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How do I repair bent forks on a suzuki cruiser?The bend isn't visable,can only tell it by riding.?

took a spill on a 800 suz., bent the forks and handle bars. Does this repair take special equipment for alignment? or can a guy in his garage, with average tools, get it back into position? Im experienced in automotive repair.

Update:

great bunch of answers and advice. tha accident left me with a compound fracture tib & fib , left leg. got some hardware added. put me outta work for a few months.

5 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    If the actual leg of the fork is bent, you can't straighten it safely because the metal will already be fatigued, and it will fatigue it more by straightening it, with possibly fatal results (see answer above). If such a problem is not visible, you can still pick it by extra "stiction" in the fork action.

    If the only problem is that the assembly has moved around in the clamps a bit, a reputable bike shop should be able to realign them for you.

  • ?
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago

    If the forks are bent they MIGHT be salvagable but it requires specialty equipment. Forks by Frank is one such place that has the specialty equipment to straighten damaged forks.

    Most of us, just buy a good used set off ebay or at a salvage yard and swap em out.

    If the spill you took was enough to damage the forks, make sure the wheel is not damaged nor the triple tree.

    Source(s): motorcycle mechanic for 35 years
  • 1 decade ago

    So what are the symptoms, the handlebars don't line up straight when cruising down the road? If so, loosen the bolts on the top and bottom triple clamp, stand straddle the front wheel holding it in place with your knees and twist the handlebars whichever direction they need to go. Tighten the bolts and take it for a ride.

  • 1 decade ago

    Stop,unless you are a certified motorcycle mechanic,take your bike to a dealer and let them fix it. This is not something you want to mess around with unless you know what your doing, I have about 30 plus years riding experience,and I would not work on the front forks of my bike. I had a very good friend ,try and fix his forks after he bumped a curb once, after the fix he took his bike for a test ride, got the bike up to 55 mph. and disaster struck something broke, and he is no longer with us, so please be sure you know what your doing, and ride safe

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  • ?
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    Oh my goodness, are you okay???

    If your handlebar is even a little out of kilter it affects they way you handle your turns and will pull you to one side or the other. We ended up having to replace ours.... That sucks. I hope someone has a better and safe answer for you!!

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