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Bent Forks On A 5 Month Old 650 :(

3K views 25 replies 8 participants last post by  notacop 
#1 ·
A while back I crashed into a ditch while off-roading. I replaced the broken windshield and temporarily fixed the front fender with some trusty JB Weld. All seemed good as the bike rides fine and tracks straight. After realizing my bike is destined to hit the ground again, I purchased some Givi crash bars. Much to my surprise, the fender hits the crash bars when the suspension is compressed. I was hoping it's because the fender was damaged, no such luck. Today I loosened the triple tree and tried to rotate the tube. It wouldn't turn so I pried it down out of the top tree. As I started to rotate it quickly became misaligned with the opening from which it was removed. At least one of the tubes is bent (I got discouraged and haven't checked the right side). I suspect I will find they are both bent since it tracks straight. I can feel a slight dimple just below where the tube meets the bottom of the lower triple tree. I plan to pull the forks and take them to a shop to see about straightening but I fear that wont be possible due to the dimple. I'm not looking for sympathy just any recommendations as to where I can get the best deal on parts and other words of wisdom to make this less painful.
 
#2 ·
I got a set through Sasquatch from an Italian maker. $400+ plus a set of silicone seals.
It's a project bike I haven't had on the road yet.
If the forks aren't kinked, you can have them straightened. Mine were buggered.
Sasquatch rider.com
It took a few months to get the though. It's Italy, you know.
 
#3 ·
I rebuild a crashed bike last winter and got some new stanchion tubes from Racetech (cheaper than stock) and bought a lower half of the triple off ebay.

I suspect your lower triple may be bent - as mine was - and needs to be replaced - or shaped - or your never going to get the front end re-aligned. I considered sending it to an alignment shop but rolled the dice on a replacement lower and it worked out in my case.
 
#6 ·
They are within walking distance of me. I'm almost as likely to drive by them on any given day as not. They don't have a road side presence, only an alley entrance. They really are more about chopper front ends. It may work to ask them about straightening fork tubes but don't lead off by telling them what bike you have. That might end the conversation.
 
#7 ·
IIRC the were some Ninja 250 guys who got replacement tubes from them but that was decades ago, and also replacements for pitted tubes for some 70s rice burner restoration project. They were inexpensive too and had nice customer service.

Never dealt with them personally, had no need.
 
#8 ·
I know for a fact Frank's does not make fork tubes for V-Stroms. I asked.
 
#11 ·
2012-2016 DL650s are the only bikes listed with the same part number front fork tubes.
 
#14 ·
IIRC, there is a small difference at the bottom of the tube, but I forgot which can be easily trimmed to fit the other.
 
#16 ·
I need to ride so I'm not above modifying a part that is essentially the same as original...oil hole there, shorten or lengthen threads, Etc. "Franken" bikes or parts are cool! To that extreme, my buddy built a RD 400 into a GS550 frame or another one built what could be described as a "Japan Head" (Harley motor in a Japanese frame)...
 
#19 ·
Wingstrom,

Was that David Moore? Good guy. I used his talents to repair some rims.

Turns out we know a lot of the same folk. Very fair in pricing.


Yes I found your post from 10/29/13. I haven't contacted him yet. It'll be a while before I take the bike apart. This weekend is Tierra Del Sol. An annual jeeping event I attend down by the Salton Sea.


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#22 · (Edited)
The number I have is 760 240 3543. He may have retired?

Buchanans used to do a lot of stuff and may have more limited service now.
Specialists in frame and wheel work are a dying breed.
Thanks the educational system and the lack of SHOP in school.
When I googled him that info came up.

I don't know if he does Forks.
 
#25 ·
I got my forks back today. They straightened up perfectly. I've ordered a new front fender and will putting it all back together along with Rick's new fender raising blocks.
If anyone needs wheel straightening or fork tubes straightened I Highly recommend David Moore Wheel Service in Apple Valley CA (760)240-3543. He does great work at a reasonable price. If you happen to live close enough, he has some good stories too.


I've seen posts somewhere on here before listing places for wheel repair. If David isn't on that list maybe Greywolf or somebody can add him. He won't work with cracked wheels but he will straighten bent rims whether cast or spoked.


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#26 ·
Kinda an oops in my communications. I had David do some 1100RT wheels for me but it's all good since you got your forks done. What the heck!
In dismantling my forks I had a V block explode and bounce all around my friend garage. Gotta have the right stuff.
I suppose when he worked at Buchanan's Spoke and Rim he did a lot of axles and forks.
 
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