Rear wheel not aligned
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 851
Likes: 129
From: AZ
I am having the same exact problem with my 2005 rk. For the life of me i cannot figure it out. It was centered in there before and now mine looks like yours. I have read the service manuel a did what they say to do for a rear wheel install. I have had someone say that's the way they are but i just dont believe it.
I hope someone has some insight on this because it drives me nuts that it isnt straight!
I hope someone has some insight on this because it drives me nuts that it isnt straight!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 7
From: Daytona, Fla.
The photo's don't show anymore than a difference in the fender & the wheel, & that *may* be normal.
Alignment is simple, but tedious. If you have access to a lift with a wheel clamp, clamp the front wheel perfectly vertical. You can verify that it's vertical by using a magnetic torpedo level on the brake disc. Next, move the level to the disc on the rear wheel. If it's level you are aligned in the vertical. If it's not level you adjust the vertical with the top heim link. Next use a long straight edge placed against the rear tire & extending past the front wheel. Measure the distance between the straight edge & the front tire. When it's equal at two points on the front tire you're aligned in the horizontal. You adjust the horizontal with the front heim link.
Even after alignment the tire/wheel may not be centered in the fender. Harley is left justified because of the drive line being on that side. Wider tires require spacing to move the motor/transmission even further to the left. Take a look at some of the major customs next chance you get.
Alignment is simple, but tedious. If you have access to a lift with a wheel clamp, clamp the front wheel perfectly vertical. You can verify that it's vertical by using a magnetic torpedo level on the brake disc. Next, move the level to the disc on the rear wheel. If it's level you are aligned in the vertical. If it's not level you adjust the vertical with the top heim link. Next use a long straight edge placed against the rear tire & extending past the front wheel. Measure the distance between the straight edge & the front tire. When it's equal at two points on the front tire you're aligned in the horizontal. You adjust the horizontal with the front heim link.
Even after alignment the tire/wheel may not be centered in the fender. Harley is left justified because of the drive line being on that side. Wider tires require spacing to move the motor/transmission even further to the left. Take a look at some of the major customs next chance you get.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,609
Likes: 1
From: Indy area
The process can be a bit more tedious than Jinks explained. He explained it correctly but not completely. If you have to use the upper link to fix vertical alignment and then use the lower one to correct lateral alignment, the the vertical will be out again. You need to do one, then the other, then the one, then the other, back and forth between them until you "walk into" the finished alignment for both links together. Because if you need to adjust the vertical link when the lateral was correct the lateral will get thrown out by virtue of adjusting the vertical and vice versa.
I would suggest checking both before moving either and attempt to compensate on the first adjustment to accommodate in part, at least, what the second required.
The 07 manual says both wheels vertical together and within 1/16" apart laterally. Be aware that although the bike might still pull to the left when you're done, it won't wallow if it's tracking straight with both wheels and the steering neck all operating in the same plane.
I would suggest checking both before moving either and attempt to compensate on the first adjustment to accommodate in part, at least, what the second required.
The 07 manual says both wheels vertical together and within 1/16" apart laterally. Be aware that although the bike might still pull to the left when you're done, it won't wallow if it's tracking straight with both wheels and the steering neck all operating in the same plane.
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