Wheel alignment

[admin]

I used to align the rear drive belt depending on where it tended to end up in the rear pulley, to keep it centered. Coincidently, my FXR started wobbling when accelerating on corners at highway speed. I read you article on wheel alignement, with lasers, which coincidently are not part of my tool box. Using basic long straightedge and tape measures, I determined that the rear wheel could use some adjustment. It made quite a difference in handling. Is there a tried and true method to align the rear wheel? Am I out to lunch???

Posted by: Tayes1 on Dec 23, 05 8:53:34 pm

[admin]

I made my own home grown tool - based on the measuring tool that HD sells - to make sure my rear wheel is tracking true- it is a length of rod actually - bent to the right specs - it is easy to tell if your wheel is centered in the swingarm using it..simple

as far as making sure your vehicle is in alignment - well that is a slightly more complicated procdedure...

Posted by: steveb on Dec 23, 05 9:31:33 pm

[admin]

If I had a laser I'd use it...
It's fairly easy to do with the tanks, dash, and rear fender off...
It's easier for me to use string than a straight edge...
After removing that stuff level the bike using the rear disk, shim the bike until the disk is plumb... String a line down the backbone and over the wheel,, now you need 3 hands but you can do it because this will center and align the wheel,,, hang a bob down to the middle of the backbone then another down the front of the wheel, AND another down the rear of the wheel, when the bob is over the mid backbone and the 2 strings lay almost touching the dead center of the front and back of the tire, you're done, lock it down... It may be frustrating trying to hold still and look down at everything but you can do it... This centered and aligned rear wheel/tire/sprocket/pully will now be your permanent benchmark to line up your tranny to motor via the inner primary... After all this, if the front wheel/tire is perfectly centered then a straight edge from the rear to front wheel will show virtually identical measurements on either side...
Damn I wish I had a laser...

Posted by: frisco-rigid on Dec 24, 05 1:57:43 am

[admin]

rubbermount alignment is a slightly different procedure - but in the end - alignment is alignment - the string mehod works, so does the fluorescent tube method - but both arent 100%

I'd like to have both my rubbermounts compu-track aligned sometime - that should make a real difference....from what my research shows

Posted by: steveb on Dec 24, 05 11:19:26 am

[admin]

steveb: what does your research show? Anything about improved handling?

Concerning the wheel alignment, when the rear wheel is aligned, one way or the other, do you still keep an eye on where the belt runs on the rear pulley? Is there any significance to that?

Posted by: Tayes1 on Dec 24, 05 3:08:13 pm

[admin]

Tayes - this is really rocket science, I am not kidding, there is alot to it - and I am NO rocket scientist, but i understand it a wee bit...if your into this stuff you should check out Tony Foale's writings...

but suffice it to say - with a rubbermount alignment is pretty important - youve got a vibrating lump of throbbing vtwin metal trying to escape the frame, gyroscopic wheels spinning, a primary whirring about - a chassis that flexes at the swingarm pivot - I mean, this is a tough operating envirnoment to align in all its various spots (engine, chassis, driveline), I get it close enough for the way I ride (pretty conservative for the most part) for me - but I'd like to get the bike set up for real by someone who knows what he is doing...in a "for real" way....

and since this bike still has a belt, yes i keep an eye on it...even if it had a chain - which it will in the next year or so...I'll keep an eye on that too.....these are HD( an 86 and a 91) and the do need regular noodling...and teh driveline is a good spot to keep an eye on, with any bike

Posted by: steveb on Dec 24, 05 9:54:22 pm