Motorcycle Repair: Front wheel camber issue, 1982 honda cm450e, wheel bearings


Question
I just bought a 1982 Honda CM450E. The front wheel is just about rubbing the right fork. There is no wobble, and I can't complain of steering effort or effect issues seeing as I never rode it before the purchase. The front wheel is leaning to the right (at the top). The fender points dead ahead, but the wheel points off to the right. What's my plan of attack?

Answer
Mike,
something is either bent or out of place.
Check that the wheel has a spacer opposite
the side the axle nut is on.
Check that the axle is tightened evenly on both
sides. Check that the tire is seated on the rim
properly and check that the top of the fork
tubes are even. If the wheel is leaning, it
is probably the axle bent or not installed
correctly. Check the wheel bearings also.
If the wheel is just offset, check
the tire and axle spacers. It may help to
loosen the axle and fork tube bolts
and see if you can twist it straight.
This will take the tension off so it may
be able to straighten. The only
other thing is bent fork tubes. Try turning
the top tube after loosening the bolts
to see if it binds when turning.