2009 rear wheel centered in the frame?

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Jul 23, 2010 | 04:12 PM

Turbo3pt3

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2009 rear wheel centered in the frame?

Hey folks. I am trying to get back from an accident that totaled my 2009 FLHRC. I am fine, but looking at knee surgery for a torn ACL & MCL. That is not as important as getting back on the road (lol). I am buying the bike back from the insurance company and have a frame question.

I was hit from behind pretty hard and trashed the fender, bags and bag supports, but after stripping all of the tins and bling the frame and fender struts look straight. The only thing that I noticed was that the rear tire is not exactly centered between the struts. It is shifted to te left about 1/4" from center. My question, is this is standard or is something else bent? I know the front wheel on many Harley models is not centered in the forks, But never thought about the rear.

Any help?
Thanks

Jul 23, 2010 | 04:50 PM

geezer glide 56

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Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 1,889

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From: Mississippi

If the swing arm looks straight you are probably alright...Next time you are at a dealership check out the bikes on the floor...I haven't seen many Harley s where the wheel was dead center under the fender...Just look at the rear frame section real close for flaking paint and obvious bends...Not the end of the world if the rear frame section is bent...I replaced one on a 09 the other day that was hit from behind...From what you describe the rear frame section is fine.

Jul 23, 2010 | 05:35 PM

Badfinger

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Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 818

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From: S/W Ohio

I don't think you can tell much by looking and eyeballing after a hard hit. You have to measure and you need to know where to measure from.

Good luck

Jul 23, 2010 | 05:37 PM

shortride

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2009

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From: 46th State, USA

The rear tire is not perfectly in line with the rear fender on my '09 Ultra Classic either.

Jul 23, 2010 | 05:47 PM

limj23

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Joined: Jul 2006

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hope this helps but for custom builds it doesnt matter if the wheel is centered in the swingarm, it should be centered to the backbone on your frame. on my rigid cfl frame the rear swing arm is offset so the wheel is not exactly centered.

Jul 23, 2010 | 08:54 PM

103Eagle

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Joined: Oct 2008

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I have the same exact issue although my bike (09 SG) was not in an accident. I did a custom fender install and once I had the OEM fender off, I thought the tire was off to the left (standing behind) about 1/4" as well. At first I thought the left frame rail/fender strut was bent but its not. I also had doubts that the custom wheel was off but have read about this on another forum as well. I had to rework the mounting of the custom fender to get proper clearance, basically shim the fender on the right side to move it left of center by almost 1/4".

Jul 23, 2010 | 09:03 PM

tombeving

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Joined: Dec 2007

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From: cd. Obregon, Sonora, mx

I would go by the drive belt. Lift the bike off the ground and pry the brake pads back so the wheel spins freely. If there's frame damage the drive belt won't track properly.