Steering misalignment help needed

[NitroGS]

Hi Guys,
Recently purchased a 1979 Suzuki GS1000ET, showing no obvious signs of crash damage. But noticed when I went out on the road for the first time that the handlebar position did not correctly line up with the front wheel. When the front wheel is absolutely straight the handlebars are slightly turned to the left. Has anybody any ideas what could be the problem please, it would be much appreciated.

[Nessism]

Try loosening up the triple clamp bolts and fender bolts, then try tweaking the bars back to center. If they won't go, something is likely bent.

[mark]

Don't totally loosen the triple clamp bolts of course if the bike isn't supported. But if you back them off a bit, stradle the front tire and "tweak" them as suggested you should be O.K. if there isn't other damage.

This is a wierd issue for me. Sometimes going down the road my bars don't seem straight when they actually are. I've had this wierdness with every bike I've owned. I've measured them and everything and they're perfect, sometimes my eyes make them look off. Bugs me.

[txironhead]

That happens to me too, but normally after a couple beers....:-\"

[NitroGS]

Thanks for the advice guys I will do as you say to see if it remedies the situation.

[hwb120240]

Yep, I get that "off kilter" look at the bars too. No idea how.

[BikeNut]

If you have a flat piece of glass wider than the width of the forks, and norrow enough to fit between the fender and the lower clamp hold it against the forks. If it sits flat against both fork legs, they're straight.