How to Check Motorcycle Wheel alignment

If motorcycle wheels are not in alignment, it can make cornering unbalanced and erratic. In addition, the tires wear more slowly and evenly if the motorcycle the wheels are aligned properly. Equally, if you consistently travel in a straight line the motorcycle will have better gas mileage and will travel well at speed. It is essential that a rider knows how to align the wheels.

Required:

• Length of bright colored string, 8' or longer


• Assistant


• Small piece of duct tape

1. Prop the motorcycle on the center stand on level ground. If the bike does not have a center stand, then use a swing arm work stand.

2. Place the bike into first gear; this will prevent the rear wheel from moving turning this process.

3. Fold the string in half to find the middle of the string. If you use a bright color, it makes it easier to see the string when lined up against your tires.

4. Pass the string through the rear wheel at a low point in the tire with the middle of the string in the middle of the wheel rim. Be sure the place you choose will allow the string to run parallel to the ground without hindrance to the front wheel.

5. Wrap the string around the edge of the wheel and across the tread of rear tire. It should now make an X across tread of the tire. Secure it with the duct tape/gaffer tape.

6. Bring the lengths of string to either side of the bike and toward the front tire. Be careful not to obstruct the string in any way. The string should not touch anything except the rear tire.

7. If it touches anything other than the tire, the straight line you are attempting to create is disrupted. It should be possible to run the line between the swing arm and swing arm spring. Ensure the front wheel is pointing roughly straight ahead.

8. Lay down on the floor or ground in front of the front wheel. Make sure you are able to see down the length of the bike to the back wheel.

9. Grip the lengths of string in each hand and gently pull them taut. Place the string against the tire so that it barely touches the sidewall of the rear tire. Hold it there. Repeat this step on the other side of the tire, being careful to hold the other string in the position you just established. Then the front wheel should be perfectly centered between the two strings passing the front wheel.

10. Examine the string on both sides of the bike once it is taut against the rear sidewalls. The fact you will be laying on the floor will ensure one hand is not above the other. However, you need to make sure they are even and at equal distance from the front wheel.

11. Compare the line the string makes from the back tire to the front. If needed, the assistant can prod the front tire left or right so that it is parallel to lengths of string.

12. Compare the distance between the front tire sidewalls and the lengths of string. If the bike alignment is adjusted properly, the string will equidistant on each side.

Once you have checked the alignment, and made any adjustments required, it should not be required again until you change the rear tire.