Chain tension question

[MrP]

Hi, just got a new chain added to my 04 rsvr. The chap at the shop aligned the rear wheel by using a laser to ensure the new chain was straight (which it was). To my horror, it seems that having a straight chain means the rear axle marks were out by 2 (8 ticks on the left and 6 on the right)?

This is a little disturbing, since previously I was tensioning the chain by using those marks to ensure the axle was straight. Knowing this I don't think I can trust those marks. Is this a common problem, or do I somehow either have a duff swingarm/axle or perhaps my rear sprocket is not aligned?

Any pointers much appreciated.

Thanks
David

[Sibhod]

I've read here on this forum that you can't trust the markings on the swing arm for an accurate alignment.

[Wharewolf]

Good to know since I have been going by those marks for 3 years now.

[jaldridge]

Aren't those marks for aligning the rear wheel, not the chain? Hmm.

[jmardy]

That seems extreme...
I've got one of these and am in San Rafael if you want to come over. We can double check it.

[MrP]

So it looks like we have three variables. Wheel, marks and chain alignment. In my case, it appears that chain ≠ mark ≠ wheel alignment. So what do I align against?

[MrP]

What are those tools exactly?

[MrP]

I was considering getting a set of these LighTech chain adjusters (http://www.oppracing.com/product_dis...ain-adjusters/), just to have something that is accurate.

[jmardy]

What are those tools exactly?

http://www.rhinomoto.com/tools.html
Axelign Rear Wheel Alignment Tool
Accurate rear wheel alignment is essential for proper motorcycle handling and maximum chain and tire life, yet the alignment marks placed on the swingarm and chain adjusters by the factory are notoriously inaccurate. Unlike other alignment tools, this tool stays mounted and reads the amount of misalignment as the adjustment is made. This allows a single user to quickly and accurately align the rear axle to the swingarm pivot in minutes.

This confirms the rear wheel is in alignment with the swingarm. SHOULD also mean that the chain is perpendicular to the sprockets.

[Wharewolf]

is that product specific to aprilia or will it work on my other bikes too?

[shelbyguy]

they will work on any bike with hollow axles/swinger pivot

[theknurl]

come on folks, you want the rear wheel centered behind the front wheel......fuck the swing arm.....

with no tires......like when you're replacing them you only have to do this once......unless you tweek the frame...

on front and rear stands use 2 straightedges
when the side to side measurements to the front wheel are the same

measure from the back of the swingarm to the adjuster blocks with a vernier caliper.....trim the long side of the swingarm to equal the short side

now you can align your wheels with a vernier caliper to within 0.001

yes, i built bikes on a big jig table.......i know how crooked they are

[Galaxian]

In Theory, unless the bike was the victim of some "trauma", afflicted with tolerance stacking (or other QC issue) or otherwise malformed the following will apply:

The steering head, front and rear axles and swingarm pivot will all be in their proper position relative to each other and aligned. Therefore, aligning the rear axle with the swingarm pivot on this perfect bike with it's perfect forks and triples would make it track exactly true. The chain would also be in perfect alignment since the engine was installed correctly as well...

The way to know if the bike is perfect (or at least within spec) is to measure it.

That being said, I don't use the marks on the swingarm on any bike as they tend to not be very accurate.

I like the Rhinomoto tool. Easy to use and it works. Unless the bike is bent. And if it is, nothing will make it track properly short of making it not bent.

[jmardy]

I had my bike professionally measured today and they guy was really impressed at how parallel the rear axle was to the swingarm.
For the record, my hash marks are pretty close to dead on as well. I could give a shit if my chain and sprockets aren't in a perfect plane; I want my bike to track properly.
Oh, and I would rather crawl naked over broken glass than to try that retarded "string" method.

[norcolmille]

good news - so the guy who said he had your chain straight was incorrect? Or you will just live with a little more chain ./ sprocket wear ? I ask as we may all be in a similar similar situation .


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