Aligning Motorcycle Wheels
Aligning the wheels is universally regarded as a sound bike
practice. It is a good thing to have both ends of the
motorcycles aligned so as to make cornering smooth and
predictable. In addition, alignment makes less wear and tear for
the wheels.
It is rare for riders to do alignment on new bikes. This is
because innovations greatly improve production tolerances over
time. Thus, most bikes now are pretty straight.
However, we have to do the aligning to most of the models we
have these days. Before you proceed to the aligning, be sure
that the motorcycle parts are free from flaws and the basics are
fine.
Traveling in a straight line will definitely bring you to your
desired destination with lesser effort and calculation. If the
wheels are not aligned, the bike may have the tendency to pull
on one side or steer in one direction easier. These
circumstances can lessen the bike's tyre span.
If you are using the squiz at your conventional chain-drive
bike, you can change the back wheel's position through the
adjusters. When you move the wheel or tension the chain, you
line it up against the alignment marks on the swingarm. If the
axle is back on one side at about three and a half notches, be
certain to bring it back to the same extent to the other side.
Always double check.
To test the alignment of your bike, you can use the string
lining technique. All you have to do is to use two straight
edges or strings that are longer than your bike. Let your bike
stand still on the sidestand and closely prop up to vertical. A
race stand is also a good alternative. The next thing to do is
to wrap the string around the front wheel and connect it
under-bike hardware under the machine. To achieve best results,
you must have a bike buddy to assist you. Another, you can also
use oil cans and jackstands to hold the loose ends of the string
while you are fiddling. To make it all lined is quite a hard
thing to do but to make it easy, stop when the bike is already
assumed straight.
Accurateness is not that critical. If ever, you find it really
difficult to align, check on the frame or perhaps the bike might
have been designed with the rear wheel offset from the front.