I'm not pretty good at turning wrenches but not necessarily what most would consider a 'wrench'. That being said, I purchased a new rear wheel for my 2004 Deuce and after getting it installed realized that I don't quite understand how to align the rear wheel. I understand there are two methods: 1) Using a straight edge between the front and rear tires and 2) Aligning both ends of the axel with a common point on the frame until they are the same exact difference. Does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to do it? I've read that method 2 doesn't work well on Softails and is more tailored to Dynas and I'm not sure I understand how straight edges can work due to the front and rear tires being different widths. Any help or advice anyone can provide would be awesome!

drb

 

Use #2 method on softails. Measure center of axle to center of swing arm pivot bolt on both sides. When they match your done.

 

What VTwin said, also remember the belt tension..........

 

Thats been something I've considered as well, belt tension. I suppose the best route to go would be adjust the wheel alignment back to the setting it was before I pulled the old wheel, drop it off of the jack and check the tension, check the alignment and go back and forth on the adjustments until they are both good. Should the adjustments be made with my bike on the ground, or measure with it on the ground then jack it up and make the adjustments?

 

BTW, thanks for all of your help guys! I really appreciate you taking the time to share some advice!

 

Don't make this so painfull. With the bike on your jack, adjust your alignment with a some what lose belt tension. Then to tighten the belt move both adjusters equally until desired tension is obtained.( I adjust mine to the looser side ) Recheck alignment and fine tune if needed. Tighten everything up and your good to go.


..............and your welcome for the help. Thanks for the thanks.