Is rear wheel centered?
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,352
Likes: 4
From: Augusta, GA
Is rear wheel centered?
Recently, I did an endo trying to get off the freeway a little too fast. It's been about six weeks and I'm off the pain meds now and starting to put the bike back together, new handlebars, rear fender, etc.
I notice the rear wheel/tire is not in the center of the fender struts so I need to know if any of you that have had the fender off has noticed this or if maybe I damaged the swingarm bushings, bent the frame, cracked the tranny....
Just looking it appears everything is okay, not a scratch on the swingarm, even the axle caps didn't get scratched but the measurement between the tire and the fender strut on each side is about 1/8 to 1/4 closer on the belt side than the brake side. That is measuring from the rear-most bolt hole to the fattest part of the tire. I never noticed the tire looking off center when the fender was on before the wreck so if any of you have a measurement: swingarm to tire/wheel -strut to tire, I could use to compare I would appreciate the info.
Cheers.
I notice the rear wheel/tire is not in the center of the fender struts so I need to know if any of you that have had the fender off has noticed this or if maybe I damaged the swingarm bushings, bent the frame, cracked the tranny....
Just looking it appears everything is okay, not a scratch on the swingarm, even the axle caps didn't get scratched but the measurement between the tire and the fender strut on each side is about 1/8 to 1/4 closer on the belt side than the brake side. That is measuring from the rear-most bolt hole to the fattest part of the tire. I never noticed the tire looking off center when the fender was on before the wreck so if any of you have a measurement: swingarm to tire/wheel -strut to tire, I could use to compare I would appreciate the info.
Cheers.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 782
Likes: 7
From: Texas
I have an 07 FXD, it appears centered.
You can do a side to side comparison by using the holes in the swingarm (they are just forward of the axle).
measure from the hole to the center of the axle, and adjust so they are the same on both sides.
You can do a side to side comparison by using the holes in the swingarm (they are just forward of the axle).
measure from the hole to the center of the axle, and adjust so they are the same on both sides.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,352
Likes: 4
From: Augusta, GA
Thanks. That will align the wheel with the swingarm which is accurate but that doesn't tell me if the swingarm/wheel combo is centered on the motorcycle.....know what I'm sayin'? 
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
If the bike went down on its side it is possible the struts are out of alignment, I found this to be the case on mine after a little slip a couple years ago. The wheel is centered in the cross arm, but looks off in the fender.
With the bike straight up take a level and set it against the struts and measure from the level to the cross arm on each side, you may just find it is the struts pushing the fender to one side.
I had to persuade my struts back to alignment to make mine look centered again.
With the bike straight up take a level and set it against the struts and measure from the level to the cross arm on each side, you may just find it is the struts pushing the fender to one side.
I had to persuade my struts back to alignment to make mine look centered again.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,998
Likes: 14
From: Central Ohio
Recently, I did an endo trying to get off the freeway a little too fast. It's been about six weeks and I'm off the pain meds now and starting to put the bike back together, new handlebars, rear fender, etc.
I notice the rear wheel/tire is not in the center of the fender struts so I need to know if any of you that have had the fender off has noticed this or if maybe I damaged the swingarm bushings, bent the frame, cracked the tranny....
Just looking it appears everything is okay, not a scratch on the swingarm, even the axle caps didn't get scratched but the measurement between the tire and the fender strut on each side is about 1/8 to 1/4 closer on the belt side than the brake side. That is measuring from the rear-most bolt hole to the fattest part of the tire. I never noticed the tire looking off center when the fender was on before the wreck so if any of you have a measurement: swingarm to tire/wheel -strut to tire, I could use to compare I would appreciate the info.
Cheers.
I notice the rear wheel/tire is not in the center of the fender struts so I need to know if any of you that have had the fender off has noticed this or if maybe I damaged the swingarm bushings, bent the frame, cracked the tranny....
Just looking it appears everything is okay, not a scratch on the swingarm, even the axle caps didn't get scratched but the measurement between the tire and the fender strut on each side is about 1/8 to 1/4 closer on the belt side than the brake side. That is measuring from the rear-most bolt hole to the fattest part of the tire. I never noticed the tire looking off center when the fender was on before the wreck so if any of you have a measurement: swingarm to tire/wheel -strut to tire, I could use to compare I would appreciate the info.
Cheers.
I think this is normal, however; you should consult a service expert at your local dealership for specific information regarding your particular modle.
Sorry to hear about your mis-hap, glad your alright.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
I was mocking up a fender swap project on my 08 Fat Bob a couple weeks ago. I had the rear end striped down to the rear frame struts that secures the rear fender. I noticed the same off set as yours.
I think this is normal, however; you should consult a service expert at your local dealership for specific information regarding your particular modle.
Sorry to hear about your mis-hap, glad your alright.
I think this is normal, however; you should consult a service expert at your local dealership for specific information regarding your particular modle.
Sorry to hear about your mis-hap, glad your alright.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 4
From: south of Boston
it's a common issue amongst dyna owners ..i have my wheels off for powdercoat ...when i reassemble i'm gonna try and address this, somehow...will post a new thread if i have any success
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 3
From: Central Illinois
Most all of Harley's are offset to the belt side. It is normal. I can not tell you why other than to keep pulley fasteners to their minimum length. Motorcyle will still track straight because of larger contact patch area of rear tire, compared to front.
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Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,352
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From: Augusta, GA
Thanks guys, I appreciate your responses for sure. It leaves me to think the offset is normal and nothing to worry about for now.
When I get it back together and can ride again I'll get a better idea if it still tracks straight.
I will say I had no idea that bike would survive as well as it did doing an endo at speed. I guess all that weight adds up to one tuff motorcycle.
When I get it back together and can ride again I'll get a better idea if it still tracks straight.
I will say I had no idea that bike would survive as well as it did doing an endo at speed. I guess all that weight adds up to one tuff motorcycle.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 1
From: fresno california
I guess all that weight adds up to one tuff motorcycle.
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