How to Align a Motorcycle Rear Wheel?
4 Answers
If the tire bead is misaligned, deflate the tire, realign the bead, and reinflate. If necessary, apply soapy water or detergent solution to the tire bead. Inspect the rear shock absorber for any issues, check the rear wheel bearings for problems, and ensure the alignment marks on both sides are symmetrical.
I've been riding motorcycles for over a decade and have adjusted the rear wheel several times myself. The most basic step is checking the chain tension—first, prop up the bike on its center stand, spin the wheel, and observe the up-and-down movement of the chain. The manual specifies a 1.5-2 cm gap as ideal. If the wheel is misaligned, the most common cause is uneven chain adjusters on both sides. Carefully check the scale marks on the swingarm—the numbers must match exactly; even a one-notch difference can cause the tire to pull to one side. If the rim is bent due to impact, use a specialized truing stand to gently tap it back into shape—beginners should avoid attempting this. After adjustments, always test ride: accelerate in a straight line on an open road, release the handlebars, and check if the bike drifts. If it does, readjust.
Just last week, I helped a friend adjust the rear wheel of his Kawasaki. Currently, motorcycles are basically divided into two types: chain drive and shaft drive. For chain-driven models, you need to loosen the rear axle nut and move the rear wheel by rotating the adjustment bolts. For shaft-driven models, you have to remove the transmission cover to adjust the gear clearance. Key tools must be prepared: a torque wrench is essential, otherwise, over-tightening the nut can damage the bearings. Before adjusting, check if the tire is properly aligned—the wear pattern on the tread can indicate misalignment. If the adjustment bolts are stripped, never force them; spending 20 bucks on new bolts is much cheaper than repairing the wheel hub. After adjustment, always check the chain lubrication and brake caliper position. Once, I forgot to adjust the brakes, which caused the disc to rub.
There are several solutions for rear wheel misalignment. For slight wobbling, adjust the chain tensioner scale to ensure left-right balance. If the wheel axle is deformed, it needs to be straightened with a hydraulic press, but ordinary repair shops may not have the equipment. If the entire rear swingarm is bent, replacement is usually the only option. Daily precautions include avoiding impacts with curbs and not exceeding load limits—I've seen cases where carrying three boxes of cargo on long trips deformed the swingarm. After adjustment, testing is essential: check if the body vibrates when maintaining a steady speed of 40 mph, and if the tires show uneven wear, as these indicate the effectiveness of the correction.
