Anyone out there aligned the rear wheel, after a chain adjustment using "The String Method" ???
Just wondering how you do it ????
I use a straight edge, as referred to in this tech page I made (http://www.ducatitech.com/info/wheelchange.html).
Ultimately, I decided that no Ducati is going to be "square" so I may as well point the sprocket at the chain to minimize wear...
:) Chris
believe it or not you can use floresent light tubes for straight edges attach one to each side of the rear wheel and then measure from the tube to each side of the front wheel. get them both equal and you are in alignment... well the wheels are anyway.
as chris says they are not all that straight and a small bit of offset will not be the end of the world. you also do want to look at the rear wheel to front sprocket (swingarm alignment) you can end up with your sprockets out of alignment.
Here's one article that explains it pretty well:
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/howto/string_align_motorcycle_wheels/index.html (http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/howto/string_align_motorcycle_wheels/index.html)
Personally, I would much rather have the wheels lined up exactly than the chain and sprockets lined up exactly if I can't have both. Uniform handling in turns is more important than chain life.
Quote from: ScottRNelson on November 10, 2008, 03:31:00 PM
Personally, I would much rather have the wheels lined up exactly than the chain and sprockets lined up exactly if I can't have both. Uniform handling in turns is more important than chain life.
Personally, I haven't noticed any changes in handling. Not even on the race track.
;D
I've tried a buncha different methods over time and then settled on Chris'. I've used Chris' method for a while now, both on the street and on the race track. It always worked fine. Even when I was paying really close attention to suspension set-up and tire wear while racing, I never had a problem. YMMV, of course.
I've used most of the alignment tools available and still find the string method to be the most accurate. I align the rear wheel with the front one and then move the front sprocket to align with the chain.
Quote from: chris on November 07, 2008, 12:37:28 AM
Ultimately, I decided that no Ducati is going to be "square" so I may as well point the sprocket at the chain to minimize wear...
:) Chris
After goofing around with some of these different methods, I finally decided that the alignment marks on the swingarm were as good as anything, and went with that. Never noticed any adverse handling, and as far as I can tell get as long a life out of tires, chain and sprockets as anyone else.
('course, I'm extremely lazy with maintainance, and may be influenced as such...)
A "trammel" is the best way to align the rear axle with the swingarm, but the string method is more than adequate [thumbsup]
Back when I actually had to do alignments I used a flexible tape. If you go to an arts and crafts store, they have these rolled up tapes. Then are the best combination of string / tape measure I could find. Worked great.
The wonders of google see below
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/58/Sewing_tape_measure.jpg)