Total Motorcycle Community Forums

When I lock the front fork on my Virago 250, the handlebars remain turned to the right. Is this correct? It seems that the bike is off balance with the bars turned to the right.

It does seem odd. All our bikes, the fork lock engages with the bars all the way to the left (same side as the sidestand).

it will prolly turn either or...try it to the left....with it to the right it would be terribly out of blance unless the kickstand is on the right too.

You can turn it and lock it either way.

It's an oddity with the Virago.

Unless the 250 is different from the 535, it'll only lock turned to the right.

edit: Just checked the manual and that is correct. Steering lock only works when the forks are turned right.

Those giving different advice may want to make sure they know what they're talking about in the future

jonnythan wrote:It's an oddity with the Virago.

Unless the 250 is different from the 535, it'll only lock turned to the right.

edit: Just checked the manual and that is correct. Steering lock only works when the forks are turned right.

Those giving different advice may want to make sure they know what they're talking about in the future

Some of us say prolly and try for a reason

king robb wrote:Some of us say prolly and try for a reason

Indeed, can't fault anyone for that.

Others, on the other hand....

jonnythan wrote:It's an oddity with the Virago.

Unless the 250 is different from the 535, it'll only lock turned to the right.

edit: Just checked the manual and that is correct. Steering lock only works when the forks are turned right.

Those giving different advice may want to make sure they know what they're talking about in the future

It IS off-balanced. The last time I used it, I had ridden my Yamaha 250cc to a family gathering and parked in a rental community. Well, we had a HUGE thunderstorm roll by that afternoon. Winds so strong that we packed up the patio furniture and brought them indoors. Hours later I came out to find my bike laying on it's side fortunately on the turf next to the shallow street curb.

I'll never use that fork lock again.

Fork locks are usually pretty easily broken with enough force, so if it's a choice between locking it, or having it parked with stability, I'd say just leave it unlocked.