Latest development: "I'm a dumb :butt1:"
I overlooked a couple very simple checks...
Mini recap: Hit sharp pothole a couple months back, rim ok, tire showed no signs of damage, so I forgot about it (my bad) Bike started handling strange, best described as feeling out of control when turning or riding on ice or marbles. Steering began feeling vague and heavy, when I pushed down to turn left, the bike tilted left, but wanted to go straight etc. I started my quest to figure it out. Started checking and replacing stuff, wheel bearings, flange bearings, O-rings, dampers, u-joint (was found very sloppy and starting to fail), re-packed swing arm bearings, rebuilt forks, new fork springs and all new internal parts, etc.
steering head bearings and races, etc. As someone pointed out, I've just been all over the place looking for a fix (to those who have been in my garage, REFER TO THE SIGN
I decided to start doing things the old school way, I loosened EVERY part on the front end and jumped up and down on it until everything aligned itself once again (helped a little), I found the fork hardware dry and sounded like an old boat creaking when I removed them (cleaned and oiled all bolts), put everything back together paying very close attention to 1/4's on each fastener and evenly tightened everything back down (helped some more) Have decided to not do anything else until my suspension guy rides it, and double checks everything again. I think the bearings are too tight, which is causing my very heavy steering, and not wanting to turn with bar pressure, and after inspecting the front tire some more (reduced air pressure and started feeling for damage with my thumbs) think I've found a soft spot that runs from side to side, that may be where I hit the pot hole. So....I am looking at 3 issues, fork misalignment (corrected) new replacement tires (ordered) and trying to figure out if my stem bearings are too loose or too tight.
Its hard to use my scale in front as instructed due to the body work, and I'm not sure I would get accurate readings down farther on the fork tubes, or by pulling backwards towards the tank instead.
I will carefully read any and all suggestions in the wealth of information you kind folks keep providing, and will figure this out eventually.
Thanks for all the help and suggestions.
Igofar