Laser vs Regular alignment

[JohnnyK]

I get that the laser alignment tools are more accurate. But, is the regular alignment so inaccurate that its not really close to being right? Or, is it that the folks doing the laser alignment are using different settings than those doing the regular alignments? I mean, I have read where guys are saying that theirs were 1/2 to 7/8 of an inch off. I would think I could get closer than that using yard sticks (meter sticks for those of the metric persuasion)

My 2011 RS was aligned by the dealer just before I bought. That's what I was told anyway.
Today I adjusted the belt tracking. It took one full clockwise turn on the right screw to get it to track correctly. How much will that affect the alignment? T

his week I'm going to have the two left ball joints replaced under warranty. I don't know if they will realign it too or if that is something I will have to pay for. If I have to pay for the alignment I would rather take it for a laser alignment. I need to check with the service department to see if use the laser or not.

John

John

 

[Chupaca]

Let's see..!!

conventional aligns to the frame and laser aligns to the rear wheel. Considering that frames can be off and not adjustable wheels can also be off but can be brought back into alignment. If the rear wheel is aligned first then the alignment will be right on. If you are having front end work done anyway I would wait till it is done and have the laser done and see for yourself the difference in handling..Squared Away did my RS and the difference is very noticeable...:thumbup:

 

[BajaRon]

Get the laser alignment. Noting else is even worth the effort as it isn't accurate for a number of reasons. The real mystery is why they even mess with that method anymore as it's been proven to be a waste of time.

Most laser alignment providers won't even charge you if your alignment is within specs. Not a big ding in their business since very few are. But the bottom line is. If you need it you'll get it. If you don't you wont have to pay a thing and you'll know you're spot on.

Win-Win for everyone except for dealers who don't do laser alignments.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

THE DIFFERENCE IN MEASUREMENT DISTANCES

I get that the laser alignment tools are more accurate. But, is the regular alignment so inaccurate that its not really close to being right? Or, is it that the folks doing the laser alignment are using different settings than those doing the regular alignments? I mean, I have read where guys are saying that theirs were 1/2 to 7/8 of an inch off. I would think I could get closer than that using yard sticks (meter sticks for those of the metric persuasion)

My 2011 RS was aligned by the dealer just before I bought. That's what I was told anyway.
Today I adjusted the belt tracking. It took one full clockwise turn on the right screw to get it to track correctly. How much will that affect the alignment? T

his week I'm going to have the two left ball joints replaced under warranty. I don't know if they will realign it too or if that is something I will have to pay for. If I have to pay for the alignment I would rather take it for a laser alignment. I need to check with the service department to see if use the laser or not.

John

John

:chat:........The measurement quoted is at the wall ( so to speak ).....ie like a headlight adjustment ....say the beam is off by two inches high.....that's at the wall ...not the filiment...............The same goes for the alignment ....they really only turn the rod a very small amount .............Does this help you to understand ?????..........Mikeguyver :thumbup:

 

[JohnnyK]

Thanks Guys

I guess in the perfect world the rear wheel would be aligned to put the thrust line down the center of bewteen the front inner A-arm pivots, then the engine would be aligned to get the belt to track correctly, then the front wheels would be aligned to the thrust line.

I was looking up shops that do laser alignments and it just so happens that JohnnyK's Powersports in Niles Ohio is the closest place to me. What a coincidence, my user name is JohhnyK but I am no relation to anyone at JohhnyK's Powersports. I'll be making that appointment as soon as the frontend work is done.

Thanks
John