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Rear tire alignment?

7K views 12 replies 8 participants last post by  Zandit 
#1 ·
How difficult is it to align a rear tire? I saw a method using a string that seems pretty straight forward but want to be aware of anything i should be concerned about. Im no mechanic but do have minor wrenching experience. I own a '12 Ninja 650 if that matters any.


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#2 ·
I use the string method all the time, it works great and is accurate.

two bricks, a white nylon string and a little piece of tape, along with a little patience.
I look down from standing in front of the bike to check the space on each side of the front wheel.

I also backroll a rag on the top of the sprocket (between the chain and sprocket) to press the axle tight before tightening the axle bolt, this keeps the axle from crawling out of place when tightening.
 
#3 ·
The 3rd gen (2012+) has alignment blocks. You could probably just eyeball the lines on each side. If you want to be more precise, you can measure the distance with a caliper. I understand some people don't trust the swingarm lines but I have not had an issue using them on the 2nd gen.
 
#7 ·
I place a straight edged ruler against the rear sprocket under the top run of the chain.
By looking along the ruler, I can see if the chain travels straight. If it is straight, the rear wheel is aligned.
 
#8 ·
If the chain travels straight, that does not necessarily mean that your wheels are aligned [and vice versa]. You have a few options:


1) Try to align the front and rear wheels - this should assist handling


2) Try to align the front and rear sprockets - this should assist chain and sprocket life


3) Something else




Doing #1 does not necessarily mean that #2 is a byproduct and vice versa. However, if #1 or #2 is a result of the other, that is great! If the frame, swingarm, fork tubes, fork tube clamps, etc. are bent/twisted, you will probably have a difficult time achieving #2 from #1 and vice versa.




One person's "never had a problem" may be someone else's "problem" as those are relative terms.




I am not saying which method is "best", as it is up to each person to decide what they want to do.
 
#9 ·
I'll go with your option 3 - Something else. Seems like a box of surprises. Maybe it means 'have a few beers and then play with it by eye'. yes I think that's the safest option :p

IMO, the marks are there for a reason. Modern machining tolerances are quite exact. Provided the frame/swingarm is not bent, If you line them up properly on each side, you should have no issues at all. The manual specifies doing it this way (and mentions that straight edge or string can also be used if desired) so why complicate things.
 
#10 ·
Well the tire gets here Thursday as soon as it gets here im taking the rear wheel off and taking it down to the tire shop. I looked at my swingarm and read the manual and it does seem like they are confident in us using the swingarm lines. I plan to use them and just double checking with the string. A few more minutes of double checking will make me a little more confident so why not? Im sure if i see no problems with the swingarm alignment lines after using the string I will feel better next time not double checking with the string. Thanks for the info guys much appreciated.


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#11 ·
Thought I would add more to the options list.:surprise:
The marks on the axle blocks are a good reference point but not exact in my opinion.
I think we're just splitting hairs at this point but I use this alignment tool.
just assures me that everything is aligned correctly and if the rear sprocket is square with the chain, then it is square with the primary sprocket.
 
#13 ·
Different tool, same technique to what I described earlier.
 
#12 ·
I've used the string method on double sided swing arms using axle stands with good success and have had good luck with a chain alignment tool. Measuring from the swing arm pivot to the rear axle on center works good and it's quick and easy. On my last two Kawasaki bikes I've found the combination of the alignment blocks and the swing arm ticks to be off in that this method alone would not have resulted in good alignment. I think it helps to have choices for how you best do an alignment and for what feels right in getting it done.
 
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