Straight ahead

[chronoman]

This might seem like a dumb question, but hey I'm new to Motorcycling.
I finally got my GS450l running real good, the other day I wanted to see how would the bike handle or what it would do if I let go off the handle bar, well I was going 35 mph and as soon as I would let go the bike would go right, on its own, is that normal? I'm not planning to ever ride no hands like I used to ride my 10 speed bike, but does this mean my bike is out off alignment?
BTW. this is a great site, I have learned a lot from all of you.
Claude

[emjay]

When I did the same to see what happend, my bike kept going straight. My guess is there's a problem somewhere, maybe in the forks, bearings, brakes, etc.

[wharrah]

Yep, you have an alignment problem.

My bike is the same way, and I'm going to have to try and rebuild my front end to fix my very VISIBLE problem with my fork's alignment. I just hope it isn't a bent frame on my bike... we'll see. Stand in front of your bike and look straight at it. Do you see the front tire centered exactly between the middle two cylinders? If not, there's something whacked.

But it should NOT do what yours is doing.

[chef1366]

If the forks are straight I'd check the bearings and possibly the tire.

[eddiev]

Mine front end would shake side to side eratically when I let go. It turned out to be the front tire. After that was changed it would be fine with no hands.
Eddie V

[chronoman]

I don't think is the tire, as it is new, I will check the fork.
Thanks

[Boondocks]

Check the chain alignment to be certain that the rear wheel is centered. If not, it can cause rear wheel steering to one side or the other when the handlebars are released.

[spchips]

I second making sure the chain is straight. don't trust the markings. on the swingarm. This is how I align my chain (by riding, adjusting, repeat).

heck, this'll probably even take up an alignment issue somewhere in the front of the bike.

[duaneage]

Also make sure the front wheel spacers are correct and in the proper order. I would start witha water puddle and roll the bike through to see if the treads track. then put the bike on a flat level surface and centerstand it. Use a level to see if the tires are straight up and down or tilted.

Last, check the forks with a straight edge and see if they compress equally. You weight may be pushing one harder than the other.

Also look at the rear springs, they can have problems which load the swingarm more on one side and that will push the bike in a different direction. Tire wear is a good indication of alignment issues, provided you have old tires that are worn enough to see a difference.

the triple tree could also be damaged, check for impact marks on the frame