--- In dneprheads@yahoogroups.com, "Mark McElvy" <mmcelvy@...> wrote:
>
> I have had my forks apart and I am not sure how to tell if they are
> straight or not. The upper portions are straight individually. As far as
> assembling them correctly, I am only guessing because I don't have clear
> information. My front tire is wearing funny, sitting on the bike left
> side of tire is worn more than right.
>
>
>
> Mark McElvy
>

I'd guess the funny wear is probably caused by out-of-line sidecar.

As for removing and checking the forks, take the wheel and fender off, place
drain pan under forks, and remove lower bolts from underneath. Unscrew the
'gland nut', etc., until you can pull the lower (sliding part) off. Remove the
tube from the triple tree, remove the lower bushing, and then the gland nut,
seals, etc. from the tube. Roll the tube on a flat surface (kitchen counter
worked for me). If it's straight, it rolls smooth, if not, figure out how to
straighten it -- most folks take it to a shop that can do it, I got a big hammer
and a 4x4 or two, and took my time. Another way is to install the forks so the
deflection is opposite and will be corrected by a 2x4 in between them and pulled
back to bend the forks in the opposite direction. Leave it for a day or two,
then check it. You may be surprised to find how much it'll straighten out.

All the instructions you need (or links to them) are on Duane Ausherman's BMW
site, <http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/index.htm>. Just realize we have a heavier
built bike, and it'll take a lot of persuasion to make it right.

HTH, SK

SK