Rear wheel alignment

[barossi73]

I usually align rear thru a combination of comparing adjuster position side to side,and eyeballing both chain line(steel ruler) and tyre,its more 'ballpark' than exact.
Does anybody have any tips/tricks/better methods?

 

[skippyjlo]

Another way is to measure from the center of the swingarm bolt to the center of the axle on both sides and adjust

 

[cbutler]

Another way is to measure from the center of the swingarm bolt to the center of the axle on both sides and adjust

Thats how I do it. I have a yard stick with a small nail in one end that I put in the swingarm, simple cheap and effective

 

[barossi73]

Thanks,should have thought of that myself!
Guessing you try and measure parrallel to bike to allow for any swingarm offset to axle head/nut?

 

[gasgasman]

I always look down the chain to see if the sprockets are in a straight line.

 

[gasgasman]

Motio Pro makes this tool for aligning the chain.

 

[barossi73]

Yeah,thats what i do with steel rule,but that tool looks better,thanks
I suspect some of the often mentioned chainslap issues are as much to do with slight misalignment/worn sprocket/chain/guide as well as tension.a degree or two out and the chain runs different thru the guide (esp the flimsy original)i fitted a chunky tmd.
Also the chain tends to 'hang on teeth' slightly more if your rear sprocket/chain are getting a bit tired and alignment is just off.most noticeable on liftstand,when wheel is rotated by hand as the slack chain comes off the rear cog

 

[Jakobi]

I throw a set square against the rear sprocket and align the chain.. Great idea measuring swingarm pivot to axle too!