New to me Bike with one Final problem to solve

[blacksmith]

Hi all, bought an '86 454 about a month ago and didn't realize how much of a project it would become.  After $1600+ invested in it I realized the frame is probably bent, unless the front axle is the cause.  Everything runs well but I'm itching to ride and wondering if its worth the $200 to buy a new frame and transfer the whole bike to it, or if I can sell it to someone and get a different motorcycle.  Is it worth waiting to have a safe 454 to ride?    

[eaglerider]

Why do u think the frame is bent? What is the problem, does the front wheel not "line up" with the handlebars? Could be as simple at the front forks have gotten "twisted" in the tripple tree. please explain better, what the problem is...then we might understand better how to give you some advise.

[blacksmith]

Sorry for the lack of detail.  Rode the bike a few times after cleaning carbs and such; while riding, the handle bars were turned to the left to make the bike run straight.  After noticing that I took it to a shop to have them look at it and they noticed both triple trees were bent.  Replaced both front trees and the handle bars still turn to the left, though less than before, while riding in a straight line.  I meant to check the axle while the tubes were off but have yet to have time.  The handle bars are also bent a little bit but this is more than that.  Both tubes are true, put a metal straight edge to them.  I do not have the bike at home currently, it's at a friends house for various reasons.  Eagle, what do you mean by twisted in the triple tree?

[eaglerider]

Here's what to do...have a friend to help you, as two are better than one.......loosen slightly, the "pinch bolts" on the tripple tree, to where the fork tubes will turn in the tripple tree, with a little force. Have your "helper" (or you) hold the front wheel by straddling it with his legs....get the front wheel aligned straight with the frame, then jerk the handlebars it the direction they need to go to align the tipple tree up with the front wheel. Do this until the front wheel is aligned with the frame and tripple tree. Now this might be a bit difficult, if the handlebars are bent, but you want the front wheel, frame, and tripple tree all lined up together, then tighten the "pinch bolts on the tripple tree, that clamp the front forks. This is "alighning the front end", just like the front end is aligned on cars.

[blacksmith]

Thanks, when I have time in my schedule I'll do it.  

[blacksmith]

Thanks Eaglerider.  The tip worked.  I made sure that the "twist" wasn't at the axle, took the bike 1 mile down the road and it was still crooked.  After finding a driveway did exactly as you said and tada the bike runs like it should.  Now to do all of the other minor fixes and a new paint job.  

[eaglerider]