Rear Tire Alignment

On 01 May 2004 21:20:12 GMT, l8ndeb.DeleteThis@aol.com (L8N DEB) wrote:

 >I just finished installing a rear tire and new chain. The only way I know how
 >to align the rear tire and chain is the "line of sight" method looking down the
 >top portion or the chain from the back sprocket to the smaller primary
 >sprocket.
 >Currently it looks straight, but is there a more precise technique to assure
 >alignment and increase tire life? TIA

All that does is align your chain but tells you nothing about the
wheels.

There are a couple of methods that I know about. I like to use a long
straight edge, in my case a six foot carpenters level (cheap and
straight). Measure the width of your front and rear tires, divide the
difference by two. Lay the straight edge along your rear tire
contacting it in two places, align the front wheel parallel to the
straight edge and measure the distance to the tire. It should equal
half the difference in the tire widths.

You can also do the same thing with string running around the rear
tire and along both sides of the front, but I've found that the
straight edge works better.

Having someone help makes it easier. When you have your wheels aligned
note when the marks line up on your chain adjusters and if you
maintain the same relationship between right and left, you can adjust
your chain without fear of excessive wheel misalignment.

Bill Smith<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Rear Tire Alignment 

 >From: l8ndeb DeleteThis @aol.com (L8N DEB)

 >I just finished installing a rear tire and new chain. The only way I know how
 >to align the rear tire and chain is the "line of sight" method looking down
 >the
 >top portion or the chain from the back sprocket to the smaller primary
 >sprocket.
 >Currently it looks straight, but is there a more precise technique to assure
 >alignment and increase tire life? TIA
 >


If your swingarm bushings are good, swingarm straight, wheel not bent or
spokes loose, sprocket installed correctly and no twisted frame, that should be
good enough. Line of sight on the chain is the best way to align the the
sprockets/chain. There isn't anything else you can do to "align" the rear wheel
if all the other parts are in good condition.

Don't "over think" this shit.
Hank
Old age and treachery will triumph over youth and skill. Unknown Author<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Rear Tire Alignment 

Hi there

I'm no expert as i am a novice myself however the way i did it was to use
the markings etched on the frame of back fork and the line etched on the
adjusting screw and made both sides the same. Ie both locked up on the
second mark, hopefully the wheel should be central, but maybe not all
bikers have such marks? im not too sure!!
best of luck
"L8N DEB" <l8ndeb.RemoveThis@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20040501172012.19729.00000669@mb-m10.aol.com...
 > I just finished installing a rear tire and new chain. The only way I know
how
 > to align the rear tire and chain is the "line of sight" method looking
down the
 > top portion or the chain from the back sprocket to the smaller primary
 > sprocket.
 > Currently it looks straight, but is there a more precise technique to
assure
 > alignment and increase tire life? TIA<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Rear Tire Alignment 

On Sun, 2 May 2004 19:38:01 +0100, "fenning.freeserve.co.uk"
<allan RemoveThis @fenning.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:

 >
 >Hi there
 >
 >I'm no expert as i am a novice myself however the way i did it was to use
 >the markings etched on the frame of back fork and the line etched on the
 >adjusting screw and made both sides the same. Ie both locked up on the
 >second mark, hopefully the wheel should be central, but maybe not all
 >bikers have such marks? im not too sure!!
 >best of luck

They aren't always right, but if you aren't having any handling
problems, your's probably are.

Bill Smith<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Rear Tire Alignment