2011 XTX, I hit a ditch and the handlebars are'nt straight anymore, what happened?

[GeFeldz]

I'll continue tomorrow, it's 10 pm here now. I'll drop the spindles and skis first thing and if they're not twisted i'll just try to get the alignment right. I'll need some new handlebars as well. I'll go ahead and change the oil and filter as i'll have to remove the airbox to get at the inner locking nuts for the tie rods anyway. Thank you all for helping me =)

 

[SnoNinja]

I'll continue tomorrow, it's 10 pm here now. I'll drop the spindles and skis first thing and if they're not twisted i'll just try to get the alignment right. I'll need some new handlebars as well. I'll go ahead and change the oil and filter as i'll have to remove the airbox to get at the inner locking nuts for the tie rods anyway. Thank you all for helping me =)

Bars bent that bad will make it feel "off". If it was me, first thing to would be either try to straighten the bars (but you never get them perfect and it's not very easy to do) or replace. If you don't want to go with new, check with Travis at Barn of Parts for a used set with grips installed. That will save you a bunch of time and $. Barn of Parts is a Vendor on this site, and a great resource for good used parts. Once the bars are fixed, then do an alignment and get the toe down to 10mm out. looking at your bars, I'm guessing that the bend in the bars is what you are feeling. If spindle was twisted, toe would likely be much further out of whack.

 

[rwill2cruz]

I'll continue tomorrow, it's 10 pm here now. I'll drop the spindles and skis first thing and if they're not twisted i'll just try to get the alignment right. I'll need some new handlebars as well. I'll go ahead and change the oil and filter as i'll have to remove the airbox to get at the inner locking nuts for the tie rods anyway. Thank you all for helping me =)

No need to remove airbox. Just peel back rubber boots to access.

 

[hibshman25]

Easy way to check for bent/twisted a arms is by removing the bolts that attach the arms to spindle. Put a straight edge on the bolts. If they are bent then arms are likely tweaked.

 

[Soldier'spapa]

No need to remove airbox. Just peel back rubber boots to access.

In order to gain access to the inner jam nut you need to turn the skis all the way left/right along with peeling back the boot.

 

[yamadoo]

In order to gain access to the inner jam nut you need to turn the skis all the way left/right along with peeling back the boot.

That is good to know. Thanks

Does that apply to the Vectors as well?

 

[GeFeldz]

I've checked everything and it's just the bent bars. I changed the oil and filter while i was at it. I'll change the oil in the chain case and check out the jackshaft and driveshaft bearings soon. I'll get the bars straightened out as well. Thank you all for helping me!

 

[Soldier'spapa]

That is good to know. Thanks

Does that apply to the Vectors as well?

Yes, It should.

 

[ranger1]

Ya I was going to say if everything else checked out to be straight then it was probably just the bars bent, lol!!