Rear wheel alignment
Discussion
Novice question
Thought I’d tighten chain on my Zontes.
No technical difficulties and I get the importance of correct alignment. However the marks on the rear clamps were seemingly off by a couple of mm before I started. I adjusted both sides equally (took measurements ) then used the marks as a check only to see the difference. I’ve now altered so marks are equal both sides. But should I trust these? Maybe it was always out since I bought it.
Or perhaps the marks are off.
I’ve taken mm using a caliper and I would say the non drive side is 1mm further back.
So what do I trust?
Cheers
Thought I’d tighten chain on my Zontes.
No technical difficulties and I get the importance of correct alignment. However the marks on the rear clamps were seemingly off by a couple of mm before I started. I adjusted both sides equally (took measurements ) then used the marks as a check only to see the difference. I’ve now altered so marks are equal both sides. But should I trust these? Maybe it was always out since I bought it.
Or perhaps the marks are off.
I’ve taken mm using a caliper and I would say the non drive side is 1mm further back.
So what do I trust?
Cheers
I’ve had good success with the laser pointer alignment tool which you rest on the sprocket and point down the chain.
After that measuring a fixed point either side as you have done is good.
You can also check for parallel with the front wheel but that’s a lot more trouble.
Most people say not to trust the swingarm marks but I’ve found them to be ok. Depends on the bike.
After that measuring a fixed point either side as you have done is good.
You can also check for parallel with the front wheel but that’s a lot more trouble.
Most people say not to trust the swingarm marks but I’ve found them to be ok. Depends on the bike.
I took a bike for an MOT last year and was surprised when the bloke checked wheel alignment.
He used basically a long board with a cut-out to clear stands etc.
He said he saw quite a few bikes which are badly out.
Years ago I bought an old bike with the front wheel about 5mm off to one side. That was just about rideable.
I've checked a bike myself using lasers. It's quite a faff, it would be easier with a good means of locking the steering straight.
He used basically a long board with a cut-out to clear stands etc.
He said he saw quite a few bikes which are badly out.
Years ago I bought an old bike with the front wheel about 5mm off to one side. That was just about rideable.
I've checked a bike myself using lasers. It's quite a faff, it would be easier with a good means of locking the steering straight.
KTMsm said:
I've always just used the swingarm marks - never had a problem
If you experience an issue, by all means investigate but I suspect you're worrying about nothing
A bit OT: I just got new tyres on my 690 SMC R - the old rear tyre had marks from the chain contacting it. I am very careful with chain adjustment & would be surprised if its knackered after only 7500 miles. Am I adjusting it wrong? Incorrect alignment??If you experience an issue, by all means investigate but I suspect you're worrying about nothing
I suspect some of it might be to do with the relatively long chain on these bikes(??)
Biker 1 said:
A bit OT: I just got new tyres on my 690 SMC R - the old rear tyre had marks from the chain contacting it. I am very careful with chain adjustment & would be surprised if its knackered after only 7500 miles. Am I adjusting it wrong? Incorrect alignment??
I suspect some of it might be to do with the relatively long chain on these bikes(??)
I am not an expert - but have seen similar for:I suspect some of it might be to do with the relatively long chain on these bikes(??)
Incorrect tyre size / some makes are wider than others
Worn chain (side to side movement)
Slack chain as they weren't setting it correctly
Plus many say their bikes have always done it
SteveKTMer said:
I used to use the little laser device on bikes with double sided swing arms but on the KTM 1290 I don't think there is any adjustment, the wheel nut is tightened to 250Nm and as long as the bearings are not worn, I think it should stay in perfect alignment.
I'm sure you mean the alignment is fixed due to it being a single sided swingarm as the chain tension will need to be adjusted by loosening the nut in the hub (not the axle nut) and then adjust the tension via the ring on the wheel (between the wheel and swingarm) with a suspension preload type C spanner.trickywoo said:
SteveKTMer said:
I used to use the little laser device on bikes with double sided swing arms but on the KTM 1290 I don't think there is any adjustment, the wheel nut is tightened to 250Nm and as long as the bearings are not worn, I think it should stay in perfect alignment.
I'm sure you mean the alignment is fixed due to it being a single sided swingarm as the chain tension will need to be adjusted by loosening the nut in the hub (not the axle nut) and then adjust the tension via the ring on the wheel (between the wheel and swingarm) with a suspension preload type C spanner.Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff