Space between fork and tire

fljar · May 19, 2012

Ok, can't figure it out. Got my 2010 FE450 which I love but tend to lay over once in a while. I've experienced what many others have in that the fork gets twisted and I have to loosen and adjust back straight.

I've noticed for some time now that the spacing between the tire and fork covers is different on the right versus the left. Specifically - the tire is much closer to the left fork cover (right side if you're sitting on it) than it is to the other side. So close that there are wear marks on that fork cover. I assume the spacing should be even.

I've tried the steering stem, triple clamps, checking the fork covers, bent wheel, ensuring I tighten the wheel spindle in the proper manner, spacers, --- nothing. :cuss:

Any thoughts? Or is this "as designed"? The spacing is even on my friends' KTMs.

GregUK · May 20, 2012

The front wheel should be pretty much equi-spaced between the forks.

I would take both forks out of the triple clamps. Clean, clean, clean the mating surfaces. Lay each fork on a bench/whatever and check that they aren't bent. Reassemble the forks legs in the triple clamp paying particular attention to their height above the top triple clamp. They should sit a few mms higher than the top triple clamp but I can't find an exact figure for this. Orient the air-bleed so that you can access it then tighten top and bottom triple clamps to the torque figure stated on them.

Check that the fork seal heights are the same (although there's no reason why they shouldn't be).

Have you recently replaced the wheel bearings? Did you refit the bearing spacer tube?

The wheel should have an identical spacer on the outside of each bearing. Slide the wheel in and refit the spindle so that the l/h spindle nut is flush with the clamp.

Drop the bike off the work-stand and compress the front suspension a few times. THEN tighten the spindle clamps to 11.1 lbs ft.

Job should be a good 'un!

Greg

PS When it's all wonky, what's happening with the brake disc and caliper?

fljar · May 20, 2012

GregUK said:
The front wheel should be pretty much equi-spaced between the forks.

I would take both forks out of the triple clamps. Clean, clean, clean the mating surfaces. Lay each fork on a bench/whatever and check that they aren't bent. Reassemble the forks legs in the triple clamp paying particular attention to their height above the top triple clamp. They should sit a few mms higher than the top triple clamp but I can't find an exact figure for this. Orient the air-bleed so that you can access it then tighten top and bottom triple clamps to the torque figure stated on them.

Check that the fork seal heights are the same (although there's no reason why they shouldn't be).

Have you recently replaced the wheel bearings? Did you refit the bearing spacer tube?

The wheel should have an identical spacer on the outside of each bearing. Slide the wheel in and refit the spindle so that the l/h spindle nut is flush with the clamp.

Drop the bike off the work-stand and compress the front suspension a few times. THEN tighten the spindle clamps to 11.1 lbs ft.

Job should be a good 'un!

Greg

PS When it's all wonky, what's happening with the brake disc and caliper?

Thanks GregUK-

Already tried everything you mentioned. Haven't replaced the bearing yet (later this year I will be) so the spacer tube is definitely in there as are the rt and lt spacers. Brake disc and caliper are fine - as I turn the wheel, the spacing does not change.

Another response (on KTM Talk) mentioned the spoke torque possibly being off. Any thoughts on that?

GregUK · May 20, 2012

fljar said:
Another response (on KTM Talk) mentioned the spoke torque possibly being off. Any thoughts on that?

When struck, do all the front spokes 'ping' like the rear wheel spokes?

Any chance of a photograph?

Greg

Ghost · May 20, 2012

fljar said:
... I've noticed for some time now that the spacing between the tire and fork covers is different on the right versus the left. Specifically - the tire is much closer to the left fork cover (right side if you're sitting on it) than it is to the other side. So close that there are wear marks on that fork cover. I assume the spacing should be even.

The right side doesn't have a spacer, it's supposed to be "floating" on the axle. (at least until you tighten the lock nuts...) Make sure you don't push the right hand side fork leg towards the wheel when assembling. (saw it on a customers bike at the local suspension shop. Customer complained about that the forks were sticking... Yup he was right it was sticking, big time, and no it wasn't possible to fully compress the forks) :bounce3:

regards

/Nick

Space between fork and tire

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