzzz678]

I had to drive 3 km to the nearest gas station to fill my tyre which was almost flat and the extra hard stress on the suspension with the uncontrolled side to side motion of the tyre made the bike fell like it got twisted, it heavily lean to the right side now. I didn't know that an almost flat front tire would cause that problem.

[@Navillus2273]

I have completed all the above steps, still out of alignment. I can move the bars straight when the front wheel is locked between my legs, however, as soon as I release the pressure the bars and wheels move out of alignment. How do I troubleshoot what could be bent? Is it possible the lower steering bracket could be bent?

[@just_guy4501]

My bike veers off to the right when I let go of both hands, what could be a reason for it?

[@michalszwed18]

Thanks Arie! My brand new Honda CB500X have its heendlebar of center when riding straight and i can't fix that , the dealer cant fix it cuz he thinks its ok :) Rear is ok , front was loosen and tighten few times , but i didint loosen the main head bolt , maybe i will try like you showed , all except the top clamp. Or the handlebar is bend "OEM way" :P

[@HDSME]

No gauge? Or bar to align it just push it back I use a string under both wheels I some times use a lasor u der the wheels to make sure they track right

[@Tiny.69]

so can I remove top 2 screw at the same time? (not loosening other bolts up) Cause the windshield bracket will be mounted right there (Triumph Trident 660) Thanks in advance

[@trykozmaksym]

Reference marks on rear axle..... very rough estimate.

[@Marco16642]

Will the bike handle the same after the fix or the precision of an untouched fork, steering will be gone ?

[@PsychoSainten]

I hmm i wonder if my issue is related to this. When i bought my bike the seal was leaking on the fork so we changed them but after reinstallation when i sit on the bike its fine but if i lean forward and put weight on the bike the front drops an extra 2 inches lower than it should its either i didnt cycle the air out enough or maybe i pinched the forks during installation? Just thinking out loud here they have ddc's aswell the bike is a dr650 i rode the bike all summer its just that its annoying and cant figure out what it could be if anyone knows lmk.