 Rear wheel alignment
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 247
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 247 |
Chip, in his post in Rider Technique, brings up a good point: how rear wheel alignment can affect headshake. Those goofy "teeth" that are supposed to aid wheel alignment settings simply do not. A true measurement from swing arm pivot axle to wheel axle, each side, is dead on and keeps the cycle from going down the road 'sideways' like a dog. Calipers that large are pricy.. but this is a critical measurement. Maybe I can borrow one from the plant....hmmm
University of Da Nang
Class of '68
In the End, the Captain stands alone...
" Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son." Dean Wormer
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Re: Rear wheel alignment
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Probably slightly less precise, I use calipers to measure from the end of the swingarm to the end of the adjuster bracket. Seems to work okay.
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Re: Rear wheel alignment
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,721 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,721 Likes: 5 |
I take the chain guard off and eyeball it. Probably the least precise, but I don't have any tracking issues.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Rear wheel alignment
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668 |
Quote:
I take the chain guard off and eyeball it. Probably the least precise, but I don't have any tracking issues.
+1.
I go chain guard-less. I also try to make sure the rear sprocket is running in the center of the chain links. Seems to track fine like that.
As for front end wobble and tire cupping, upgrading to tapered head bearings CURED that!
A great $50.00 investment!
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Rear wheel alignment
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56 |
I stand across the street and pretend it isn't there.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Rear wheel alignment
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
I use an "eyeball" technique as well; I lay a metal straight edge (from a 1' carpenter's square) flat against the sprocket and sight down the edge until the links are parallel to the line of the ruler.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Rear wheel alignment
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,457
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,457 |
I use one of these. "Goofy teeth" are off by almost whole tooth.
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Re: Rear wheel alignment
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I do use the chain adjuster teeth to get it in the ball park but then switch to the calipers.
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Re: Rear wheel alignment
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 114
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 114 |
I'd heard so much about the alignment marks not being accurate I finally bought a chain alignment tool. You all were right. The tool showed me one side was out about two quarter turns on the adjustment screw.
cbeacher
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Re: Rear wheel alignment
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
Quote:
Probably slightly less precise, I use calipers to measure from the end of the swingarm to the end of the adjuster bracket. Seems to work okay.
+1
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Rear wheel alignment
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,664
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,664 |
Yeah! FriarJohn & I agree. I also use a digital caliper to measure but I read from the front end of the adjuster bracket to the front of the axle slot on the swingarm. Then I verify my chinese caliper with a Starrett vernier caliper from the rear of the swingarm to the end of adjustment bracket. This works if you're a bit anal. always spot on.
Ride Safe,
Dennis
Triumph, it's how I live and what I ride.
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Re: Rear wheel alignment
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 222
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 222 |
I use a toothpick and count the spaces between the threads on the adjusting bolts...works great and is accurate, bike tracks true as anything.
'06 Speedmaster, Long TORS, rest is stock (for now)
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Re: Rear wheel alignment
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668 |
Quote:
I use a toothpick and count the spaces between the threads on the adjusting bolts...works great and is accurate, bike tracks true as anything.
I'm having trouble picturing that one...? 
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Rear wheel alignment
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647 |
I just used the goofy teeth, I guess mine is off?
06 America 904
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Re: Rear wheel alignment
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 247
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 247 |
Sounds like there's a lot of ways to get it done. 
Chip Sciarra "07" America, N.C.Switch Blade windshield, Moto Lights, Tri. Off Road pipes
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Re: Rear wheel alignment
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 122
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 122 |
Yes, you are quite right there! Don't forget that regardless of method the reason for the whole thing is quite simple! It is to get the rear wheel to track and follow right behind the front wheel when the bike is moving forward!
Hasse
Hasse TBA -02 Pre-Fire Cardinal Red, Wiseco 904, Thunderbike pipes, Freak
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