Rear wheel alignment

[milu]

Novice question
Thought I’d tighten chain on my Zontes.
No technical difficulties and I get the importance of correct alignment. However the marks on the rear clamps were seemingly off by a couple of mm before I started. I adjusted both sides equally (took measurements ) then used the marks as a check only to see the difference. I’ve now altered so marks are equal both sides. But should I trust these? Maybe it was always out since I bought it.
Or perhaps the marks are off.
I’ve taken mm using a caliper and I would say the non drive side is 1mm further back.
So what do I trust?
Cheers

[trickywoo]

I’ve had good success with the laser pointer alignment tool which you rest on the sprocket and point down the chain.

After that measuring a fixed point either side as you have done is good.

You can also check for parallel with the front wheel but that’s a lot more trouble.

Most people say not to trust the swingarm marks but I’ve found them to be ok. Depends on the bike.

[Sidecar Man]

Dont trust swingarm marks they are never normally that good. I use a straight edge down the sides of wheels and measure it on the front wheel.

[finishing touch]

I use a loop of string around both wheels joined with an elastic band.
As the front tyre is narrower (on most bikes) I insert spacers between string and tyre both sides. Slices of cork stay in place nicely.

[OutInTheShed]

I took a bike for an MOT last year and was surprised when the bloke checked wheel alignment.
He used basically a long board with a cut-out to clear stands etc.
He said he saw quite a few bikes which are badly out.

Years ago I bought an old bike with the front wheel about 5mm off to one side. That was just about rideable.

I've checked a bike myself using lasers. It's quite a faff, it would be easier with a good means of locking the steering straight.

[milu]

Thanks all. I’ll have another check. Probably get a alignment tool and use the straight edge too

[KTMsm]

I've always just used the swingarm marks - never had a problem

If you experience an issue, by all means investigate but I suspect you're worrying about nothing

[GSA_fattie]

a small laser beam device along the chain resting on the rear sproket as well as a pair of digital calipers measuring the length of the adjuster bolts - always seemed to work

[Biker 1]

KTMsm said:

I've always just used the swingarm marks - never had a problem

If you experience an issue, by all means investigate but I suspect you're worrying about nothing

A bit OT: I just got new tyres on my 690 SMC R - the old rear tyre had marks from the chain contacting it. I am very careful with chain adjustment & would be surprised if its knackered after only 7500 miles. Am I adjusting it wrong? Incorrect alignment??
I suspect some of it might be to do with the relatively long chain on these bikes(??)

[KTMsm]

Biker 1 said:

A bit OT: I just got new tyres on my 690 SMC R - the old rear tyre had marks from the chain contacting it. I am very careful with chain adjustment & would be surprised if its knackered after only 7500 miles. Am I adjusting it wrong? Incorrect alignment??
I suspect some of it might be to do with the relatively long chain on these bikes(??)

I am not an expert - but have seen similar for:

Incorrect tyre size / some makes are wider than others
Worn chain (side to side movement)
Slack chain as they weren't setting it correctly

Plus many say their bikes have always done it

[TheInternet]

What sort of tolerance do people aim for? +/- 1mm on the axle?

[Tribal Chestnut]

KTMsm said:

I've always just used the swingarm marks - never had a problem

Same.

[SteveKTMer]

I used to use the little laser device on bikes with double sided swing arms but on the KTM 1290 I don't think there is any adjustment, the wheel nut is tightened to 250Nm and as long as the bearings are not worn, I think it should stay in perfect alignment.

[trickywoo]

SteveKTMer said:

I used to use the little laser device on bikes with double sided swing arms but on the KTM 1290 I don't think there is any adjustment, the wheel nut is tightened to 250Nm and as long as the bearings are not worn, I think it should stay in perfect alignment.

I'm sure you mean the alignment is fixed due to it being a single sided swingarm as the chain tension will need to be adjusted by loosening the nut in the hub (not the axle nut) and then adjust the tension via the ring on the wheel (between the wheel and swingarm) with a suspension preload type C spanner.

[Stevemr]

You can get a simple tool that clamps to the sprocket and has a rod you line with the chain. Sealey do one about £14. Works for me.

[Waynester]

Stevemr said:

You can get a simple tool that clamps to the sprocket and has a rod you line with the chain. Sealey do one about £14. Works for me.

Exactly what I use

[SteveKTMer]

trickywoo said:

SteveKTMer said:

I used to use the little laser device on bikes with double sided swing arms but on the KTM 1290 I don't think there is any adjustment, the wheel nut is tightened to 250Nm and as long as the bearings are not worn, I think it should stay in perfect alignment.

I'm sure you mean the alignment is fixed due to it being a single sided swingarm as the chain tension will need to be adjusted by loosening the nut in the hub (not the axle nut) and then adjust the tension via the ring on the wheel (between the wheel and swingarm) with a suspension preload type C spanner.

That's right, I said no adjustment unless a bearing is failing then it's anybody's guess how far out it might be.

[Drabbesttunic]

Never had a problem with swingarm markings and don't know anyone who has.

[NSR500v4]

Drabbesttunic said:

Never had a problem with swingarm markings and don't know anyone who has.

Same here

[Steve Bass]

Waynester said:

Stevemr said:

You can get a simple tool that clamps to the sprocket and has a rod you line with the chain. Sealey do one about £14. Works for me.

Exactly what I use

^^ Yep, about as simple as it gets if you don't trust the swingarm markings.....