Checking vertical alignment

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Jan 25, 2014 | 04:02 PM

#11

HYPR

Road Master

Joined: Dec 2011

Posts: 1,020

Likes: 25

From: Valencia, CA

Wow Matt, I think that and the improper bead set on the front tires on the FXDF may be likely contributions to the low speed wobble that many of the Fat Bobs have. Example, I know my front tire was improperly set from the factory and it wasn't until I have a couple thousand miles on the bike and everything else had been checked and re-set before I even checked on advice from Don at True-Trac. By the time I had discovered it the wear patern had been established. I am willing to bet the adjustment that you speak of is at very least a contributing factor and I will check mine since I already own the correct tools.
Thanks,
Bob

Jan 25, 2014 | 05:40 PM

#12

mattVA

Thread Starter

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 2,066

Likes: 97

From: Northern VA

Glad to help. Alignment is critical to proper handling and tread wear. I never did this check because the manual is so vague on how to do it.

Jan 25, 2014 | 10:30 PM

#13

2011 super glide dude

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Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 55

Likes: 0

From: Texas

Adjusting engine stabilizer won't change swing arm or rear wheel angle. Swing arm is hard mounted to frame with bushings that connect it to frame. Only thing stabilizer adjust is engine in frame so belt runs true on front pulley.

Jan 26, 2014 | 12:23 AM

#14

WS6 Formula

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Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 3,124

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From: From Long Island, now in So. Cal

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2011 super glide dude

Actually the engine transmission and swing arm are bolted together as one assembly that is rubber mounted into the frame. So adjusting the top Heim joint is used to move the assembly to align it with the front rotor/wheel.

I used a magnetic digital protractor attached to the front rotor, zeroed it out, then attached it to the rear rotor and adjusted the top Heim joint.

Last edited by WS6 Formula; Jan 26, 2014 at 08:06 AM. Reason: Added photo

Jan 26, 2014 | 07:17 AM

#15

Jeff's 1st Harley

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Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 1,118

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From: Coweta, Oklahoma

I just get on the glide and ride Clyde.

Jan 26, 2014 | 08:08 AM

#16

HD Pilot

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 3,791

Likes: 57

From: N Texas

I did this check like WS6 Formula, and it came out dead on, kinda like Matts method better though - might have to double check. Anyway, I was trying to chase down the reason my rear tire is so close to the left inside edge of the fender - still scratching my head.

Mar 13, 2014 | 08:54 AM

#17

Nikolaiownz

Road Captain

Joined: Oct 2013

Posts: 513

Likes: 15

From: Denmark

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2011 super glide dude

Clearly you dont know how the rubber mounted dynas work.. :P

Swingarm is mounted on trans.. thats why you get the woobble when the engine mounts are ****ed.