Problem fitting front wheel to SV650

[vtwin]

Hi everyone, just bought a SV650 with the plan to use it as a winter hack. Not used for 3 years so no MOT but very tidy otherwise.

Anyway, one fork seal leaking so decided to drop the forks, replace the seal and change oil. All went well until it was time to refit the wheel.

The spindle screws into one side of the leg and 'floats' the other side clamping to the spindle. There is only one spacer so to speak with the other side being the speedo drive, so you cant put the wheel or spacer in wrong. Basically the 'floating' fork leg is to close to the disc and you can see doesnt sit on the axle properly so when you fit the calliper it rubs on the disc, you can actually see the leg is a lot closer to the disc. I have manualy 'tweaked' the fork leg out, clamped it tight and all fits on fine, however when you pump the forks they are clearly binding. If I then undo the clamp the leg springs back in and the problem is back.

I just cant see what I have done wrong, the spacers and speedo drive are definately in right, its as though the fork legs are too close together, although I am not sure how this is possible ?

Any suggestions greatly received !! Yes it was fine before I took it apart

[sirch345]

Are you positive it was alright before you stripped it

I'd check to make sure the yokes are tightened up inline.
If you hold a steel rule or straight edge against the fork legs just below the bottom yoke and another straight edge just below the top yoke, you can then eye the two through to see if they are parallel. If they are it's not that.

Chris.

[vtwin]

Thanks sirch,

well I can't be 100% sure it was ok, but all worked normally before apart from the leaking seal and you can actually see a shiny bit on the spindle that was clearly in the fork leg clamp before and is now exposed.

Will check yokes, am wondering now though if a fork tube might be slightly bent and as its gone back in a different position is causing the problem

[sirch345]

Thanks sirch,

well I can't be 100% sure it was ok, but all worked normally before apart from the leaking seal and you can actually see a shiny bit on the spindle that was clearly in the fork leg clamp before and is now exposed.

Will check yokes, am wondering now though if a fork tube might be slightly bent and as its gone back in a different position is causing the problem

A very good point, a slightly bent fork tube would make sense, as you say, especially if it's gone back in a different position.

I hope for you it's not that, but do keep us posted,

Chris.

[tony.mon]

Yep, I was thinking bent fork leg/s as I was reading the first post.

If tehy're both pointing fore or aft, no problem, but it sounds as though one has rotated 90 degrees and is pointing slightly sideways.
To test, rotate first one stanchion and then the other through 180 degrees. That will either make the problem much worse or noticeably better.

[benny hedges]

be very carefull you dont break the brittle speedo sender star thing or your speedo wont work!!!
dont force it!
does sound like either the forks or bottom yoke have took a knock.
roll the spindle on glass to check it's not bent.

ive got a manual for one of these somewhere if youre stuck

[vtwin]

Well thanks for all your help its fixed !! Not sure what was wrong in the end though Decided to take everything back out, checked the forks for bends, put it all back together and its fine

And it passed its MOT with no advisories

On the road the bike feels very nimble compared to the storm, of course it lacks the ultimate grunt of the storm, but I reckon its not far off as quick, and probably quicker through the twisties especially for a pansy rider like me !

Anyone else owned / ridden one ?

[tony.mon]

Could have been something as simple as a spacer slightly out of line.

I've also have to loosen mudguards before, as they're capable of holding a wheel out of line slightly, when adjusting handlebar position after fitting new head bearings.

[sirch345]

Glad too hear you've sorted anyway

Chris.