how to tell if clip-ons/triple tree are straight

[BP2K2Max]

i had a low side at about 30 mph the other night on the right side and now the clip on feels as if it's shifted or bent. it could also be the triple tree being misaligned. how can i make sure everything is aligned correctly?

[jeffcoslacker]

You have to verify that the wheels are both faced the same exact direction while on the center stand any way you can...a pair of 8 foot 2x4's on the ground can help you sight it, or just down a straight seam in the driveway if that's all you got....then look at how the steering head is aimed in reference to the frame, take some measurements from common fixed points on both sides, make sure both fork tubes are straight, look down the triple clamp and see if the upper and lower are aligned together, etc...usually if something's messed up, once you have the tires centered it's pretty easy to see where the problem is...

If the tree (triple clamp) is shifted, you can easily set it straight by just loosening the pinch bolts and straddle the front tire and grab the bars and pull it in the direction it needs to go, just like you did with your bicycle when you'd wreck it and twist the bars...once straight, tighten everything up and visually check again, make sure the fork tubes measure the same amount protruding above the upper clamp, etc...