My GP has a wonky wheel.

Not Vega related I know, but the front wheel of my GP leans to the right out 1/2" and I currently can't find why . I thought the bottom buffers had fatigued and was letting one link droop, I changed them and replaced the link bushes and pivots with S/S items. I had the springs and spring stops out and they seem equal. but it still leans. It's driving me mad. I'm thinking of taking the forks out and measuring everything up. Has anyone else had this problem?

It can be a common problem on all models and as you say everything measures up the same.If I build forks up in a vice and have the same I shim the lower sides spring,ie a washer on the push rod where it contacts the fork stop.A quick bodge is to file the leaning sides link washer on one edge so that it can sit in the link rebate slightly higher which leans the wheel the opposite way. Very often you can make the wheel sit better by forcing it over with a hammer shaft as you tighten the hub nuts.Cutting a bit off the higher links lower buffer is another way to get around it but also check the axle isn't bent slightly by rolling it on some glass unless it is a disc one.

Thanks for that Wack, I've taken the forks out, but not started measuring up yet. I seem to remember this was a problem when I rebuilt the GP originally (about 12 years ago now ), but eventually I corrected it (I think!) or the problem went away on its own I don't remember going down any pot-holes either.

Out with the rulers and set squares then.

Forgot to mention Gordon, if you have the links out bolt them together with a tube or bar in the bush eyes then check one isn't bent and that the bump stops are level.

I'm going to take the forks to Mike Phoenix at Denton on Saturday, he has two fork jigs for checking alignment. I might as well start with the basics as the forks have never been checked and the GP had a very hard life before it was imported into England. Once I know the basics are correct then I can work through any remaining problems. It would be typical of me to chase faults that are caused by something more fundamental.

Mike also has a frame alignment jig, he specialises in that area. Oh! he also has Targa Twin engine in his road bike as he helped with the development. Scrawpy bas***d, I want one, but need the lottery win.

Dismantled the forks last night, I can't be sure but I think one of the link housings may be pointing outwards. I expect we will find the truth tomorrow at Mike Phoenix's shop. When looked at closely there is suprisingly little weld holding them together, I might get them re-inforced while I'm at it. I think that's what they do with racing forks.

A simple tip is to have a length of 12mm bar to pass throught the link pivot bolt holes,if they are all in line the bar slides through each fork boot.

Well, I've had my forks and links checked and they are OK. but the wheel still leans on first assembly I may pack under the low bottom bump rubber to bring it up, but first I want to check the locating washer indent to make sure that is aligned with its opposite number

I also bought one of those fancy SIP speedometers / tachometers / temp guages for the GP. Very nice too.