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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: silver_rider on August 30, 2006, 06:57:49 AM

Title: Swingarm bent?
Post by: silver_rider on August 30, 2006, 06:57:49 AM
Hey guys,

Does anyone know of a way to tell if the swingarm is bent? I just bought this bike and things seem to be out of shape, the sprockets don't align when the wheel is aligned. I remember seeing a string method somewhere, but can't find it any more.

Thanks in advance,

Doug
Title: Re: Swingarm bent?
Post by: onefastgs500 on August 30, 2006, 08:36:57 AM
string works but 8ft flourescent light bulbs are better,
place bike on centerstand
place light tubes on both sides of rear tire below swngarm going towards the frt tire
make sure bulb is touching the rear tire on both frt and back(side of tire)
do right and left side and this will give you a box of sorts that let you judge the alignment of the frt vs rear wheel
pm me for better instructions or i can send a pic if you need
Title: Re: Swingarm bent?
Post by: ajaxgs on August 30, 2006, 08:47:17 AM
do tell and with pics ...... great idea
Title: Re: Swingarm bent?
Post by: onefastgs500 on August 30, 2006, 11:32:03 AM
will take pics and get my 12yr old daughter to try and put them on tonight(cuz i be computer illiterate) ,Lee
Title: Re: Swingarm bent?
Post by: silver_rider on August 31, 2006, 05:57:22 AM
Thanks guys,

Found this good write-up on chasis, might be interesting for others to read:

http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcnuts/chassis.html
http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcnuts/chassis2.html

Got my bike wrapped up in strings last night and it looks like everything is straight in the back. Next thing is to check the forks since I have this wobble that can only be seen when I take my hands off the handle bars. The bike also pulls to the right slightly with my hands off.

Cheers,

Doug.
Title: Re: Swingarm bent?
Post by: NiceGuysFinishLast on August 31, 2006, 08:42:49 AM
For the wobble, check your tire pressure. When my tires are low is the only time my bike gives me headshake.