HELP!! Tire Change Disaster

[The ModFather]

I was trying to put my front tire back on and it slipped off the fork stands. Now it seems like one side of the fork is lower and has a lot more play than the other side. Did I damage the forks or suspension? It didnt come down hard as it was being held but the weight came down on the forks. Are the forks always like that. If I look at them the left fork is down about 2-3 inches lower than the right fork. Did I screw up my forks?

[The ModFather]

Here's a PIC. Did I screw up my forks? I dont see how I'm supposed to get my axle through like that. What are my options. Do I need to have it professionally hauled to the bike shop? I'm so bummed. Any help please!!


IMG_5005 by ricknieto, on Flickr

[The ModFather]

I'm not sure if I messed up my forks or they're just misaligned because they are not on the fork stand pegs the same. As soon as I get someone to help me out in holding the bike up I'm going to readjust where the forks sit on the pegs and see if I can get the axle and wheel back on. Any help here??

[Raux]

seems you just pushed one of the forks through the triple a bit.
measure the forks above the top triple or below the bottom triple to the end of the outer fork tube.

get some straps to hang the front end from a rafter or put a jack with wood under the motor.
get the bike off the fork jacks.
you'll need to loosen the triples holding the forks and realign them.

there's a full procedure to it, tighten, bounce, tighten, torque, etc, etc.
I think there's a tutorial for it.

[He Man]

The right fork isnt even on the stand!!!

if you look at the fork seals they are level so the fork never moved. if you unload the left fork theyll be even, or if you put the right fork back on the stand...

[d3vi@nt]

From the picture it looks to me like the one is just compressed more due to the way it's sitting on the stand.  Do what Raux said; get it off the stands first.  I think it might even out once that's done. I got some heavy duty moving straps with ratchets ($14 each) at Lowe's, screwed a couple eye-bolts into the rafters and carefully raised it that way.

Don't feel bad -I did the exact same thing when I was trying to remount my front wheel. I got rid of that stand and ordered a triple-tree stand from T-Rex (http://t-rex-racing.com/catalog.php?item=49). They had it at my door in two days. It's way more stable and doesn't get in the way of the axle, etc.  The downside is there's not enough clearance to get the pin in the triples when the fender is on, so it has to be removed. No biggie though and it converts to a standard standard stand by removing the triple part.

Good luck!

[Raux]

yeah definitely measure the forks before loosening anything.

[Howley]

My 2c.
- put bike back on stand.
- but front wheel on.
- ride.

Dropping the front onto the forks will not cause the forks to slide in the triples.

[BMiller]

My 2c.
- put bike back on stand.
- but front wheel on.
- ride.

Dropping the front onto the forks will not cause the forks to slide in the triples.

^ This.

[The ModFather]

Got it back on the stands evenly. All is well.