All of a sudden I seem to have developed the inability to accept that having adjusted the chain on my Street Triple, that the rear wheel is in alignment with the front. Normally and in the past I have just accepted that using the rear wheel markers on the swinging arm was sufficient to align the rear wheel with the front. Now all of a sudden, these markers are just a "guide" and shouldn't be relied upon. So, how do I make sure the rear wheel is perfectly aligned with the front. I know, Youtube. WTF... It would appear that this process has become a dark art. If I don't want a worn chain, knackered sprockets, poor tyre wear, unpredicatable handling and sure death then I must make sure the rear wheel is perfectly alligned with the front. If those markers I've relied upon for years just don't cut it any more then how do I do this? 1. Tape measure from centre the swinging arm pivot to the centre of the rear spindle. Nope, pipe in the way. This seems the easiest and fairly accurate way to do it...but the pipe is in the way amongst other things. So, what about another way. 2. Try the Motion Pro Chain Alignment tool. Not sure this is any good as using my failing eyes doesn't seem like a good idea. 3. Perhaps the Halfords Tru-Tension laser aligner. If I'm honest not sure using a chain aligner is right for wheel alignment. Just like the above and it looks like a kids toy... 4. The string method! Give me a break, surely this can't be right. Or 4. £300+ on the Sealey Wheel alignment tool. Seems a good option. But really, all I want to do is align the rear wheel!!! So, how do you all do it? Is there a better way that I'm missing? Many thanks for any ideas, opinions etc... Rich
KTM option aint a bad price if you feel you need something like this. https://www.craigsmotorcycles.com/buy/ktm-Wheel-alignment-gauge/ktm-58310025000
I made this for my project build, it clamps to the rim of the rear wheel 2 positions on either side using tape covered aluminium blocks so as not to damage the rim. You will find bikes fresh out of the factory that are 10mm out or more in some instances not sure how critical it is though got mine to less than 0.5mm
Interesting. My new Triumph Daytona Moto2 swing arm markers are way out of line - one is half off the end of the adjuster block. I use a vernier gauge from the back of the block to the rear of the axle on either side. Once I did this I checked with string. Bang on.
Not the most accurate but a bit belt and braces after vernier gauge for me. A variation on two straight lengths of pipe etc.
String for me with the steel rule across the front tyre trick, takes 10 minutes once you've done it once, I used to use a straight edge but it was a faff in tight spaces. The string method will also show if your yokes are out as you can't get the front tyre gaps right