Can Am "Spot On" alignment tool without Lasers?

[CapnPete]

I just got a text back from my local dealer. Says they do not have a laser alignment tool but can get it "spot on" with the Can Am approved tool.

?

Your thoughts?


Thanks

 

[ironbuttdean]

If that were true, why do they come from the factory needing alignment? Just saying. I would stick with what is known to work. Made a world of difference in how mine handles.

 

[DGoebel]

Bummer the nearest approved Laser Alignment is up in Longview, Washington, Like 2 hrs away, but likely worth it.

 

[BajaRon]

I just got a text back from my local dealer. Says they do not have a laser alignment tool but can get it "spot on" with the Can Am approved tool.

?

Your thoughts?


Thanks

I would certainly like to get more information on this 'Magic' tool. Your dealer should let the factory know about this. They could sure use it!

 

[DGoebel]

Ron, for the new guy, I do think you should have ended that with some sort of emoji or (sarcasm)roflmao

 

[Navydad]

In the truck factory where I worked we had four alignment bays. Three were equipped with a laser setup and worked very well. The fourth bay wasn't used unless we got behind or had a truck that wouldn't fit properly in the laser setup. The guys that worked that bay were experienced at the job and got the trucks dialed in just as well as the laser setup. My point being experience can make a difference. Maybe the dealers secret weapon is an experienced guy or gal that can use the tools on hand to do a good job.

Vehicles come from the factory with alignment and other issues because there are times when it is quantity over quality. Often at months end when the number of vehicles out the door was the only thing you better be worried about.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

In 2013 BRO told their dealers that the Rolo/True Track Laser Alignment system was what they needed to use, but they don’t buy tools for dealers so most did not purchase the equipment. Squared Away will be in Winthrop, WA in June for the PAC NW Spyder Fest and we would be happy to align your Spyder there.

 

[BajaRon]

Ron, for the new guy, I do think you should have ended that with some sort of emoji or (sarcasm)roflmao

Point well taken. I attempted to correct the problem with an emoji.

In the truck factory where I worked we had four alignment bays. Three were equipped with a laser setup and worked very well. The fourth bay wasn't used unless we got behind or had a truck that wouldn't fit properly in the laser setup. The guys that worked that bay were experienced at the job and got the trucks dialed in just as well as the laser setup. My point being experience can make a difference. Maybe the dealers secret weapon is an experienced guy or gal that can use the tools on hand to do a good job.

Vehicles come from the factory with alignment and other issues because there are times when it is quantity over quality. Often at months end when the number of vehicles out the door was the only thing you better be worried about.

I understand your point. And experience certainly does make a big difference in whatever method is used. But the situation you refer to just does not transfer to the Spyder.

The Spyder is extremely sensitive to alignment for a number of reasons. It has a very narrow front wheel base. Alignment specs on wider wheel based vehicles are not nearly as critical. The Spyder also has a relatively short front to back wheelbase. Especially when compared to a truck. This adds a great deal to alignment sensitivity. The the greater the wheelbase, the less sensitive to alignment, and vise versa.

BRP originally aligned the front wheels using the frame as reference. This method is extremely inaccurate. The ROLO laser system trues the front wheels using the rear wheel. The laser simply exaggerates the alignment points to get a much more accurate end result.

The front wheels must be aligned to run true with the rear wheel. This is the only way to get an accurate alignment. The ROLO laser alignment system extends the measurement or 'Target' out several feet from the front of the Sypder. So a very small error at the wheel becomes a very large error out 6 feet or so (not sure what distance is being used now). This allows for the very fine tuning and accuracy needed to get a good alignment. It is difficult to conceive of 'Experience' compensating for the accuracy that the ROLO laser alignment system provides.

As far as the day of the week. There are far too many Spyders "out of alignment" from the factory for this to be a real factor.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I would certainly like to get more information on this 'Magic' tool. Your dealer should let the factory know about this. They could sure use it!

:agree:..... un-fortunately Dealers throw more " HOOEY " than almost anyone I know :roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:..... Mike hyea:

 

[JayBros]

Just for the heck of it it would be great if Joe or Ann could comment with a number of perfectly aligned Spyders they've seen from the factory.

 

[canamjhb]

What I learned from Joe and Ann may help some to know if they have good alignment. My bike was Squared Away a couple of years ago. I didn't know if it was out of alignment or not. I could not tell with my untrained eye if there was any unusual tire wear. I rode the bike a little under 300 miles to meet for an alignment. I was a bit tired after the ride. Before even starting the alignment process, Joe asked me if I was getting sore in my upper shoulder/lower neck area. Yup. I was told that is likely due to continually having to "steer" the bike. A properly aligned bike should be able to be driven using two fingers on a reasonably maintained road. My bike was then Squared Away. I can now truely maintain full control with the light touch of two finger driving. Stability is greatly improved and fatigue in my shoulder/neck area is gone. So, if you're wondering about alignment, just apply my "before and after" experience to your ride and you will know. I am by no means an alignment expert. Just a satisfied customer. Joe, Ann, please correct me if any of my recolection or information is incorrect..... Jim

 

[cptjam]

We are estimating 2 to 3 percent, Jay. Trouble is, those that are within spec are not recorded; no receipt or financial transaction.
I believe you are correct, Jim. Riding should be painless, and a joy. If your Spyder is not, you need to be Squared Away! Joe

 

[asp125]

IMO a laser is just a tool, in the wrong hands it probably isn't any more accurate than string and tape measures. As long as the measurement technique is based off the rear wheel, any alignment jig is just a tool and not the magic cure.

 

[CapnPete]

Humm, thanks for all the input. I'm not even sure mine is out although not sure I would be comfortable taking my hands off the bars. There is a shop in Eugene that does Laser aligns too. Probably worth a ride down.

Thanks Again!

 

[RICZ]

Squared Away will be in Winthrop, WA in June for the PAC NW Spyder Fest and we would be happy to align your Spyder there.

Any chance you are going through Portland coming or going?

 

[bscrive]

We just bought a 2019 F3L and our dealer told us that alignments on the new Spyders are not needed according to BRP. BRP has apparently changed the way they do the alignments at the factory. My dealer has had the Rolo system for over 3 years and do the laser alignments regularly. We will see once we get the Spyder this Saturday. My wife will be able to tell right off the bat because she is used to her F3S that was laser aligned by the same dealer. If it is not good then we will get it aligned.

 

[LifeLongRider]

We just bought a 2019 F3L and our dealer told us that alignments on the new Spyders are not needed according to BRP. BRP has apparently changed the way they do the alignments at the factory. My dealer has had the Rolo system for over 3 years and do the laser alignments regularly. We will see once we get the Spyder this Saturday. My wife will be able to tell right off the bat because she is used to her F3S that was laser aligned by the same dealer. If it is not good then we will get it aligned.

That's interesting - My 2019 F3L feels great but then I have nothing to compare it to. Please post a follow up and let us know how it turns out

 

[SpyderAnn01]

They have gotten better at the factory but are still far from perfect. We do find more new models in spec but still most are not.

 

[jcthorne]

We just bought a 2019 F3L and our dealer told us that alignments on the new Spyders are not needed according to BRP. BRP has apparently changed the way they do the alignments at the factory. My dealer has had the Rolo system for over 3 years and do the laser alignments regularly. We will see once we get the Spyder this Saturday. My wife will be able to tell right off the bat because she is used to her F3S that was laser aligned by the same dealer. If it is not good then we will get it aligned.

Have done several 2019s including Rykers. Nope, BRP has not magicly amended its ways. They still come poorly aligned or not at all. One Ryker was toed out.....

 

[BajaRon]

Have done several 2019s including Rykers. Nope, BRP has not magicly amended its ways. They still come poorly aligned or not at all. One Ryker was toed out.....

I guess I am not surprised. Just disappointed.