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Laser Schmaser ?

1

12tree

New member
I have a 2010 RT with 17,000 M.

I am prepared to be corrected, so don't hold back.
As I understand it, the Spyder front end alignment is for "toe in" only. There is no adjustment for caster or camber. Correct ?
If this is correct, I do not understand the big deal about a laser front end alignment.
Does this just use a laser measuring device in lieu of a ruler ?
If this is the case, I would really question the necessity of a laser.
If "toe in" specs are available it would seem to me that it could be done with a ruler.
I am not a Luddite, but I don't like being snookered either.
I have heard the advertisements for high tech laser back surgery. I understand that the only difference is that the incision is made with a laser instead of a scalpel.
It sounds impressive though.
 
Correct no caster or camber …. but you forgot " Toe - out " ….. Yes it can be done manually, but a bit difficult …. If your " toe " is way off, the tire wear will be affected … sometimes minor - sometimes Major …. when a bad wear pattern starts - it ruins the tires, and pretty much correcting alignment won't save the tires. …. It is well reported here that the OEM - BRP alignment is usually OFF, my 2011 RSS wore evenly, but that was the exception ….. good luck …. Mike :ohyea:…. PS, I've had mine re-checked a few times and the alignment was still good.
 
Sort of. Castor is not adjustable. Camber technically is not adjustable. Toe is adjustable.

I believe toe specs are published in the manuals, however they are expressed in degrees, not a linear dimension.

You certainly can align the wheels without a laser setup. Be aware though you may need to null the steering electronics to prevent other problems.
 
Number one; lasers are used because it's very difficult to get a measurement across the Spyder, physically, that is. The super-duper laser alignment attempts to get the chassis and all three wheels kinda neutrally aligned. Probably impossible unless you're very lucky and your rear wheel lines up with the chassis just as the belt runs true on the sprockets - not very likely. It sounds good but as soon as you drive along a road with a camber (most roads) the bike runs down the camber and you steer to counter that so the whole kaboosh runs out of line anyway.

However, plenty of Spyders appear to have poorly aligned front wheels in relation to toe-in so getting that sorted is a good thing. Since you've got a 2010RT, the steering tie-rods are very flimsy and flex under cornering loads, if you have the wherewithal to address that, you'll find your steering and general handling is much improved. They also flex on the 1330 but they're a little better but the front suspension is rubber bushed anyway so is a bit wooly.

3mm toe-in measured at the wheel rim isn't a bad place to start.
 
Thanks to all for good input and for not beating me up.

PinkRosePetal,

3mm toe-in measured at the wheel rim isn't a bad place to start.
Front edge of rim to edge of rim 3mm narrower than rear edge of rim to edge of rim and squared with centerline of rear rim ?

I live by your rule # 1 and have used that line for most of my life.
 
12tree said:
PinkRosePetal,

3mm toe-in measured at the wheel rim isn't a bad place to start.
Front edge of rim to edge of rim 3mm narrower than rear edge of rim to edge of rim and squared with centerline of rear rim ?
Click to expand...
Yup, 3mm narrower at the front of the wheel rim compared to the rear. You have 12" wheels so that gives you a tad more toe than it would on a 1330 with 13" rims. The front suspension has a certain amount of bump steer so your weight and the load in the front trunk will have a wee effect on the actual toe setting once you're riding.

I live by your rule # 1 and have used that line for most of my life.
Click to expand...
Good call, you might find you need it here too... ;)
 
12tree said:
I have a 2010 RT with 17,000 M. I am prepared to be corrected, so don't hold back.

As I understand it, the Spyder front end alignment is for "toe in" only. There is no adjustment for caster or camber. Correct? CORRECT
If this is correct, I do not understand the big deal about a laser front end alignment; does this just use a laser measuring device in lieu of a ruler? YES
If this is the case, I would really question the necessity of a laser.
Click to expand...

Laser alignment is not necessary, but some people prefer having someone knowledgeable align their Spyder and those folks use a laser assisted system.
 
The biggest benefit of the laser is it projects the position of the toe-in well past the front and rear of the Spyder. This will magnify the error and therefore allow you to make a more accurate adjustment.
 
If laser alignment systems, for both cages and Spyders, weren't more accurate than older systems dealers and independents wouldn't invest the considerable bucks they cost. The real key is the knowledge and meticulousness of the operator of the system.
 
PinkRosePetal said:
Yup, 3mm narrower at the front of the wheel rim compared to the rear. You have 12" wheels so that gives you a tad more toe than it would on a 1330 with 13" rims. ...... ;)
Click to expand...

PinkRosePetal said:
Yup, 3mm narrower at the front of the wheel rim compared to the rear. You have 14" wheels so that gives you a tad more toe than it would on a 1330 with 15" rims. ......... ;)
Click to expand...


Probably best to try & get the details right :lecturef_smilie: Fixed it for you (in bold) above! :thumbup:
 
Last edited:
Squared Away did a laser alignment on my 2014 RTS a few months after we purchased it. Its been great, I can ride the crown of a 2 lane road ( plenty of those here in No. Nevada ) with my hands off the bars no pulling left or right. Hands rest on the bars when not turning . A laser alignment, done properly ( by Joe and Ann) is a wonderful ( and probably necessary) addition to most new :spyder2:s. Me doing this with straight edges and a tape measure surely would not be as accurate. ( and quit calling me surely:joke::joke:) [ a movie punch line----- What movie?????? ]

Lew L
 
I think this is one of those "You don't know what you don't know" situations. The bike may seem OK. But after having a proper alignment suddenly you realize just how much you were fighting the steering control. After having mine aligned by Joe, I could ride almost any road condition using just two fingers on the handlebars. I didn't realize how much I was constantly fighting the steering and the fatigue it produced. A correctly aligned bike is a lot more fun and easier to ride for long periods of time..... Jim
 
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