The only thing I would add is that if the top triple clamp is misaligned, the forks will be misaligned.

I loosen the top nut on the top triple clamp, so it will rotate in to alignment, but tight enough to serve as a height reference.

The lower triple clamp bores are the primary alignment, due to their length. I install the front wheel and tighten the pinch bolts. Then tighten the lower triple clamps in stages in an alternating pattern. Next is the top nut on the top triple clamp. Then the top triple clamp pinch bolts.

 

thanks for all the advice. It's amazing that there are so many diff ways of doing the same thing, huh. Evidently, we have a lot of thinkers on this forum, and I aint one of them.lol

I have never done any of this before and, I guess luckily, never had a problem til now, even though the triples were bent(didn't find out til recently). I just losened everything and tightened top and bottom triples alternately, then tighten the axle and then the pinch bolts last. Never had any brake shudder or handling problems. Had the hawk wide open in 6th gear several times, laid over on bumpy turns, for years and never knew that triples were bent. Only symptom was hands off veer to the right which i attributed to marks off on swingarm. Then I foused on this and made certain that rear wheel alignment was right by measuring, and it still veered right. All I would have had to do was to look over the ever present tank bag that hid the alignment mark on top triple and I would have discovered the bent triples. stupido!

I'm going to losen things up and try the brake shock thing and see what happens. I still have to replace the triples with the ones I just bought from Zedicus, so everything's comin apart again, ****. report back later.

thanks, nathan

 

losened everything up except the clipons and forks moved up and down freely. spun front wheel and hit brake to shock into alignment. Tightened everything up and wnet for a spin. No dice. brakes still shudder when clamped hard. Next will take off calipers and see if all pistons are operating and check flatness of pads.

 

Is it possible the brake discs are warped? Maybe you want to check the discs, i had the same symptoms with a shudder while braking hard, went through all the stages of aligning and measuring. Later i replaced the discs and it was gone....

Regards from Spain

 

****, i was hoping that wasn't the case. i guess I'm going to figure out a way to check them. Disconcerting, because when you need to get on the binders hard, you don't need brake shudder mitigating front tire traction.

thanks for the heads up, Nathan

 

I learned the oem discs tend to warp when they get really hot, dont know if this is typical for certain years or if it is a common problem.
Might be a good reason to go for a set of Wave/Galfer or any other good quality brand...

I changed to GSXR 6-pot calipers last weekend, added a set of HEL stainless steel braided brake lines and almost made a unintentional stoppie when i clamped hard the first time....lol

Regards from Spain

 

never had a problem til I put the galpher lines and pads on. I'm going to take them apart and see if i can determine warped disc/other.

thanks, nathan

 

problem: hard braking shudder

took calipers off-all pistons seem to be working, i.e.,they move in and out and grab good.

put long bolt through top hole on fork leg to touch rotor disc, spun wheel, disc rubs bolt only on one section of the rotor. both sides same thing, rubs one spot.

is this a positive test for disc warp or are their other possibilities? thanks Nathan

 

sounds warped to me.

 

Just a idea: try a front wheel from a buddies hawk, takes 15 minutes and you know...

Regards from Spain

 

I still think you should try a set of stock or HRC brake pads. Too bad you tossed yours. Somebody must have a set lying around.

You didn't have a problem. Changed brake lines and pads. Then you had a problem.



Regards back to Spain!

 

yeah that would be a good idea but I don't know anyone with a hawk around here. I do have a friend with an 05 600 f4i. i don't know if it would change over, but I think it would.

thanks nathan

 

yeah i could kick myself in the butt for tossin them. did you ever try that method of checking the straightness? seems like it has to be accurate when you do it unless something else is bent?

thanks nathan

 

http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp...rakedisk.shtml

Wow! just came across this informative article that may help some of us filter out some of the mystery surrounding brakes/rotors/break in/warp/judder. The article is automotive/cast iron oriented, but seems to be relevant to motorcycles as well.