Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Adjuster bolt at rear of swingarm

I noticed this morning (my machine has less than 1000 miles on it)that the adjuster bolt at the rear of the left swing arm was loose. Although I can obviously tighten it, the metalic ring inside of the mechanism which the bolt passes through is not flush with the inside of the adjuster as it is on the right side. How does one get the ring tight against the inside of the frame of the adjustment mechanism?

I also noted that the little cut out v-shaped indices align differently with the swingarm. The rear of the left swingarm aligns exactly with the rear of the rear index, but on the right side the rear of the swingarm goes a bit beyond the back of the index. Does this mean my rear wheel is not aligning properly? Is this something that would be adjusted under warranty if adjustment is necessary? Any help will be appreciated.

If I do need to make an adjustment such that the indices line up exactly on both sides, how would I go about deciding which side to leave and which side to adjust such that it aligns like the other side? Also is that adjustment made with the same adjuster bolt used to tighten or slacken the chain? Thanks.

Post deleted by chy

Post deleted by chy

I would ask that the above post by dougstr6 be deleted. Inappropriate venue for this as well as it just sounds like an attempt at an immature attack on another member. Justified or not, this is not the place for that. Period! If you feel you need a sense of revenge or something fulfilled, do that crap in private.

edit: ditto goes for the pedalmasher reply.

Post deleted by chy

Indeed...

Quote:

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I also noted that the little cut out v-shaped indices align differently with the swingarm. The rear of the left swingarm aligns exactly with the rear of the rear index, but on the right side the rear of the swingarm goes a bit beyond the back of the index. Does this mean my rear wheel is not aligning properly? Is this something that would be adjusted under warranty if adjustment is necessary? Any help will be appreciated.

If I do need to make an adjustment such that the indices line up exactly on both sides, how would I go about deciding which side to leave and which side to adjust such that it aligns like the other side? Also is that adjustment made with the same adjuster bolt used to tighten or slacken the chain? Thanks.

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Your rear wheel is not aligned with your frame--the indices need to match exactly. Probably your rear wheel axle nut/bolt are not torqued to specs (too loose). This is normally accomplished when adjusting your rear chain. First, turn the adjuster bolt (at aft end of swingarm) to make the indices equal (probably neither side is in the correct position now). Just loosen the tighter side to start with. Then proceed with a normal chain adjustment. Then, torque the rear wheel axle nut/bolt (don't rememeber the value right now). This is fairly simple, and probably not a warrantee issue.

Thanks Tom, it became fairly obvious when I tore into it. I got everything lined up after checking the chain slack, and then torqued the axle bolt back to its 85 NM value, took it out for a test ride, and I am now at peace with the world! I hate when things are not exact - it's the airline pilot mentality in me. I feel good about learning another service technique - always an accomplishment for this mechanical klutz.

To keep things aligned, I usually go,
Half turn on the right
Half turn on the left
Keep going 'til the slack is correct.

Don't forget ,pedalmasher, after you tension the chain on the chain side and go to the other side when you adjust that to match check the tension again as that will effect it too then tweek it on both sides until it is what you want.

Thanks for all the input guys. I love learning about these things. I always thought I would take the motorcycle wrenching course in Daytona or Orlando after I retired, but I am too ****** busy in retirement!!

Due to backlash, only apply adjustment on the out-stroke of the adjuster bolts. A little bit will do, say an 1/8th turn at a time. 3/4" slack is a good target to hit. The indices mean little to nothing, as they're prone to error from what looks like a stamping, as opposed to being machined into the steel. A good rough way to get both sides equal is to count exposed threads on the adjuster bolts with a toothpick. A home-made or fancy trammel bar (tram bar for short) is perhaps the easiest way to achieve accurate rear wheel alignment, but that's a long story for another day.

Interesting LJ. Gotta go - I'm looking for a toothpick!
Oh, and BTW, I wonder if they have changed the alignment indices? Mine are cut V shaped groves cut into the swingarm - is that what the older models have also?

I use the toothpick method...it works great.

I used to use a tape measure to measure from a fixed point on the frame that is the same on both sides like the center of the swing arm pivot to the center of the axle. On my 04 SM I just use the adjuster marks.

I use GPS, a transit, and a set of brail feeler gauges...