Rear Wheel Alignment IN FRAME
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
Rear Wheel Alignment IN FRAME
I am trying to decide if one of the PO's put on a WIDER rim or if these bikes were designed this way. I just can't see them being design this way, but I won't know for sure unless I ask you guys.
This is the way I bought the bike. In this pic, I just unbolted the rear fender and struts and installed new ones. The original swing arm is still on the bike and I have not removed the tire. According to the FM, all the spacer / axle adjusters, etc. are all on the axle in the proper order.
Problem is, the tire is not centered in the frame or rear fender struts. Should it be centered in the frame? I would thing so but it is out 1/2 an inch. In the pic, the RHS has 1/4" of clearance and the LHS has 1 1/4" of clearance.
To get around the offset tire / fender thing, one of the PO's mechanics "modified" (IE - bent in a press) the fender struts. This way the fender looked "centered" on the tire from the back.
Please let me know how your scooter is set up.
Thanks,
Skinner
This is the way I bought the bike. In this pic, I just unbolted the rear fender and struts and installed new ones. The original swing arm is still on the bike and I have not removed the tire. According to the FM, all the spacer / axle adjusters, etc. are all on the axle in the proper order.
Problem is, the tire is not centered in the frame or rear fender struts. Should it be centered in the frame? I would thing so but it is out 1/2 an inch. In the pic, the RHS has 1/4" of clearance and the LHS has 1 1/4" of clearance.
To get around the offset tire / fender thing, one of the PO's mechanics "modified" (IE - bent in a press) the fender struts. This way the fender looked "centered" on the tire from the back.
Please let me know how your scooter is set up.
Thanks,
Skinner
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,273
Likes: 7
From:
RE: Rear Wheel Alignment IN FRAME
it may be offset due to pulley set. check your drive side alignment from pully to tranny pull. How close is the chain/belt to the tire? Someone may have used the wrong offset on the axle pulley.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
RE: Rear Wheel Alignment IN FRAME
I have 1/4 inch of clearance between chain and tire BUT there is an over sized tire (130) on the bike.
Drive sprocket looks like standard issue. Chain runs between the sprockets nice. Allignment is good.
Thinking about taking 1/2" out of left side axle spacer to move the tire to the left (Sitting at rear of bike looking forward) and then making up a 1/2" spacer to bolt between the brake drum/sprocket and the rim. That way the tires moves to the left (center) 1/2" but the drive sprocket stays in the same place.
Skinner
Drive sprocket looks like standard issue. Chain runs between the sprockets nice. Allignment is good.
Thinking about taking 1/2" out of left side axle spacer to move the tire to the left (Sitting at rear of bike looking forward) and then making up a 1/2" spacer to bolt between the brake drum/sprocket and the rim. That way the tires moves to the left (center) 1/2" but the drive sprocket stays in the same place.
Skinner
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 17
From: Houston Texas
RE: Rear Wheel Alignment IN FRAME
Skinner.......
If you do not have the original rim on the bike then most likely what happened was some one spoked up a replacement rim and failed to center it correctly over the hub.
If that is the case (or even if it isn't) you can remove the tire and tube and set the wheel up in a stand. If the rim is too close to the right side, just loosen all of the right side spoke nipples 1 turn each. Then tighten all of the left side nipples 1 turn each. This will keep the wheel in alignment for the most part. Has it moved left enough? If not, repeat the nipple exercise again and if it is close to being correct, tighten/loosen with half turns. Just keep it even on the turns.
A final truing will get the alignment of the rim perfect.......pg.
If you do not have the original rim on the bike then most likely what happened was some one spoked up a replacement rim and failed to center it correctly over the hub.
If that is the case (or even if it isn't) you can remove the tire and tube and set the wheel up in a stand. If the rim is too close to the right side, just loosen all of the right side spoke nipples 1 turn each. Then tighten all of the left side nipples 1 turn each. This will keep the wheel in alignment for the most part. Has it moved left enough? If not, repeat the nipple exercise again and if it is close to being correct, tighten/loosen with half turns. Just keep it even on the turns.
A final truing will get the alignment of the rim perfect.......pg.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 17
From: Houston Texas
RE: Rear Wheel Alignment IN FRAME
Skinner....
If it is centered over the hub now then the only thing that may limit you moving the rim further to the left is the length of the spokes. All you can do is try it. I think the spokes will certainly handle up to a 2 turn loosen/tighten exercise, and yes....it will be safe to ride.
Check the front and rear alignment before you decide to do the offset though.
Put a long straight edge against the right side of the front and rear of the rear rim (or tire) and see how the front rim is parallel. Then move the straight edge over to the left side and compare what you have to the right side for alignment.........pg
If it is centered over the hub now then the only thing that may limit you moving the rim further to the left is the length of the spokes. All you can do is try it. I think the spokes will certainly handle up to a 2 turn loosen/tighten exercise, and yes....it will be safe to ride.
Check the front and rear alignment before you decide to do the offset though.
Put a long straight edge against the right side of the front and rear of the rear rim (or tire) and see how the front rim is parallel. Then move the straight edge over to the left side and compare what you have to the right side for alignment.........pg
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
RE: Rear Wheel Alignment IN FRAME
Thanks again PG. Here are a couple pics to show the off set. The tire is to the right of the centerline of the frame 3/8 - 1/2".
Off to get my new rear tire removed off the rim. Looks like I have a week end project ahead of me.
Skinner.
Off to get my new rear tire removed off the rim. Looks like I have a week end project ahead of me.
Skinner.
Trending Topics
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 17
From: Houston Texas
RE: Rear Wheel Alignment IN FRAME
Skinner.....
Yes it is offset to the right. Also, when I say 'the rim should be centered over the hub' that statement includes the inclusion of the brake drum as well. The hub, brake drum, and axle spacer sit inside the swingarm. The rim is to be centered over this mass so that it is centered between the struts, on centerline of the frame, etc, etc.
Attached is the factory offset dimension for the rear rim (aluminum and steel) measured from the brake drum side of the hub. Compare your measurement to the proper dimension before you start to correct the spoking. There should be that 3/8 to 1/2 inch difference......pg
[IMG]local://upfiles/8331/68D8B0F80B004F24A8ACCC147EDD36FC.jpg[/IMG]
Yes it is offset to the right. Also, when I say 'the rim should be centered over the hub' that statement includes the inclusion of the brake drum as well. The hub, brake drum, and axle spacer sit inside the swingarm. The rim is to be centered over this mass so that it is centered between the struts, on centerline of the frame, etc, etc.
Attached is the factory offset dimension for the rear rim (aluminum and steel) measured from the brake drum side of the hub. Compare your measurement to the proper dimension before you start to correct the spoking. There should be that 3/8 to 1/2 inch difference......pg
[IMG]local://upfiles/8331/68D8B0F80B004F24A8ACCC147EDD36FC.jpg[/IMG]
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
