DIY Wheel Alignment Tool

Don #6141 · Post by **Don #6141** » Wed Jul 23, 2008 9:49 am

If the rear tire is out 1/8th, you'll sure have a different bike in left handers than you do when turning right . . . . I can't even imagine trying to ride a bike that's out by 1/4 inch - Unless it was a Harley or a chopper which doesn't turn right or left worth a darn

If you like good performance in the twisties, I'd say Larry's alignment is critical and getting it 'right' is pretty darned important

Don

EMS · Post by **EMS** » Wed Jul 23, 2008 10:08 am

There are two different "alignments". One is the rear wheel being square in the frame, i.e.: the axle not "cocked". This can be achieved by checking the chain adjusters. The other one is this one here, which is front and rear wheel are running exactly parallel. Both alignments, if off, will contribute to erratic handling (steering and pulling to one side) and tire wear.
Front and rear wheels can be running offset on some bikes ( the tire centers are not running on the same line) from the factory. I think the V-Max is a bike like that and some shaft driven motorcycles have an offset.

alimey4u2 · Post by **alimey4u2** » Wed Jul 23, 2008 1:34 pm

EMS wrote:There are two different "alignments". One is the rear wheel being square in the frame, i.e.: the axle not "cocked". This can be achieved by checking the chain adjusters. The other one is this one here, which is front and rear wheel are running exactly parallel. Both alignments, if off, will contribute to erratic handling (steering and pulling to one side) and tire wear.
Front and rear wheels can be running offset on some bikes ( the tire centers are not running on the same line) from the factory. I think the V-Max is a bike like that and some shaft driven motorcycles have an offset.

Mike (or anyone else) do you know how much offset a V MAX has or any other notable bike ..1/8"... 1/4", dare I say more ??

Rick Pope · Post by **Rick Pope** » Wed Jul 23, 2008 11:34 pm

Ahh-ha. But if the alignment and all else is perfect, then all my excuses for being the slowest guy in the group fly out the window.

alimey4u2 · Post by **alimey4u2** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 4:13 am

Rick Pope wrote:Ahh-ha. But if the alignment and all else is perfect, then all my excuses for being the slowest guy in the group fly out the window.

Damn, why didn't I think of that.....

Don #6141 · Post by **Don #6141** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 9:32 am

alimey4u2 wrote:
Rick Pope wrote:Ahh-ha. But if the alignment and all else is perfect, then all my excuses for being the slowest guy in the group fly out the window.
Damn, why didn't I think of that.....

Just tell everyone you're trying to keep up with that you've measured it . . . . and your alignment is off by 1/4 inch ;)

Don

cbxtacy · Post by **cbxtacy** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 12:34 pm

but on modern sport bikes the rear tire is so much wider then the front using the "offset wheel" excuse is only good in a straight line. When the rear tire is 2 1/2" to 3" wider does it make that much of a difference? Especially when you're using tires that don't have a directional tread pattern? By directional I mean a rib type tread pattern. It's a big difference from when a 2.5" rim was a wide rim.

alimey4u2 · Post by **alimey4u2** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 7:26 pm

I love George, ( in a manly kind of way...

) he may act the fool but don't be misled, his wisdom & experience shines though....

cbxtacy · Post by **cbxtacy** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 9:17 pm

are you sure that's not the lack of hair shining through? If I had a full head of hair, I wouldn't have to put a 6 into 6 exhaust on my wire wheeled bike (with offset wheels) to attract chicks.

Rick Pope · Post by **Rick Pope** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:32 pm

There seems to be quite a few CBXers who are folically impaired. I think I can stand tall among them........

alimey4u2 · Post by **alimey4u2** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 7:50 am

I did a photoshop of George once with a hairpiece riding an MB5. Surprised it didn't make the front cover of GQ magazine...