Crooked Rear End

[Chris1254]

Ok, so when I purchased my new (used) bike I just flat out didn't realize that the rear end was shifted off center a bit. As I was a new rider I kind of just figured it was because it was leaned over on the sidestand. Well, that wasn't the reason and now I need some help determining the likely problem. I know the previous owner laid it down at least once as the rear footpegs are all chewed up. The rear swingarm is fine and the bike ride like a dream. I removed the Givi mounts hoping that that was the culprit, but that wasn't it. Any ideas??

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_M41pwyjlmxY/SlE_B1jFOgI/AAAAAAAAEyM/i8GZ4irWb74/s640/photo.jpg

[maggot]

Looks to me like it was dropped on its right side and the right rack is pushing the fender to the left. The right rack is inward at the bottom and the left is pushed out.
Lets hope it's not more serious.

Remove the racks, put it on a centerstand and post another picture. It could be the upper frame is twisted. In your profile pic it's easy to see the twisting as well, as one bag sits higher than the other.
Too bad you didn't notice it before you got it. The previous owner has an interesting story to tell.

Ken

[Chris1254]

I have removed the racks but that didn't fix it. I would put it on a center stand but dont' have one. It was dropped on the right side though.

[xen]

I see the fender washer and bolt on the left side (clutch). It's there behind the exhaust. I don't see one on the right side. It looks like you can see the hole and it's hanging down on that side. Those bolts holding the fender washers fall out really easily if they aren't loctited and you ride on any rough road.

[Chris1254]

You're right, the bolt/washer on the right side is not there. I have moved the housing into position where it should be and it doesn't make a difference with the overall cant.

[maggot]

The more I look at it, the worse it looks.

It's hard too tell being on its side stand, but it looks as though the top rack is twisted clockwise, and the right exhaust is lower than the left???

I wish in your case, that it's minor..
Good luck

Ken

[CanadianFZ6]

You have a bent sub-frame. I had an accident with my wee and the same thing happend to the right side. I ended up removing the plastics and exhaust bolts at the rear, then using a car jack between the rear tire and right side rear sub frame. Jacked the right side up a bit and now it is nearly straight. Check all the sub frame bolts where they attach to the main frame. Mine were all loose after I straightened the sub frame.

[Chris1254]

Thanks for the diagnosis. I was hoping it was something that could be taken care of with as little pain ($$$) as possible.

[Chris1254]

You have a bent sub-frame. I had an accident with my wee and the same thing happend to the right side. I ended up removing the plastics and exhaust bolts at the rear, then using a car jack between the rear tire and right side rear sub frame. Jacked the right side up a bit and now it is nearly straight. Check all the sub frame bolts where they attach to the main frame. Mine were all loose after I straightened the sub frame.

Just put the jack right up against the tire?

[Jimding]

Have a friend hold the bike upright with the handlebars straight and try to tell if the front and back wheel align properly. If they do, then the repairs are largely cosmetic. If they don't, the frame is twisted, or perhaps the back wheel is misaligned. How does the bike ride? Sometimes interesting to ride through a little water, then look at the wet tire tracks on the street. If the bike is leaving two tire trails when riding in a straight line (and I've seen some that do) you've got bigger problems.

[Heavy-H]

So, did you get it figured out?.....

[Chris1254]

I've had a couple friends take a look at it, and they're very experienced riders who have worked on their bikes so I trust 'em. The conclusion is that the subframe is bent/tweaked. The parts list calls it a seat rail and they run about $450. I'm not sure I want to do the repair myself (car jack against the wheel) for fear of a Tim Taylor outcome. If anybody in the Seattle/Tacoma area has a contact for someplace that might do this type of repair I would be appreciative. If the cost of that is too much, I may just strip it down and replace it with a new (or straight used) one.

[jackpiner57]

Most likely the rear subframe is twisted. This is a common problem when the bike is dropped with sidecases. I am fabricating a straightener out of a 4' piece of 1-1/2" square tubing and a couple of bent flatbars welded to it. It will work without taking all the plastics off. Just take the seat off and hook one flatbar under the subframe and the other flatbar resting on top of the subframe on the opposite side. Then just lever it down and take out the twist.