Unstable after hitting pothole

[DickVanWinkle]

Hi people, I think I've got a problem.

See, about a week ago, I tried to avoid a pothole in a corner, but the rear wheel still went in and I nearly came off.
Since then, the bike has felt unstable, especially in right-hand corners. I think it may also be pulling to the left, but that could just be my poor balance.

I've tried fiddling with the wheel alignment, but other than that I don't know what else it can be.

So, any suggestions?
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Current Steed: Kawasaki GPX 250R
 

[ukguy]

best getting it checked out at a garage tell them the problem because you don't want to go around a bend oneday and wheel breaks and get hit by a car behind you

[Alpha-9]

check rear wheel alignment
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Fzr-600 1999

[Clutchy]

Is the rear wheel buckled?
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Malaguti F12 Phantom-Dead, Suzuki AY50- Dead, NRG power DD LQ, CBR125.
*33 BHP restriction up on 10/12/14* Current bikes/car: SV 650 S/ MKIV GOLF
Guide to pass your test with no lessons!

[TheCatSatOnTh...]

Have you tried checking your tyre pressures too.

[stinkwheel]

I'd be checking the alignment and also checking the tyre bead is sitting fully on the rim all the way round.

Front wheel didn't go in? Because the forks can twist in the yokes after a hard bash too.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[poleposition]

If it feels unstable after hitting a pothole then you've clearly done damage somewhere...dont ride it...get it checked properly if your not sure what your looking for.
my guess is either the wheel is badly buckled..or its been forced to one side in the swinging arm..possibly both. if its been forced to one side then clearly it wasnt tight enough..but that alone would just cause the bike to crab..obviously the chain would be misaligned too..
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Ride it like you stole it!

[daffy]

get it on a paddock stand and give the wheel a spin.
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2000 zx6r

a b be b1 c ce c1 c1e f k p 10m swimming

[Islander]

Simple stuff first, check the tyre pressures. Wheel alignment is straightforward. Measure the distance between the centre of the swingarm pivot and the centre of the rear wheel spindle on each side of the bike and make sure they're exactly the same, Check that, then check the front end to make sure the forks haven't twisted in the clamps.

[DickVanWinkle]

Well, I have tried to align the wheel using the markings on the swingarm, but it still didn't feel right.

But I've just used the String Method, and it turns out the markings are at least a half off - that probably didn't help.

Anyway, just taken it for a quick spin, and all feels fine again.


Also, I think the bead is seated fully, and the pressures were correct.

[Eddie Hitler]

[DickVanWinkle]

[kramdra]

Im not sure what kind of abuse it takes to kill wheel bearings. I would expect them to be damaged before alignment became a problem?

[Alpha-9]

[dydey90]

[Islander]

[dydey90]

[Islander]

A lot cheaper than buying a dial test indicator (if you don't already have one) that you're unlikely to use that often and quite effective.

[iooi]

[Alpha-9]