Is the front wheel centered?

[Svoboda]

I recently put a cruise control on a 99 Valkyrie. I was disappointed to find that the bike wants to turn right in no-hands mode. Intentionally twisting the triple tree (fork alignment) one way and then the other made little difference. While doing this I noticed that the front tire is not centered. The wheel is about an 1/8 inch closer to the fork on the speedometer side than on the spacer side. Is this normal? It seem like this would account for the drift to the right. I can't see a way to adjust this, it seems fixed by the thickness of the spacer and speedo unit.

[Chrisj CMA]

The left fork (speedo side as you said) can actually move left and right on the axel. There is a mark where the fork lower is supposed to rest on the axel. Then it's right

[old2soon]

          There is a step by step Procedure for the reinstall of the front wheel. While I haven't Really looked at How my front wheels sits in the forks I do in Fact follow the reinstall Procedure. Working from my "memory" such as it is the left side-non nut side-I believe should be near a flush fit. I have a small plastic hammer that I use to help seat the axle. NOT drive it in But Seat it. If that makes sense. My I/S has a bit over 130000 miles on it and on straight stretches I've been known to take both hands of the grips and stretch and scratch and-well you git the idea.   RIDE SAFE.

[indybobm]

As Chris pointed out, with the left pinch bolts loose, the left fork can move left and right on the big end of the axle. This is the most clear description of the proper procedure for installing the front wheel. I 'borrowed' it from Dan Kennett's post on facebook.

"Push the axle in until it is flush with the left fork, tighten the left pinch bolts to hold the axle, torque the axle bolt, tighten the right fork pinch bolts, loosen the left pinch bolts, bounce the forks with the front brake applied, , retighten the left pinch bolts. Then check that the left caliper is centered over the left rotor."

Be sure to make sure that the speedometer drive unit is positioned properly.

A picture of 'Axle Flush With Left Fork'

[Svoboda]

Problem solved; thanks for the help. I triple checked my service manual, and it doesn't mention the line on the axel. However, with your advice, I found the line, and set it just inside the fork. This gave me the extra 1/8" i needed and greatly improved the hands-off tracking. 

[gordonv]

bounce the forks with the front brake applied, ,

This is to allow the parts to align into their natural position.

[indybobm]

Just so you know, not all the front axles have that line.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Just so you know, not all the front axles have that line.

Actually it looks like it there on your axle also. Right at the same spot as the pic in this thread.
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,58071.0.html

[Chrisj CMA]

bounce the forks with the front brake applied, ,

This is to allow the parts to align into their natural position.

The only part that cam move to a position of better alignment would be the left fork. This would only work If the left pinch bolts are loose when you do it.

[gordonv]

tighten the right fork pinch bolts, loosen the left pinch bolts,
bounce the forks with the front brake applied, ,

This is to allow the parts to align into their natural position.

The only part that cam move to a position of better alignment would be the left fork. This would only work If the left pinch bolts are loose when you do it.

I should have included the information before.

[JimBob]

Thanks All!
I had my forks off and reworked them, then later had the front wheel off to install a new tire.
I read the shop manual section regarding installing the front wheel a couple of times and I recall it talking about checking clearances at the calipers, but the mental image never 'clicked'.....
Now with your explanations I understand!
(I THINK! )