Posted by Witch Doctor on May 03, 2000 at 23:11:48:
In Reply to: RAKE ANGLE posted by Jason Peete on May 03, 2000 at 22:30:46:
Okay, rake angle is subject to some optical distortion in photographs. Also, rake angles may be changed over the course of a bike model production run.
Rake is derived by measuring the angle of the front forks perpendicularly to the ground, but the angle is taken at the top of the steering head.
Not being able to start with the kickstand down seems to be fairly common. Mine is shorted at the switch, not in the upper wiring harness.
As for your handlebars, do you know if the bike has ever been dropped prior to you aquisition of it? The entire front end of this model is fairly light duty, so it is quite possible that something got tweaked at some point. If the bike steers, tracks and stops straight, don't lose too much sleep over it. If it is the cosmetic aspect that is bothering you, have the front end alignment spec'd out while the bike is in the shop. Being overcautious is much better than being laisse-faire and ending up crashing.
Have fun. Good luck with the bike.
-WD