Triumphrat

whoa · 04-17-2005

The Tiger went down on the left and wiped out the scale for aligning the axle. So I used a spring caliper to make get the distance off the swingarm the same on both sides. But is the swingarm a good point to measure this? If so, I’ll polish down the damage and set a new scale.

Hayduke · 04-17-2005

Your best bet it is to use a yard stick on each side of your wheel to check that it is infact straight. You can then make a "zero" mark on each side for reference, but with this type of adjuster, you really should use the stick method each time.

Mudhen · 04-19-2005

Sorry to sound like an idiot...but where are you lining the yard stick up to? Along the rear wheel up to...the front? And eyeballing that the handlebars are straight?

I stumbled on some posts about this on Yahoo...one guy said he noticed an alignment issue when riding straight ahead one arm was out straight and the other was bent - which is currently bothering me on my Steamer...

Thanks,

Pat

Hayduke · 04-19-2005

You use the yard sticks to check the rear wheel alignment in the frame. Placing the sticks on each side of the rim makes it easier to "eye ball where the wheel is pointing. you can also measure the distance from frame to stick on each side to make sure its centered. It's not very scientific, but it works.

whoa · 04-19-2005

I've noticed tread wear on the left side of the rear tire wearing more than the right. Although the bike tracks correctly. It may be an old issue from bad alignment from a long time ago.

After I adjusted the chain, I measured from tire to swing arm. Now I'm thinking I should measure to the rim.

I stopped by the shop today to find out if the measurement from swingarm to rim is the same on both sides. The guys are not sure so they are going to check with Triumph. Will post back when I have the good word.

Once I know I have the alignment within tolerance, I'll polish the damaged area and set a new scale for future adjustments.

[ This message was edited by: whoa on 2005-04-20 16:41 ]

whoa · 04-28-2005

I spoke with one of the mechanics at the shop today. He too suggested aligning two 2x4s from rear to front and measure spacing against the front wheel.

He also said the rear wheel is not dished so it should be equal distance to the swing arm.

Didn't mention in my first post but I was concerned about excessive wear on the left side. He told me this was normal in Texas because of excessive crown.

Another thing I did was to ride hands off to check for drift but the Tiger tracked true. I'm not sure if this tells much but reading about the other person having to keep pressure to track straight made me think it may help tell.

Thanks for the replies.

whoa · 04-28-2005

I spoke with one of the mechanics at the shop today. He too suggested aligning two 2x4s from rear to front and measure spacing against the front wheel.

He also said the rear wheel is not dished so it should be equal distance to the swing arm.

Didn't mention in my first post but I was concerned about excessive wear on the left side. He told me this was normal in Texas because of excessive crown.

Another thing I did was to ride hands off to check for drift but the Tiger tracked true. I'm not sure if this tells much but reading about the other person having to keep pressure to track straight made me think it may help tell.

Thanks for the replies.