Front tire swap affect alignment?

[Magdave]

................I think on the sprocket thing on you Spyder some possibilities are : a tech at your dealer mis-aligned the parts on re-assembly and has damaged them......the parts were not machined correctly in the first place ( I don't think this was likely )....Mike :thumbup:

His explanation was it is cast that way :yikes: If you look closely at the video his does it a little too you can see the belt move in and out just a touch. BRP uses a point from the frame for the front alignment ( pre 2013) 2013 is another beast it is supposed to have pre load brackets installed and done after the rim is off using their new laser system. All this is just "what I heard" never seen it done.

 

[MrLooney]

His explanation was it is cast that way :yikes: If you look closely at the video his does it a little too you can see the belt move in and out just a touch. BRP uses a point from the frame for the front alignment ( pre 2013) 2013 is another beast it is supposed to have pre load brackets installed and done after the rim is off using their new laser system. All this is just "what I heard" never seen it done.

Look up the ROLO Site sponsor and find their video on the Laser Alignment.

Laser Alignment settings are not taken off any part of the frame and no parts of the bike are secured in any fashion. As you can see in the video, the lasers are mounted on the front Hubs and laser beams are projected both front and back to targets that are precisely measured a given distance from the bike.

Cast items are poured hot molten metal, as it cools it will shrink slightly and can warp so to speak. then it is machined as needed.

 

[Magdave]

Look up the ROLO Site sponsor and find their video on the Laser Alignment.

Laser Alignment settings are not taken off any part of the frame and no parts of the bike are secured in any fashion. As you can see in the video, the lasers are mounted on the front Hubs and laser beams are projected both front and back to targets that are precisely measured a given distance from the bike.

Cast items are poured hot molten metal, as it cools it will shrink slightly and can warp so to speak. then it is machined as needed.

I know exactly how Rolo does it and seen the video. I have also seen pictures of BRP's method. I was talking about BRP's method. As I said also you can see the wobble in the sprocket in the video so those are not very " machined" The rim obviously is better. Maybe that is why I have 10# of weights on my rear tire :yikes: I used to work at GM in the Wheelroom and ran the machines that mated the rims and tires as well as balanced them. I also worked in the "Final" line area that did the final alignment of the front ends. I was the electrician that calibrated all these pieces of equipment. I too know a little about wheels tires and alignment.:thumbup:

 

[MrLooney]

I know exactly how Rolo does it and seen the video. I have also seen pictures of BRP's method. I was talking about BRP's method. As I said also you can see the wobble in the sprocket in the video so those are not very " machined" The rim obviously is better. Maybe that is why I have 10# of weights on my rear tire :yikes: I used to work at GM in the Wheelroom and ran the machines that mated the rims and tires as well as balanced them. I also worked in the "Final" line area that did the final alignment of the front ends. I was the electrician that calibrated all these pieces of equipment. I too know a little about wheels tires and alignment.:thumbup:

:thumbup: :cheers:

 

[flybuddy]

Follow Up

Finally got my RT over to Rolo in Edgewater for a redo on the alignment. After my swap to 185/60/14s in the front I had noticed more straight line instability.
Turns out my alignment was almost dead on. This was after 6 different adjustments I had made with my homemade measuring system and doing trial and error rides. Nice to know that the Gloryders that I was shooting the flat firearm laser off of were obviously well machined.
Mike felt my issue was more with the front end height of bike and tire pressure. I have Elkas on a too high setting along with shock extender and Ron Bar. He cranked the shocks down lowering the front end by an inch and knocked my front tire pressure to 20. Mike is an absolute pleasure to deal with and a genius in his own right. Rides WONDERFULLY now. Thanks Much Rolo--you guys are the best!

 

[KX5062]

His explanation was it is cast that way :yikes: If you look closely at the video his does it a little too you can see the belt move in and out just a touch. BRP uses a point from the frame for the front alignment ( pre 2013) 2013 is another beast it is supposed to have pre load brackets installed and done after the rim is off using their new laser system. All this is just "what I heard" never seen it done.

Lest we not forget. The wheels are Chinese made and appear to be of indifferent quality. At least that goes for my 08 GS. Many things on the bike impress me, but the wheels and brakes do not.

Finally got my RT over to Rolo in Edgewater for a redo on the alignment. After my swap to 185/60/14s in the front I had noticed more straight line instability.
Turns out my alignment was almost dead on. This was after 6 different adjustments I had made with my homemade measuring system and doing trial and error rides. Nice to know that the Gloryders that I was shooting the flat firearm laser off of were obviously well machined.
Mike felt my issue was more with the front end height of bike and tire pressure. I have Elkas on a too high setting along with shock extender and Ron Bar. He cranked the shocks down lowering the front end by an inch and knocked my front tire pressure to 20. Mike is an absolute pleasure to deal with and a genius in his own right. Rides WONDERFULLY now. Thanks Much Rolo--you guys are the best!

That's good info. I switched to these tires (General Altamax) on my 08 GS and have been extremely pleased with them. I think they are far better than the stock tires. They seem to run straight and true with increased rideability and cornering. Time will tell on wear.