[Barksdale]

I'm starting to put my 71 CB350 back together. While installing the forks today, I noticed when the handle bars are straight the front wheel is slightly off. If I stand in front of the bike, grab the tops of the forks and pull on one side while pushing on the other, there is a little play and that is enough to straighten the handle bars. It won't stay when I let go. Any idea of the cause or a remedy?

 

[outobie]

That's not much information to go on

sounds like something is bent, loose or worn.
well need more information and pictures to tell which

 

[mike in idaho]

Pull the fork legs out of the triple clamp and lay them on a flat surface. Hold the bottom against the table while you turn the inner tube to see if it's bent. Slide the fork tubes back into the triple clamp, just short of the top clamp, and tighten the pinch bolts. Eyeball the fork tubes from the side to see if the tubes are in the same plane(triple clamp not twisted). Be sure and check the front axle for straightness. Are the handlebars straight?, pull the grips off the bars and lay them on a flat surface. Do the center section and both ends touch evenly?

 

[Barksdale]

I'll take a look. I know it's not the bars.

Pull the fork legs out of the triple clamp and lay them on a flat surface. Hold the bottom against the table while you turn the inner tube to see if it's bent. Slide the fork tubes back into the triple clamp, just short of the top clamp, and tighten the pinch bolts. Eyeball the fork tubes from the side to see if the tubes are in the same plane(triple clamp not twisted). Be sure and check the front axle for straightness. Are the handlebars straight?, pull the grips off the bars and lay them on a flat surface. Do the center section and both ends touch evenly?