Forks or triple clamps.....

Hey guys, Been watching this forum while considering an R1. So after a lifetime with Kawasaki I got a deal on a 2000 R1 that I couldn't pass up. One little problem I was hoping somebody here would have some insight on. The front tire is pushed very close to the fairing chin. Not so close to rub at a stop but a little to close for comfort. I'm hoping for opinions of if this might be bent forks or more likely the triple clamps. I hope I don't get flamed for not looking at it but I know it will be at least a week before I get the fairing off and really look and even then don't know if I'd really notice any signs of where the problem is. All input is much appreciated. Thanx

how close are we talking because the wheel is quite close to the fairing normally..have you got pics or have you measured the gap

nothing can be assessed until you provide pics of the gap and a pic of the top of the forks where they go through the top triple clamp.:thumbup

I just went and measured mine. My forks are all the way down/flush with the top triple. Measuring from bottom of the front lip I get almost exactly 2 inches. Go from there. WES

Thanx for the responses guys. Sorry took a while to log in. Looks to be about 1/4 inch or maybe even less. I took the fairing off but can't see anything so bent that I could eyeball it. http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/NetJester/R1/R1008_3_1_1_1_1.jpg http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/NetJester/R1/R1007_2_1_1_3_1.jpg http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/NetJester/R1/R1006_1_1_1_2_1.jpg

looks normal 2 me, mine have been pretty close on both my r1s.....im going 2 go look quick 2 c 4 sure

well i just checked my 02 and I got like an inch more clearence than you. Are you using aftermatket plastics/fiberglass bodywork....sometimes those are poor fitting:dunno

Thanks for checking. Just bought the bike used from a dealer. Custom paint but other than an under tail I don't think after market plastics. Dealer suspected it was stunted from the subframe being welded in places, so I'm thinkin this might wheelie and stoopie abuse. Weather permitting I'll take it on the road for the first time tomarrow. First glance I thought for sure it was an oversized tire but it's stock size. I guess I won't stress it too much till I see how it handles bumps and tracks. Thanks agian.

custom paint usually means it was messed up before, maybe they needed to replace the rear sub-frame 2 because of an accident:dunno

my guess is it's bent somewhere. either frame..triples..or forks... that is too small a gap. it's not standard.

No that's way off. Something is bent. WES

Ride it slowly back to the dealer, somethings very wrong with that bike.

is it stock bodywork? if its not, then it could be fit and finish on aftermarket bodywork. or bike could have been tied down or strapped for dragstrip. still worth checking out. i have seen lotsa aftermarket lowers and fenders doing this.

Dealer is 200 miles away. he was really cautious that I knew all the problems with the bike so I'm still happy with it. I just took it on the road for the first time and when I shift early and the motor lugs jus a bit I can fill it grabbing a little bit. I'm gonna pull the forks and see if they look to bent and hope it's the clamps. I've seen a few members here with some for sale.

take some pics of the frame near the headstock. Actually the best thing would be to take it to a frame shop and have it checked. something is not right... :fact

take some pics of the frame near the headstock. Actually the best thing would be to take it to a frame shop and have it checked. something is not right... :fact +1 definately should be more gap than that. I would have a really good look at forks and headstock if not do as kangaroo says and take it to a frame shop they will soon tell you if its straight Good luck matey

Forks will tend to bend before the triple clamp. Sometimes you can get lucky, and if you loosen every bolt holding the forks, (upper tree, Lower tree, even clip ons and front wheel) the front end will release and be better after tightening, but still not be perfect. Your handling mas to be greatly affected judging by the pics. I wuold however take a very good look at the lowers and make certain they are OEM, because as everyone else has said, aftermarket plastics can cuase the problem.

ve a friend also ve the same problem,his nike was head on to the car rear n ve dent at the top frame.

Can someone translate :dunno

tie a rope to your front wheel and push it off a cliff... make sure the rope is 7 ft shorter than the drop!! Glad to help :)

You guys are cruel :(