Author Topic: Opinions on Laser Wheel-Alignment Tools (Read 2820 times)

ATC'er · « **on:** August 03, 2006, 04:54:32 PM »

I've been researching laser wheel-alignment tools for motorcycles. Most of them align the rear wheel with reference to the front wheel. Question is, because the front wheel pivots left and right, won't there still be a discrepancy unless the front wheel is EXACTLY straight ahead? If your goal is to point the front wheel straight ahead, what is the reference point? Chassis centerline? Shouldn't an accurate system align the rear wheel with the chassis centerline then, and not the front wheel? This seems to make more sense to me because I've also read that if a motorcycle's frame is bent, aligning the rear wheel to the front wheel won't improve anything. It just doesn't make sense to me to use a pivoting front wheel as a reference point for aligning the rear wheel. Can anyone educate me on this?

solman · « **Reply #1 on:** August 04, 2006, 05:27:52 PM »

There is a cheaper way. Use string to do the same job. I used it once and I didn't notice any difference than using the marks on the swingarm.

gearset01 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 14, 2006, 02:54:04 PM »

Dont know about lasers and such...... However I would offer my procedeure if interested. Its patented so dont just hand it out OK.
Take a piece of masking tape the wide stuff and tape over the chrome caps for the swing arm bolt. Now divide the diameter in two and make an X right in the center, measure from center to center from axle to your X both sides before and after the chain adjust. Just a little note dont fully loosen the axel just enough to get movement, I find that way there is very little change when tightening the nut.
PIN

ATC'er · « **Reply #3 on:** August 14, 2006, 03:22:02 PM »

I tried something different today. I was reading on the Internet about the string method and saw a suggestion to use a long fluorescent light bulb instead. Tried it today with a 6' (I think) bulb and it worked pretty good.