Upper Fork Tube Straightening

I've researched this online (grain of salt obviously) and gotten conflicting info. Some say never do, some say a little run-out can be straightened. My build is stalled at the moment as I discovered one upper tube is bent slightly. I don't have v blocks but when the tubes are placed together there is about 1/16" between them in the middle when I orient it so the inside of the curve is towards the straight one.

Common sense says I don't want to be flying down the road on something straightened but I'm no expert on metal fatigue etc.

 

this is all my manual says about it no spec


and from haynes

still no standard of strightness

 

Thanks. Got my eye on a few forks on eBay, also posted here.

 

I've straightened a few, easy to do with a press and v blocks, but I'd only do it so long as there are no creases in the leg

 

That small amount of difference can be straightened if you have the proper tools. If you don't have V blocks, a dial indicator and a hydraulic press just get another pair.

 

I was in an accident and my forks were slightly bent. The shop I took it to straightened them and I have been riding on them fine for a year without any issues. I can't say whether or not it is a good idea, but it seemed to work for me. Here is a picture of one of them that they sent me before straightening, I couldn't find the others.

 

Wow, that is bent quite a bit more than mine. Sounds like if done properly and the tube is a candidate, its not a terrible idea. I don't have the tools nor am I interested in purchasing them. Not something I'd use much.

I put some low offers in on a couple sets on eBay, one guy bit so I have a two complete forks on my way. They had a video of the bike that was parted, sad to see that. It was complete, in nice shape, and even had some video of it being ridden.

 

I think they charged something like $60 to straighten them. The shop apparently looked for forks a little but didn't come up with anything immediately so decided to go with straightening. I probably would have just bought some used ones like you are if I was doing it, but I had the shop do all the repairs so I had a legit bill to send to the lady that hit me.