Veering right - balance issue

Okay, what can I check to find anything to fix this?

When NOT holding the grips (oh, I never actually do that :wink: ) the bike wants to veer right - SLIGHTLY.

Fixed/replaced recently:
- new front wheel bearings this year
- cleaned front brake piston this year
- new steering head bearings (tapered) last summer, adjusted tension 1000 miles ago
- front brake pads 2 years
- front tire has 8000 miles, rear has 3000
- rear brakes replaced 3 years ago

The bike was probably laid down on the right side once, due to obvious scars. Since everything seems original, my guess is it wasn't a major one.

What am I missing? Thanks.

 

Are your forks set up true in the yokes? And as it's only slight, are you sat in the middle?

 

Hey bloke, I knew the forks could be a culprit. Thanks. I'll check it out.

Or maybe its just the weight of my fat wallet, right before I place an order with Chacal :wink:

 

bent fork tube?

 

Have you noticed the crown in the road, and how the lane you are in slopes to the right?
:lol: :lol: CZ

 

Remove the plate glass from a picture frame - lay against your fork tubes.
+1 on crowned roads - - bikes will pull to the right.
Bikes handle different with brand-new tires, too.

 

Thanks for more input. The crown I know about. I have tested it in flat places like parking lots.

I had the fork seals replaced as a part of the new tire when I bought it. Didn't know anything about bike work then. The shop is run by an old german hardcore biker. He gave the front end a thumbs up, but I still take it with a little skepticism since I didn't do it.

Thanks TtR. I will check for bends, and also if they are lined up right on the triple tree.

The new rear tire didn't change it and the front is worn enough to be replaced in the spring anyway

 

http://www.yamahafz1oa.com/sportrydersw ... thod.shtml
you don't have a chain to adjust but you can still check the alignment.
if you loosen the top clamps of the forks and spin them a bent fork will be easy to spot, the top tube will be hard to spin then easy. only have to spin it 180 deg. to tell.

 

A friend of mine didnt realize her handlebars were slightly bent after a fall.
Pulled pretty hard to the left.
Easy check.

 

Thanks Polock. I'll check both.

SLKid, good to know. Mine are indeed bent, extremely subtle, but I didn't think the handlebar angle would affect it - if everything else was fine.

My guess is when the fork seals were replaced, the fork alignment wasn't put back perfect, and with the handlebar bend added - its enough to cause the issue.

 

What I do on my Dirtbikes is,
Look straight down my fender and see if tire is perfectly aligned.
If not, loosen axle, loosen fork tube clamps.
Spin upper fork tube and watch tire.
It will canter left or right depending on the bend in the fork.

I just try to get it as close as possible.