Rear Wheel Alignment
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,236
Likes: 798
From: Indiana
Rear Wheel Alignment
I found that the sprocket on Bertha is rubbing the frame when I make a turn.
It looks like the wheel might not be quite straight.
How do I confirm and adjust that?
It looks like the wheel might not be quite straight.
How do I confirm and adjust that?
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 206
Likes: 5
I am going to assume when you mean "not straight" you do not mean offset to one side, but looks like it is turned in one direction. Which also means I assume that it has been adjusted for belt tightening and perhaps the adjusters are no longer equal in the placement of the axle in the adjuster plates? You can actually measure the spacing you have in several ways, probably the most accurate and easiest is to take a micrometer and measure the distance from a fixed point--you could even use the center of the axle--to the frame, and then tighten the adjusters for an equal setting.
I've had a few beers tonight, just got back from about seven hours of putting my bike top end back together, so I may be reading this wrong.
I've had a few beers tonight, just got back from about seven hours of putting my bike top end back together, so I may be reading this wrong.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
There are two different alignments that may need checking here. One is called 'vehicle' alignment, the other is wheel alignment. The engine/trans/wheel assembly is rubber mounted and can be adjusted within the frame. The procedure is in the factory service manual and is best read while in a darkened room!
Wheel alignment, of the rear wheel, is also described and there are various ways of successfully doing that. Jethro has put his finger on it and a minor adjustment of the wheel in the swingarm may solve the problem, while also keeping the belt correctly tensioned.
I recommend doing both, to ensure your bike is just right.
Wheel alignment, of the rear wheel, is also described and there are various ways of successfully doing that. Jethro has put his finger on it and a minor adjustment of the wheel in the swingarm may solve the problem, while also keeping the belt correctly tensioned.
I recommend doing both, to ensure your bike is just right.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,699
Likes: 15
From: Qualicum Beach, B.C. CAN
Howaed @ Motorcycle Metal has a great tutorial on how to align front and back
http://www.motorcyclemetal.com/Download18.html
And you can have a look at the Ohlins while you're there....
http://www.motorcyclemetal.com/Download18.html
And you can have a look at the Ohlins while you're there....
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,236
Likes: 798
From: Indiana
bearing.
Not only is the tire rubbing the fender, the rear sprocket is hitting the swingarm when I turn.
I'm not taking any chances and I'm gonna let the shop figure it out.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: Lexington,Ky
Yeah I was thinking a bearing or something loose. Shouldn't be that much movement back there for sure.
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Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,236
Likes: 798
From: Indiana
Howaed @ Motorcycle Metal has a great tutorial on how to align front and back
http://www.motorcyclemetal.com/Download18.html
And you can have a look at the Ohlins while you're there....
http://www.motorcyclemetal.com/Download18.html
And you can have a look at the Ohlins while you're there....
