How anal are you about rear wheel alignment?

racedoll · 08-05-2009, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karl_1052

I just use the hash marks on the swingarm.

Close enough.

I'm particular because of my hubby. But generally we get the back wheel off without messing up the chain adjusters so we don't have to worry about it.

But to get those right we use the hash marks and a ruler.

Amber Lamps · 08-05-2009, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racedoll

I'm particular because of my hubby. But generally we get the back wheel off without messing up the chain adjusters so we don't have to worry about it.

But to get those right we use the hash marks and a ruler.

QFT! Yea, once you get it right, you're good until you change chains/sprockets and even then if you're a bit anal about how many times you turn the adj screws....

101lifts2 · 08-05-2009, 08:52 PM

I just use the alignment marks on the swing arm. Good fuckin enough.

Gas Man · 08-05-2009, 09:30 PM

Easy and cheap

Motion Pro Chain Alignment Tool

No Worries · 08-05-2009, 09:51 PM

Trying to get the front wheel straight and then using string is old school. The easiest way is to have the rear axle parallel to the swing arm pivot bolt. If your exhaust is not in the way, just use a measuring tape so both sides are equal.

If your exhaust or centerstand is in the way, a set of dividing calipers works well. I made a set using a straight metal pole and clamps that hold Burette tubes like in chemistry class. I put a long nail in each of the two clamps and slide them along the bar. I place one nail into the center of the swing arm bolt and the other in the center of the axle. tighten down the clamps, check the chain slack, and check the other side. When both sides have the same distance between the axle and swingarm, the wheel is perfectly straight.

This picture shows the bar, one clamp, and a long nail in the clamp with the point in the center of the swingarm bolt. The other end of the bar (not shown) has another clamp, with a long nail in the center of the axle bolt. The long nails offset the bar away from my exhausts.

Gas Man · 08-05-2009, 10:00 PM

I do the measurement from center of pivit bolt to center of axle on all the cruisers... but seldom do peeps here use the same meathods. The tool I posted is what I used on my rockets back then.

Amber Lamps · 08-06-2009, 01:44 AM

I should sell my Motion Pro. Since I got the Gilles adjusters I don't need it. I used it to double check a couple of times and it came up perfect so I don't use it anymore. Before that I usually counted the threads coming out of the adj bolt... seemed to work okay for me.

08-05-2009, 08:52 PM	#3
101lifts2 WSB Champion Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Anaheim, CA Moto: 2009 Kawi ZX6R Posts: 5,570	I just use the alignment marks on the swing arm. Good fuckin enough. __________________ Train Hard Ron Paul - 2012 Mark of Excellence GM

08-05-2009, 09:30 PM	#4
Gas Man Trip's Assistant Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Imported from Detroit Moto: 2009 HD Street Classic Posts: 12,149	Easy and cheap Motion Pro Chain Alignment Tool __________________ -Chris "Why pay somebody else to fuck up your bike?" Run Amsoil Product

08-05-2009, 10:00 PM	#6
Gas Man Trip's Assistant Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Imported from Detroit Moto: 2009 HD Street Classic Posts: 12,149	I do the measurement from center of pivit bolt to center of axle on all the cruisers... but seldom do peeps here use the same meathods. The tool I posted is what I used on my rockets back then. __________________ -Chris "Why pay somebody else to fuck up your bike?" Run Amsoil Product

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08-05-2009, 09:51 PM	#5
No Worries Keyboard Racer Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mile High City Moto: Old Superbikes Posts: 1,016	Trying to get the front wheel straight and then using string is old school. The easiest way is to have the rear axle parallel to the swing arm pivot bolt. If your exhaust is not in the way, just use a measuring tape so both sides are equal. If your exhaust or centerstand is in the way, a set of dividing calipers works well. I made a set using a straight metal pole and clamps that hold Burette tubes like in chemistry class. I put a long nail in each of the two clamps and slide them along the bar. I place one nail into the center of the swing arm bolt and the other in the center of the axle. tighten down the clamps, check the chain slack, and check the other side. When both sides have the same distance between the axle and swingarm, the wheel is perfectly straight. This picture shows the bar, one clamp, and a long nail in the clamp with the point in the center of the swingarm bolt. The other end of the bar (not shown) has another clamp, with a long nail in the center of the axle bolt. The long nails offset the bar away from my exhausts.

08-06-2009, 01:44 AM	#7
Amber Lamps Moto GP Star Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 14,556	I should sell my Motion Pro. Since I got the Gilles adjusters I don't need it. I used it to double check a couple of times and it came up perfect so I don't use it anymore. Before that I usually counted the threads coming out of the adj bolt... seemed to work okay for me.