So, changing my tires when my Pilot Activs come in (hope tomorrow). Noticed my front tire was all worn on the left side, actually bellied in a bit. Just thought it was a cheap tire. Guy at work says, "dumbass, your back tire is crooked, always pushing your bike". Tought my 32 yr old sister to ride once in the HS parking lot and she says "why does it turn left easier than it turns right?" (or maybe it was the other way). ANyway, what is the best way to make sure you've got them straight? Should I run the adjusters all the way in, then just count # or turns till the chain is tight? Is there somewhere to take a measurement (like wheel to frame clearance on both sides?) Any help appriciated.
Bytheway, GSJack, saw you're from NE OH. I'm from SW PA, wondering where you're located? Don't see too many GS's around here, a few. Planning on taking some extended rides (after 5 years of training on back roads.... love Washington Co. PA!!!), maybe I'll make a GS member loop, take pics at all the stops and make a thread... I know the travel threads on here always make me wanna pack up and head out. I need double sidecars for my dogs, tho... Anyone do that mod yet???.....
Hey Smoker,
Check out this previous post:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=33815.0
I use a "chain alignment tool" made by Motion Pro and I love it.
The chain adjusters on our GS500s are a lousy design, but this tool makes it a lot easier to get everything lined up correctly.
I've found that the stock adjuster marks on the swingarm are not accurate, so this tool is a big help.
Here is the tool from the Motion Pro catalog:
http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/tools/chain_alignment_tool/
By using the Motion Pro tool, it means that the REAR SPROCKET, which is bolted to the wheel and hence part of it as a reference point, is correctly aligned to the countershaft sprocket when the rod on the alignment tool is aligned with the chain side plates.
The tool itself clamps around the rear sprocket, around the chain, and uses the sprocket to ensure alignment.
So yes, it does align the wheel.
It's cheap and makes it easier than doing it by eye alone.
That's why I like using it.
I highly recommend itl.
Best wishes,
Todd
Your front tire is worn because of "cupping" not chain alignment. There are about as many opinions about this phenomenon as there are about oil, but the theory I personally believe is that because of the cambered cross section that they build in to roads, the center of the road being higher so that water drains off the pavement. You always drive on the right side of the road, so the left side of the tire gets more wear because it has slightly more contact with the road. Over thousands of miles of friction from braking makes it wear more on that side.
The chain adjuster marks on the SA are useless. The only real way to align it with the chain and frame is in reference to the swingarm pivots. Adjust the tension on the chain as normal. Then use a tape measure to not the distance from the plastic SA bolt cover back to the axle bolt. Then go to the other side and adjust the tensioner until both are the same distance from the SA pivot. You can use the centers or the edge, doesn't matter as long as you are consistant on both sides. It doesn't have to be exact, but it should be close.
Smoker: Crooked back tire will feather the back tire and not do much for the front ... your co worker is a dumbass, and you are a gullible clown.
Yea bias ply tires can wear on one side with camber in your area. In CA I have seen tires wear on the right, when people do left lane superslab cos the left lanes are cambered into the shoulder in CA.
Too much local roads and clueless clowns have it wear left cos the lanes are all cambered right but there is a part of every lane that has tire track wear and you ride in those or in the crest, just not in the cambered area all the time.
Cool.
Srinath.
Quote from: smoker on May 17, 2007, 09:37:00 AM
Bytheway, GSJack, saw you're from NE OH. I'm from SW PA, wondering where you're located? Don't see too many GS's around here, a few. Planning on taking some extended rides (after 5 years of training on back roads.... love Washington Co. PA
Thought I knew Washington County but I had to get out the map and a big magnifying glass to find Sturgeon. :laugh: :laugh: Lots of nice roads down there for riding, my 97 GS went to Little Washington a few years ago but the 02 hasn't been there yet. My parents were born and raised in Washington and my older brother still lives there across from the Washington County Hospital. He's working with Wash County Development right now and is involved with that big new industrial park on old 18 near 22, can't be too far from where you live.
JamesG covered it on the front tire uneven wear, very common with motorcycle tires. All of the dozen or so front tires I've had on the GS's have beveled and cupped badly for me except the Metzeler Laser types, that's why I like the Lasertec fronts. :thumb:
Gotta disagree with JamesG on the chain adjuster marks though, been using them on 2 GS500s for 8 years and over 120k miles and mine have been quite accurate on both bikes. It's those lousy loose fitting index plates with the v-notch that you set to the marks on the swingarm that throw you off. Gotta make sure they are turned corectly to get a good measurement. Just snug the axle nut down and then turn the plate on the axle nut side clockwise to take out the freeplay and the one on the other side counterclockwise to do same.
Position of the handlebars as you ride off will confirm your adjustment, they should be in the straight ahead position. I sometimes take a metal yard stick and lay down behind the wheel and place it across the tire pointing forward to confirm adjustment accuracy, yardstick should be parallel to the chain. Check with tire turned to several positions to eliminate tire irregularities. Works for me.
I agree with the angled road thing... But... Theoretically... Couldn't excessive wear on one side of the tire be cause by something heavier on one side of the bike? Or maybe if the rider leaned off to one side without knowing it?
Again, thanks again for all the priceless (free!!) info. You guys are great... A couple sidenotes...
1)Srinath... I really respect all the help you've given me on this bike over the years... you really know your stuff.. But 'gullible clown' and 'clueless clown'? Damn, a little harsh, yo. I don't hold grudges, so it made me laugh :laugh: :laugh:... But if ya ever come thru Sturgeon, we're gonna get together and see who the clown is....hehehehe :flipoff: :flipoff: Just kiddin brother. As long as you keep giving the right advice, call me what ever ya want...
2)GSJack... Yeah, Sturgeon is tiny. If ya ever swing back thru the area within 50 miles or so, give a holler, would love to mooch some infinite motorcycle knowledge you seem to have stored in that noodle of yours.
Anyway, went to high school in Burgettstown, about 5 min. from where they are building 'Starpointe', right next to Star Lake Amphitheater, my first job as a parking lot attendant.