Bizarre handlebar mis-alignment problem

[jimster]

I currently have a Piaggio Zip 50cc scooter.

When I went to start it up a few days ago, I noticed the steering lock was still on and the wheel was pointing to the left as it should, but the handlebars were now aligned as if the bike were going straight forward.

I can't figure out how this can have happened - the handlebars are firmly fixed and when you undo the steering lock and turn the handlebars, the wheel also turns - but it's just mis-aligned (so to go straight you have the handlebars turned as if you are turning towards the right, and when the handlebars are aligned for going straight forward the wheel is pointing to the left.

So, is someone f***ing with me and playing a bizarre practical joke? Is there any way this could happen by accident? Suggestions much appreciated!!
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Current: Yamaha Diversion XJ900
Previous: Yamaha Diversion 600cc, Piaggio Zip 50cc, Honda CG125-W, Siamoto Caddy 50cc moped

[Asharin]

Perhaps someone tried to steal your bike by trying to break the steering lock, but just wrenched the bars out of whack instead.
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I can't sing: https://laughinginpurgatory.bandcamp.com and https://soundcloud.com/laughing-in-purgatory
I am Dyslexic of Borg, resemblance is fertile, your ass will be laminated.
2008 Honda Dullsville 700

[Paddy Blake]

I think someone has tried to break the steering lock by turning bars.
Usually they use there foot.

Paddy.

[jimster]

That's what I thought initially, but if they broke something how come the handlebars still turn the wheel and is firmly attached. There isn't any sign of damage to the bike. I've tried wrenching it back but that doesn't work.

Is this something I can fix myself?
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Current: Yamaha Diversion XJ900
Previous: Yamaha Diversion 600cc, Piaggio Zip 50cc, Honda CG125-W, Siamoto Caddy 50cc moped

[finpos]

Agree, attempted theft. Normally the steering lock just breaks, but it's obviously held in this case so probably the steering stem is bent, or you may be lucky and find that the handlebars have twisted on the top of the stem. Either way you'll have to take it apart to take a look/fix it.

This is why steering locks are pointless.

f.

[Alexio]

[jimster]

Ha ha, thanks all for the replies. The funny thing is, it's a Piaggio zip 50cc made of straws and aluminium foil and costs nothing, so I really don't care if someone has tried to steal it. That's the reason I got a crap bike! I'm glad my foresight has paid off

I'm still not convinced it was a theft attempt - the bike was locked to a tree by the back wheel, there's no damage to the lock and the steering column hasn't been bent. I will have a play with it when I get a chance but not likely to be for a while
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Current: Yamaha Diversion XJ900
Previous: Yamaha Diversion 600cc, Piaggio Zip 50cc, Honda CG125-W, Siamoto Caddy 50cc moped