Softail Rear Wheel Alignment
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Stage I
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1
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From: San Diego
Softail Rear Wheel Alignment
I have a 2006 Softail Night Train that got bumped from behind by another vehicle while I was taking off at a stop light.
At the time, it seemed the damage was minimal and limited to the license plate mount and scuff marks on the fender and rear tail lights but upon further inspection I noticed that the rear (200mm) tire was misaligned and the right side collar on the axle nut no longer seated against the tip of the adjuster bolt. I also noticed that the belt guard now rubs on the outside of the rear sprocket.
When I realigned the rear axle to the pivot by adjusting the belt tension and measuring the distance from the axle to the swing arm pivot on each side, I noticed the belt guard still rubbed against the sprocket.
Now I'm wondering whether the rear fork got tweaked during the impact. Does anyone know of a straightforward method for checking the rear fork for straightness and proper alignment with the frame?
I've also read that there is an offset between front and rear tires on this bike. Is that truly the case or are the front and rear tires supposed to be inline with each other when straight? Does anyone know what the offset is supposed to be?
Any input would be much appreciated.
At the time, it seemed the damage was minimal and limited to the license plate mount and scuff marks on the fender and rear tail lights but upon further inspection I noticed that the rear (200mm) tire was misaligned and the right side collar on the axle nut no longer seated against the tip of the adjuster bolt. I also noticed that the belt guard now rubs on the outside of the rear sprocket.
When I realigned the rear axle to the pivot by adjusting the belt tension and measuring the distance from the axle to the swing arm pivot on each side, I noticed the belt guard still rubbed against the sprocket.
Now I'm wondering whether the rear fork got tweaked during the impact. Does anyone know of a straightforward method for checking the rear fork for straightness and proper alignment with the frame?
I've also read that there is an offset between front and rear tires on this bike. Is that truly the case or are the front and rear tires supposed to be inline with each other when straight? Does anyone know what the offset is supposed to be?
Any input would be much appreciated.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,337
Likes: 4
From: Sunny South Florida
The front and rear tire need to be on the same plane so if there is an offset it just needs to be on that plane. This might help.
http://youtu.be/RBxK-OQ--fg
http://youtu.be/RBxK-OQ--fg
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 983
Likes: 4
From: Fredericksburg, Va
I would take the whole rear fender, wheel and pulley and swing arm off the bike and get it looked at. Have a local wrench spin your tire on a machine to check and see if the pulley, wheel and rotor are spinning tru. Obviously check the axle and make sure it isnt bent...roll it at eye level on a glass table.Hopefully, its just the belt guard that got bent. Hopefully, you got the owners insurance info cause whatever damage the vehicle did; its on them big time to make it right. Good luck.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
Now I'm wondering whether the rear fork got tweaked during the impact. Does anyone know of a straightforward method for checking the rear fork for straightness and proper alignment with the frame?
I've also read that there is an offset between front and rear tires on this bike. Is that truly the case or are the front and rear tires supposed to be inline with each other when straight? Does anyone know what the offset is supposed to be?
I've also read that there is an offset between front and rear tires on this bike. Is that truly the case or are the front and rear tires supposed to be inline with each other when straight? Does anyone know what the offset is supposed to be?
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