Rear tire line up

[SiC-0]

I can do most things to a bike but im not quite sure on how to line up a tire so that i dont bent the sprocket and get proper tention.

[PlayfulGod]

if in doubt run the adjusters all the way in and then make sure to turn each side the same numbers of turns to get the tension right :big_boss:

[#1TOWNIE]

if in doubt run the adjusters all the way in and then make sure to turn each side the same numbers of turns to get the tension right :big_boss:


+1

[Bueller]

I measure from a set point (usually the center of the swing arm pivot) that is equal on both sides, to the centerline of the axle, the stamped markings are not always correct.

Here is the string method:
http://www.yamahafz1oa.com/sportryderswheelalignmentmethod.shtml

[Jay]

There was a way to do it with a big screwdriver. I saw it done at the track with Pucks bike.

[KAOS]

if you get down beside your bike and look at the swing arm where the axle comes threw, there are little marks on the swing arm that resemble a ruler. they are very small and hard to see unless you are in direct light cuase they are powder coated over or polished over which ever your swing arm is....using a wrench you loosen the bolt closest to front of the bike first on both sides, then you can tighten or losen the back bolt wich will move your tire back and forth on the swing arm, very subtle but it will move, you will actually be able to see your chain sag or tighten depending on which way you are going, proper torque usually is between 78 and 82 ft pounds of torque (bike makes vary) and you are supposed to have a 1/2 inch play in your chain in either up or down direction, if you cant move your chain its too tight, if it just bounces on your finger its to loose..

if you make it to tight, you will be taking away your hp because, when you tighten it to much you make it harder for the front sporcket to spin, and it will be always pulling down, if you look at the black protector on your swing arm where the chain would rub on it, if you are hitting that protector your chain is to tight and you are taking away from the power of your bike, this is also why we dont change out front sprockets to less teeth by the way, if you wanna change your gearing change the back one!

good luck

[Cutty72]

KAOS is close
check for proper chain tension in your owners manual. Mine is between .8 - 1.4" of slack, measured in the center of the chain while the bike is on the side stand.

As for aligning the chain, you can get a tool from many different sites.

Here is Kneedraggers selection

http://www.kneedraggers.com/search/search.php?search=1&query=alignment

[TwelveMag]

I use the little lines and line it up there

[Greene22]

I always just use the marks on the swingarm, as they have been accurate on every modern bike I've owned. I use the string method to verify allignment after setting it though.

good luck.

[ravenman]

I always use a tape measure. I don't trust mold marks. The swing arms are usually welded together, so there is room for mistakes. General rume of thum is 1.5 inches of slack in the chain.

[pleasantlyplump]

ah! great question!!!
good info!

thanks!!!!

which lines btw?

cant you just notice if your bike doesnt go straight?

[Cutty72]

ah! great question!!!
good info!

thanks!!!!

which lines btw?

cant you just notice if your bike doesnt go straight?


It won't make your bike go noticably crooked without doing MAJOR damage to the chain and sprockets.

[Dogbone]

The easiest and cheapest tool to use is one that resembles a mini "c" clamp and has a pointer stuck in it (or out of it if you prefer). You clamp it on the sprocket and when the chain is aligned with the pointer, you are straight.

Another tool is basically a stick with 2 pointers on it that can clamp in place. Usually with this tool you measure from inside the swing arm pivot to inside the axle.

Using the adjustment lines that are stamped on the swingarms or turning the adjustment screws equal turns is just asking for trouble. Both of these methods are notoriously inaccurate.

[HeroicRacingApparel]

This is a great question.

The easiest way to line up your rear tire is to do this trick.

- Put your bike on a rearstand or if you don't have a rearstand, have a friend hold the bike up staight.
- Get a 20' piece of string.
- Make sure your front wheel is 100% straight with the frame.
- Loop the string around the rear of the front tire at 10', loop it around twice to prevent it slipping.
- With the two 10' extensions bring them back behind the motorcycle.
The string will touch the front of the rear tire and the rear of the tire if 100% straight.
- If Not / Use the 10 or 12 mm wrech to adjust the alignments on the back of the swingarm.
- After adjustment, check again with your strings. you can get a near 100% alignment with this.


I use this for my trackbikes. If you change your tripletree in the front or adjust your forks, you can do the opposite for the front wheel alignment.

I can do most things to a bike but im not quite sure on how to line up a tire so that i dont bent the sprocket and get proper tention.