VRF800X Crossrunner - skewed handlebars?

[ThunderGuts]

Afternoon all,

So noticed yesterday while out that my relatively newly purchased VFR800X has skewed handlebars. Looking down the forks I don't think they're twisted; the twist seems to be occurring somewhere "above" the yoke. Now they have fairly substantial risers fitted as standard, but the net effect is that looking down at the yoke, I can see the handlebars are not aligned to the fork tops and the right bar is visibly closer to the tank than the left bar.

The bike was bought secondhand but unless someone has spent some serious cash on repairing it to showroom condition, it hasn't been dropped/crashed.

It doesn't affect the handling/ride and I only noticed it because I've just fitted a tank bag so was looking down at that area to check that was OK.

Unfortunately work is going to make it difficult to get it to the dealers anytime in the next two weeks, but does anyone know if such things are adjustable or even normal?! Do bikes leave the factory with skewed handlebars?

Cheers

P.S. came across this thread on the Africa Twin forum; ATs have similar risers . . . wondering if this is a Honda "feature"

https://www.africatwinforum.com/threads/have-i-got-skewed-forks-or-handlebars.17962/
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TG.

[Easy-X]

Most of the "straightness" if we can call it that is from the handlebars as the clamps have 2 bolts on top and 1 on the bottom. Just loosen up the top clamps on your handlebars and you should be able to straighten them out without much bother.
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Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[kgm]

I'd check the alignment of everything. It's easy to do, just loosen the lower triple bolts and front axle and give it a good bounce. Same with the handlebar clamps.

For what it's worth my crossrunner was knocked over by a Landover that reversed into it (hit the rear wheel and nudged it forward off the stand and there was almost no viable damage other than to the bar end which got scuffed and a tiny scuff on the exhaust so it's defit possible it's been dropped.

[befonoy44]

There are two bolts on the back size of the stem. They face opposite directions. These are the pinch bolts. Loosen both pinch bolts. You only need to loosen them a couple of turns.
The most common method is to straddle the bike, pinch the front wheel between your legs, and rotate the handlebar until it is lined up with the front wheel.
The handlebars of a road bike are curved to allow for different hand positions, which can help on long rides. The rider will have more control when shifting their hands and body weight, so they don't get sore, wrists, hands, and lower back. Additionally, being aerodynamic also improves with speed.

[Zen Dog]