Bike Alignment
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 29
Likes: 10
From: Cave Creek, AZ
"Alignment" is a term that gets thrown around loosely. It is subject to misinterpretation and misapplication. The video mainly talks about equalizing the shock length. Equalizing shock length is not alignment. There is no technical reason to align the motor to the frame. Anything that may cause forces to be exerted on the motor mounts is not recommended by Harley.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,104
Likes: 7,632
From: Poolville
"Alignment" is a term that gets thrown around loosely. It is subject to misinterpretation and misapplication. The video mainly talks about equalizing the shock length. Equalizing shock length is not alignment. There is no technical reason to align the motor to the frame. Anything that may cause forces to be exerted on the motor mounts is not recommended by Harley.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 631
Likes: 279
From: Arkansas
I don't know about what he is saying, but I would think tweaking the engine to one side could cause other issues. I do know my RG Limited will always go left if I let go of the bars, it immediately starts leaning left.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 589
Likes: 93
From: Stockholm
Interesting, what do you all think about this?
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...jQ5ON62Gaw47yS
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...jQ5ON62Gaw47yS
As someone has mentioned in this thread you can also use the brake rotor. One way that is described in the manual is to remove the top link, start the engine and run it for a while, then adjust the link to the position achieved.
Then if the rotor is not straight you may adjust the link, I think 1-2 turns or so. (Not sure about the amount of turns.) Manual states that too much adjustment may cause vibration.
Anyway this is an interesting subject and I did not know about this method. Maybe it is good, but you will need the tool he has.
Next part is of course alining the front fork, which is also interesting.
There is another problem whith the Dyna, which comes when you pull the throttle in corner or a bend and you get out of balance. What helped me there was replacing the stock front motor mount with the Predator mount. The bike may vibrate a bit more between 2000 and 2500 RPMs but it will be rock steady when you accelerate out of turns. (My experience is that the additional vibration caused by the Predator can be reduced by adjusting the timing.)
Also one important thing. That is having correct tire pressure.
Last edited by OakMountainRider; Nov 13, 2023 at 11:04 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 4,671
Likes: 3,967
From: Near Yosemite
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 537
Likes: 247
From: Wisconsin
This is because your motor-frame alignment will affect your swingarm alignment, and if your shocks are attached you will not be aligning the motor because of the tension from the shocks.
Replied to wrong quote.
Last edited by 96hugger; Nov 14, 2023 at 09:52 PM.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 860
Likes: 262
From: CA
What I meant by something "being off" ... was perceived non-alignment when riding the bike. Partly attributed to my handlebars seemed crooked while going straight down the road. Despite dealers saying all was good ... nothing wrong with it. BS ... i dont have that feeling with 3 others bikes I have owned. I adjusted my bars, installed poly risers etc.. the same. But for sure did not attempt or consider motor alignment.
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 589
Likes: 93
From: Stockholm
Tha tool he has made is pretty much just a "Go-No Go" tool. There are plenty of ways to make something to check what he is checking, including using one of 5 tape measures that I own. The adjustable Heim joints is the thing I'd like to get. Just to play with it. I see some for cheap online right now.......................
Anyway I think I will try the method described in the video this winter; measuring the distance between the upper shock mount and the swing arm, while the schocks are disconnected and the rear wheel is off the ground. Never tried that one.
Last edited by OakMountainRider; Nov 15, 2023 at 01:44 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 4,671
Likes: 3,967
From: Near Yosemite
Googled it and found this, but all sold out................ I like the concept if the plunger action tho.
https://www.luckyspeedshop.com/produ...t-stabilizer-1
https://www.luckyspeedshop.com/produ...t-stabilizer-1