My new (to me) GS850 just got knocked over! Tips on what to check?

[ironsheik]

Hey all,
I just got this beautiful 79 850 with only 11,000 miles on it and one week later this dumb a-hole in a giant SUV runs my bike over while leaving her parking spot! I specifically left close to 10 feet between us too! Luckily there's only a minor dent in the tank with no crease and all the other damage is cosmetic except for the busted plug wire. I just ordered a new brake lever, rear turn signal, handlebar, badge and crankcase cover which she will pay for. It happened last night and I discovered her truck parked in the same spot this morning. There was a nice gash in her bumper where it rammed the fins. Luckily it's plastic and luckily she came out as I was inspecting it!

The thing I'm not sure about though is how do I check front end alignment? The handlebar is bent a lot and it looks to me like the guages and turnsignals are slightly shifted to the left. The bike was completely over on it's side and the front wheel was locked. Would this indicate any damage to the triple clamp? I kind of doubt that thing would get bent but obviously want to be sure. I'm waiting for the Clymer right now so I don't know too much about these bikes yet.

Thanks for any advice. I just hope I'm not looking at an expensive repair that I have to shake someone down for. I DO know where she lives and what she drives though... Just in case...

Josh

[mark]

Its not that hard to straighten your handlebars out. Loosen the bolts on your lower and upper triple clamps, and the one clamp on your steering head, (not the big one on top, but the clamp bolt that is at the base by your gas tank). Put a brace under your bike to keep the bike from falling, or just loosen the triple clamp bolts just a little, so the front end of the bike doesn't slip down the fork tubes.

Then with your bike on the centerstand, you should be able to straddle the front tire with your legs and line up your handlebars with your arms.

I doubt that if your bike simply fell over that there should be any misalignment unless the whole front end was run over. But once your bars are straightened, check all your bolts on the front end for proper torque and for smooth operation of your forks.

[ironsheik]

Thanks Mark. That's good to hear. I thought it wasn't too serious but I'm still new to motorcycles.

It's funny this happened because I actually needed a new master cylinder, lower handlebars and plug wires anyway. Thank God the tank wasn't damaged too much. I heard of fixing dents with a hairdryer and compressed air by heating and then super-cooling the metal. Hopefully it works on this!

Josh

[mark]

I heard of fixing dents with a hairdryer and compressed air by heating and then super-cooling the metal. Hopefully it works on this!

Josh

I'll have to try that on a few of the dents in my tank. (lol).

[Dave8338]

I'll have to try that on a few of the dents in my tank. (lol).

Don't hold your breath on that one. :? A heat gun and a plastic cup of water frozen, will take them out if they're not creased.

[koolaid_kid]

For your tank, there are people out there that can remove the dent(s) from the inside out. I forget what the method is called, but it really sounds like the best method for your needs.
As far as the forks and triple clamps, be sure and ride it after adjusting it. When you are going down a flat, smooth road, you should be able to let go of the handlebars and the bike should track straight and true.
Personally, since she should be paying for it, I would take it to the dealer and have it done right. But that's just me.

[ironsheik]

Personally, since she should be paying for it, I would take it to the dealer and have it done right. But that's just me.

Agreed however I like working on my own bike and seriously I'm just happy she admitted it and is going to pay anything. I'm one of those people that doesn't trust a thing unless I do it myself. Thanks for all the advice everyone!

Josh

[GS850_Coug]

Agreed however I like working on my own bike and seriously I'm just happy she admitted it and is going to pay anything. I'm one of those people that doesn't trust a thing unless I do it myself. Thanks for all the advice everyone!

Josh

I agree with you on the trust issue...especially on these old school bikes. Most of the dealerships have 20-25 year old kids who have a little crotch-rocket experience and not much else. If it's not fuel injected they are clueless.

[bradleymaynar]

Agreed however I like working on my own bike and seriously I'm just happy she admitted it and is going to pay anything. I'm one of those people that doesn't trust a thing unless I do it myself. Thanks for all the advice everyone!

Josh

My advice, since she is going to pay. Take it to a bike shop that is familiar with older bikes. They do exsist! And get an estimate from them. Then take it to a body shop (you may have to shop around) and get an estimate for the body work. While I understand the want to work on your own bike, she's going to pay! Leave it to the pros and sit back and relax while your bike is brought back to life.

Brad bt

[LostSoul3471]

Must of hit you good. A simple fall over would yield a scratch and a few explicatives afterwards if you saw it. (A major gust of wind caught mine, nothing for damage though) Be careful on the initial road test in case something was missed, front end stuff can be hairy.

[SqDancerLynn1]

DO NOT PRESSURISE THE TANK WITH AIR. It will balloon & you will be looking for a replacement