Modern Vespa

[TL:DR] New to me 300 pulls to the left, strong, replaced steering column bearings, now it stills pulls but it is bearly notisable but the pull is there, how can I check if the frame is bent or if is only the steering column that is bent?

So I have been looking for a 300 for a while so I can park my 2stroke for more extensive mods , I found one through some friends that looked good and had a lot of equipment, bought it.

It turns out it pulls to the left... a lot, so i took it to my trustworthy mecaninc and replaced the steering column bearings and now it continues to pull to the left but is less evident or the pull is not as strong.

Some friends and my mecanic rode it and say that I should just forget about and enjoy buuuut I want to replace the steering column the problem is it is expensive and I am not sure is only the column, what if the frame is also bent, any ideas how can I check if the frame is bent or if is only the steering column that is bent?

pics or didnt happend

Does the front ride up an down a bit as you twist the bars from side to side? If so, and if the upper steering tube appears vertical, then there is probably a bend in the tube further down.

You can't really tell from just eyeballing the front, as the geometry is misleading.

yes, thats exactly what happens, well I am guessing taking the column out and comparing it with another is the only way

Thanks jimc

Theoretically, you should be able to eyeball it.

Set the bars straight on, give a look and see if the wheel is canted one way or the other.

Frame damage (or upper tube) would be harder to tell, but if it’s been in a big wreck, more than likely.

I’d bet good money on a bent fork.

It must take a hell of a pothole the bend a fork.