Results 1 to 20 of 20
  1. #1
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Location
    France
    Posts
    179
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default Wheel alignment etc

    I have read so many threads about Spyders darting from side to side because of holding on too tight etc - as I am a bike rider for almost 50 years etc I thought it was down to this that mine was bad on anything but smooth roads. But this morning I decided enough was enough so checked the Spyder. First thing I did was look at the rear wheel alignment to the centre line of the frame so placed straight edge on the rear tyre side walls towards the front of the bike and measured in the same place the distance to the straight edge - left side of wheel - 110mm and ride side of wheel 135mm. So rear wheel was not true to frame........ However if I adjusted it correctly the belt moves over almost off the rear spocket - so adjusted so that the belt runs about 2mm gap to sprocket. Now checked the front toe in and both were at zero - able to measure each one idividually. Set it as article to 0.5mm on both - so total 1mm toe in. Took it out and much better. Now not fighting it all the time. Took my 9 year old to local town and was so relaxed talking with him that was speeding all the way without noticing
    2009 GS SE5 , Red (Ferrari Red :) )

  2. #2
    Very Active Member Chupaca's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    San Diego, CA.
    Posts
    31,097
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default Really helps....

    The alignment really helps and after the Laser alignment started being used it was found that many spyders were even out of alignment from the dealer. The old method was to align to the frame but now it is to align to the rear wheel. Once the rear wheel and belt adjusted correctly the front wheels are aligned . You have seen the effect and your ryde has become much more enjoyable..congrats...
    Gene and Ilana De Laney
    Mt. Helix, California

    ​2012 RS sm5
    2012 RS sm5 , 998cc V-Twin 106hp DIY brake and park brake Classic Black

  3. #3
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Location
    France
    Posts
    179
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Just a update - Today had to ride to local city and before I would have taken side roads as was nervous of the Spyder on the freeway but thought I would try it after the adjustments and what a --king difference. Now riding along at 130kph over taking things one handed etc. So happy
    2009 GS SE5 , Red (Ferrari Red :) )

  4. #4
    Active Member
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Location
    Chateauguay, Qc, Canada
    Posts
    339
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Please let us have a little more detail on you front wheel alignment method.
    Thanks
    Eckhard

    Spyder RT Ltd, 2011
    2011 RT Ltd. , Pearl White

  5. #5
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Location
    France
    Posts
    179
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Eckhard View Post
    Please let us have a little more detail on you front wheel alignment method.
    Thanks
    My method is in first post - cannot really add anything to that (sorry). Think main thing was the difference in toe in from zero to 1 deg toe in
    2009 GS SE5 , Red (Ferrari Red :) )

  6. #6
    Active Member
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Location
    Chateauguay, Qc, Canada
    Posts
    339
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    So you used a straight edge that was attached to the front wheel and measured to the frame? How long was the straight edge? What was the distance between the points measured to allow you to setup a delta of .5mm. Based on your last post the distance to have .5 degree angle would be 57.2943250647mm. Or some multiple of .5 mm and 57.2943250647mm. As it is difficult, if not impossible, to accurately measure 57.2943250647mm it must have been a multiple thereof and a large multiple thereof to get any any accuracy in the angle measurement.

    I guess I will go back to exploring the laser method of doing the front wheel alignment.
    Eckhard

    Spyder RT Ltd, 2011
    2011 RT Ltd. , Pearl White

  7. #7
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Location
    France
    Posts
    179
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Eckhard
    First I used a straight edge to see if the rear wheel was square to the frame but it was not - but if I squared it to the frame the belt drive would almost come off the rear cog - so had to adjust the rear wheel to allow for the belt to run about 2mm from the inside raised part. The front wheels where set using a toe in / out tool - similar to photo attached but mine does each wheel seperate. s-l1600.jpg.
    2009 GS SE5 , Red (Ferrari Red :) )

  8. #8
    Active Member
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Location
    Chateauguay, Qc, Canada
    Posts
    339
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    That was enlightening. Thank you.
    Eckhard

    Spyder RT Ltd, 2011
    2011 RT Ltd. , Pearl White

  9. #9
    Member Bill's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
    Location
    Saratoga Springs,NY
    Posts
    16
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Only being a Spyder owner for less than 3 months I have a question. My ride is preowned 2014 Spyder RT Limited. With 21000 miles and well maintained. The Kenda tires on the front are cupped and sing on the road. My question is who performs a laser alignment? Is it a Dealer service or a tire garage service?

  10. #10
    Very Active Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2018
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    786
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    This wheel alignment issue is an absolute joke and a fixable one that BRP don't seem to give a stuff about.
    How long does it take to remedy a known problem that is a safety issue as well as an obvious flaw for test riders with any feel for what is going on.
    Dealers pass the buck and refuse to take responsibility, BRP the same; not a good look for all involved. Customer feels let down early in the relationship and passes his thoughts on down the line.
    It's just dumb.
    Last edited by Peter Aawen; 12-29-2021 at 08:57 PM. Reason: spaces
    2017 F3S Daytona , Circuit Yellow Metalic

  11. #11
    Very Active Member h0gr1der's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    827
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    A cautionary tale on who you take it to. Just because a dealer has the tools, don't trust them to know how to use them. In areas that aren't swamped with Spyders, they may only do one or two alignments a year. I asked my servicing dealer about laser alignment, they said they did them. I asked more about it, he didn't ask my weight, riding style, whether I ride 2 up, or any of the other questions I've heard are pertinent to setting the toe correctly, to match you and your bike. Choose someone who does a lot of alignments, you'll probable end up with a better job. I'm going to ride 400 miles to get mine set.
    h0gr1der
    2018 RT Limited Blue/Chrome SE6 *Tri-Axis Bars*Adjustable Driver Backrest*175/55R15 Vredestein Front, 205/60R15 Vredestein Rear Tires*Baja Ron Front Spring Pre-Load Adjusters*Misty Mountain Sheepskin seat cover*Centramatic balancers *Garmin Zumo 595LM GPS*KOTT Grills*BajaRon swaybar*SpyderPops Alignment*Missing Belt guard*Magnetic Mirrors*Custom Rear Adjustable Shock*360° LED Headlights & Foglights*Progressive front fender turn signals
    States Visited on Less than 4 wheels.

  12. #12
    Member Bill's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
    Location
    Saratoga Springs,NY
    Posts
    16
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Well this is what did just to satisfy my curiosity about the alignment thing.
    I got 2 pieces of carbon fiber square tube about 24” long.
    I rotated my tires so I had clear sections of the sidewall at the bottom, that is to say no raised lettering and numbers just smooth sidewall.
    I placed the rod on 2x4 blocks off the floor and held them snug against the sidewall on both sides.
    I then measured behind the wheel outside to outside of the rods. 61 5/16”
    I then measured in front of the wheel outside to outside of the rods. 61 2/16”. Yes I know 61 1/4”
    A difference of 3/16”. Tow in .?

    I’m thinking this is good and don’t fix it if it anit broken! Thoughts.? Bill

    38ECE06F-4368-4753-A0C7-6287CA67DB9B.jpg
    91B95DCE-DFA7-4A2A-85AC-59E9BFCFA594.jpg
    8C4D05AB-7157-4448-A602-BC63F3F9B36D.jpg
    C98BEFFD-C542-497B-B489-F04A5C58E8E4.jpg

  13. #13
    Active Member
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Location
    Chateauguay, Qc, Canada
    Posts
    339
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    I then measured in front of the wheel outside to outside of the rods. 61 2/16”. Yes I know 61 1/4”
    61 1/8" BTW Seems like a typo as your calculation is correct.

    The numbers say toe-in. But it is .448 degrees. .22 degrees per side. Seems a bit high. Let's see what the other say.
    Eckhard

    Spyder RT Ltd, 2011
    2011 RT Ltd. , Pearl White

  14. #14
    Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2021
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    Posts
    3
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    I see this is an older thread but I have the same handling issues as this. I recently purchased my 2011 RS-S with only 3200 miles on it and would assume the alignment should be good from the dealer, but I guess I will have to check this out! It does seem very unsafe when it will shoot you from on side to the other.
    Does anyone have anything to add to this that might help me out or save me some time?
    Thank you for any help.
    2011 RS-S , Burnt Orange

  15. #15
    Very Active Member CopperSpyder's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
    Location
    Waynesboro, PA
    Posts
    3,179
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by starman1900 View Post
    I see this is an older thread but I have the same handling issues as this. I recently purchased my 2011 RS-S with only 3200 miles on it and would assume the alignment should be good from the dealer, but I guess I will have to check this out! It does seem very unsafe when it will shoot you from on side to the other.
    Does anyone have anything to add to this that might help me out or save me some time?
    Thank you for any help.
    The time to have the alignment done would be now because they get real busy in the spring and it can take 3 to 4 weeks to get in if you wait till May. There is a dealer in Hanover (MotoSports Inc.) that has the equipment and is very good. Here is a list of PA dealers that do laser alignments. http://www.spydercomfort.com/dealerspa.htm Make sure and call ahead to make sure that they still have the person there to do the alignment. I know Hanover is good, I have had mine done there.
    Last edited by CopperSpyder; 12-29-2021 at 04:27 PM.
    My Spyder
    2012 RTL , Brown

  16. #16
    Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie Peter Aawen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    Australia; Sth Aust, Adelaide Hills
    Posts
    9,515
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by starman1900 View Post
    I see this is an older thread but I have the same handling issues as this. I recently purchased my 2011 RS-S with only 3200 miles on it and would assume the alignment should be good from the dealer, but I guess I will have to check this out! It does seem very unsafe when it will shoot you from on side to the other.
    Does anyone have anything to add to this that might help me out or save me some time?
    Thank you for any help.
    Just type "wheel alignment" or even just 'alignment' into the search box & hit the little search symbol, then select anything with a thread title that looks like it might help your particular issues - there's a VAST amount of info on this subject here, and most of it agrees that the BRP/factory method of alignment is not all that great, at least on the earlier Spyders!

    Sure, there's potentially a lot of reading involved in doing this, but by spending the time searching & reading thru some of what's already been posted, you could well save yourself a lot of time & $$ chasing after your tail while trying to sort out any ride & handling issues on your Spyder, even if your particular concerns aren't alignment related.... However, unless it's already had a 'proper' alignment done by someone who knows what they're doing (which sadly, despite there being a few standout exceptions as noted above, probably means NOT by a dealer! ) then there's a very good chance that such an alignment would be a benefit; altho so could replacing the tires; installing an a/mkt swaybar; lowering the front tire pressure to 16-18 psi IF your Spyder already has 'real' tires fitted & is not still running the OE Kendas or one of their clones; &/or a whole bunch more!

    That last bit above about tires raises another concern... is your 2011 but low milage Spyder still running its original factory issued tires?? Cos if it is, even if they still look OK & maybe even have good tread depth left, it's almost a certainty that after 10 or so years of little use, they are WELL PAST being safe to use on the road!! Check the date code on the tire sidewall - if they're more than 5 years old & you personally don't know how well or not they've been treated during their life, then you probably shouldn't even ride around the block on them!! Check out the thread below & the link posted in it -
    https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...fying-tire-age

    Over to you!
    Last edited by Peter Aawen; 12-29-2021 at 04:40 PM.
    2013 RT Ltd Pearl White

    Ryde More, Worry Less!

  17. #17
    Very Active Member Mikey's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2017
    Location
    Durham,Maine
    Posts
    3,595
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Bill View Post
    Well this is what did just to satisfy my curiosity about the alignment thing.
    I got 2 pieces of carbon fiber square tube about 24” long.
    I rotated my tires so I had clear sections of the sidewall at the bottom, that is to say no raised lettering and numbers just smooth sidewall.
    I placed the rod on 2x4 blocks off the floor and held them snug against the sidewall on both sides.
    I then measured behind the wheel outside to outside of the rods. 61 5/16”
    I then measured in front of the wheel outside to outside of the rods. 61 2/16”. Yes I know 61 1/4”
    A difference of 3/16”. Tow in .?

    I’m thinking this is good and don’t fix it if it anit broken! Thoughts.? Bill

    38ECE06F-4368-4753-A0C7-6287CA67DB9B.jpg
    91B95DCE-DFA7-4A2A-85AC-59E9BFCFA594.jpg
    8C4D05AB-7157-4448-A602-BC63F3F9B36D.jpg
    C98BEFFD-C542-497B-B489-F04A5C58E8E4.jpg
    If it was me I would go off the rim not the tire wall!! Even if you had to cut some little stand offs to get your straight edge solid off the rim! just my 2 cents
    2012 RTL , Pearl

  18. #18
    Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2021
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    Posts
    3
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Thanks
    2011 RS-S , Burnt Orange

  19. #19
    Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2021
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    Posts
    3
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Yes they are the original tires! So I think I will start looking for tires and go from there.
    Is there any tire you would recommend?
    2011 RS-S , Burnt Orange

  20. #20
    Very Active Member RayBJ's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2020
    Location
    Middletown, NJ
    Posts
    1,319
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Any car tire that fits is 1000% better than the Kendas! There are loads of threads regarding tires as well as alignment.
    '20 Spyder RT: Bajaron swaybar. Vredestein tires, Pedal Commander, Elka front shocks, GPS/USB/12V handlebar mount, Heli-Bars, Radar Detector, KOTT grills & vents, Shad top case, chin & DRL LEDs.
    2020 RT base , Chalk White

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •