Forks: torque sequence to solve misalignment

[howworkclutch]

Problem:
After a relatively harsh whack in a pothole, the front suspension binds and no longer sags. While stationary, have a friend observe suspension movement as you put weight on one foot peg. If the back shock compresses freely but the front doesn't you have binding.
 
Solution:
Retorque the front-end in specific sequence.
 
Note:
I don't have a service manual. I don't know what yamaha says to do. This comes from old-skool experience.
 
Requirements:
Rear stand and tools. A brand new garbage bag. The clear thick yard-waste bags are perfect. A buddy is helpful.
 
Steps:
Unfold the garbage bag and refold it in some way that makes sense. Place it on the floor and push the motorcycles front wheel on the garbage back. You should be able to turn the bars left/right without any drag. The two layers of plastic act like a lubricated bushing allowing the tire to freely twist on the floor.
 
Put the bike on the rear stand.
 
Ensure the top yoke pinch bolts are properly torqued (yoke = triple tree).
 
Turn the bars to one side and loosen the steering stem pinch bolt (it is on the opposite side of the top yoke pinch bolts).
 
Loosen the brake caliper mount bolts.
Loosen the axle pinch bolt.
Loosen the axle.
Loosen the lower yoke pinch bolts.
 
Stop. Do not loosen the top yoke pinch bolts. They are holding your bike up.
 
Check that each bolt is tightened by hand.
 
1. Standing in front of the bike, looking rearward, and using a towel or gloves to protect the palms of your hands, place your palms on the top of the fork tubes and bounce the bike a few times.
2. Tighten lower yoke pinch bolts 1/4 turn.
3. Tighten the caliper mount bolts 1/4 turn.
4. Tighten axle 1/4 turn.
 
Repeat the last four steps until you've reached torque specs for each fastener.
 
Tighten the axle pinch bolt to spec.
 
Turn the bars and tighten the steering stem pinch bolt to spec.
 
One last time, check that the front suspension moves freely. If all is well, pull the bike off the stand and go for a ride (be careful. the plastic garbage bag is still under your front tire and its very slippery).
 
Final inspection:
If the suspension is working again you're good to go, but you may find that the front wheel is pointing left or right. As weird as it sounds, it just happens sometimes. If you pull the bike up to a telephone pole or other immovable object, you can push the wheel back into alignment by using the bars for leverage.