Hit a car, steering issue, front impact caused problem

[Paul2129]

I've just been unfortunate enough to hit a car, totally not my fault, I was wiped out by a driver who pulled out to U-turn or turn right. Driver was apologetic, cosmetic damage only to my bike (a scooter) no injuries, so (and mainly for my own reasons) we'll "Likely" avoid the insurance route. The only problem I have now, which I can't live with, until repaired is that I noticed a wobble from the front end when you take your weight off the bars, theres some fore/aft movement of the front forks by maybe 1/4" at the bottom when you pull on them when the bike is on the centre stand.
The solution to this is obviously to take it to the bike shop, get them to visually inspect it, to test ride the bike etc
however, from anyone's experience, can a front impact 'Loosen' the head, which needs nipping up again, or it's possible to attempt to tighten it up, and it not successful, then disassemble and rebuild as required ?
Just wondered if anyone has experienced this, found that it was an easy fix or not ?

as ever, I've probably answered my own question, but I appreciate it if anyone have dealt with something similar

thanks

[Nobby the Bastard]

A front impact wouldn't loosen a bearing in a way that it could be easily tighten.

More likely it was like it before the impact or something has been broken.
____________________
trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Sprint ST 1050

[Easy-X]

Twisting of the forks / yokes?
____________________
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Paul2129]

the bike has recently been for a recall and adjustment of the steering head by the manufacturer, so both they and myself confirmed that is was good after than adjustment and before the crash, but regardless, it isn't their fault that it's been run into something solid. I'll take it along to my local place and get it looked at properly. Can't really be diagnosed online, for obvious reasons

running into things is not to be reccomended !

[slowasyoulike]

As Nobby says, there's no way the steering head bearings can come loose as a result of an impact like that, so unfortunately it does sound like the damage isn't just cosmetic...

You don't say what scooter you have, but the symptoms sound like when the forks rusted through on my old C50; the top shock mount disappeared and I had only one working spring and damper. I reckon something's broken, and if it was me I'd not be riding it again until it had been looked at.

[Kawasaki Jimbo]

I always wonder how insurance companies treat these circumstances if the two parties initially agree to settle it privately but then it’s not going well so you decide to claim saying it happened 3 months ago. Will they be interested?

On the other hand I once ran into the back of somebody while in a Peugeot 106 and reported it immediately but ultimately there were no claims, but it was on my insurance record for several years afterwards, although it didn’t seem to affect the premium.

[Paul2129]

Well, the bike is a Chinese Super Soco CPX Electric, if I'm honest, it's not a bad thing (if you like off stuff) I just have strange taste. I've ridden all sorts over the years, but these days prefer small capacity stuff these days for local riding.

I've just got too many vehicles on separate policies, I would just prefer not to have the non-fault "been involved in an accident" * on my record when my bike doesn't have a great deal of value left, and may be a straightforward repair. If it's not a straightforward repair, I'll know within days, and will just be honest with the insurance company as to what's happened

* I have a friend in motor insurance, who's agreed, and can see my point, but I have 3 vans, 2 cars, 2 bikes, and a motorhome, on mostly separate policies. I'd rather save myself the trouble and see if my headstock is just in need of some TLC

[Ste]

[MCN]

[Paul2129]

turned out to be a buckled front wheel, noticed damage on the 'road side' of the wheel, pointing to the car having driven over the corner of the wheel, missing the brake disk, but pushing the wheel into the road and causing the scuff on the rim on the underside. Local bike shop spotted this, and confirmed that it's the likely cause, seems the forks are fine

[ShhSleep]

I think you've done good here tbh. A new front wheel for a scooter isn't gonna break the bank. Going through your insurance, regardless of who's fault it was; is gonna sting a bit when your policy is due for renewal, and sh*t sticks for a few years too. Good decision Sir!

[Paul2129]

thanks for your reply, agreed, I thought it was the right thing. not found a rim yet though