Recommendations on Laser Alignment

[LooseCannon]

Hello All, I’m new to Spyder (had a Goldwing for years, age and safety of three wheels looked very promising, lol) and have gleaned some really good info from this forum. I’ve been especially interested in new tires and a laser alignment. I’ve read everything I could find about it, here and elsewhere. Since this is my first set of tires I have decided to go with Kendra Kanines all around instead of OEM Kenda’s or auto tires. Haven’t found a lot of info about them, but what is out there is they’re better than OEM Kendas. My real concern is getting a proper alignment. The shop I have selected is in Wilmington Ohio. It’s a two hour drive but nobody else within a three hour radius has laser alignment equipment. Does anyone have experience with this shop and/or what should I look for or talk to them about to discern their ability to perform it properly (expertly)? Is there anything I should do to evaluate what has be done afterward. Oh, I have a 2018 Spyder RT SM6. Thanks.

 

[MONK]

What makes you think you need an alignment? When you ride through a curve, does it feel like the bike can't find a line? I'd say most Spyders are pretty well aligned from the factory and unless something is worn or you (or the previous owner) hit some serious bumps, you may not need it.

 

[LooseCannon]

I really don’t think it’s out of alignment. It runs pretty true and straight. It may very slightly fade to the left, I can’t tell if its the road or wind that’s doing that. The tires seem to be wearing even. I’m just new to Spyder and am kinda anal with my toys. Want them to be mechanically sound as possible. This is the first used vehicle I’ve bought in years and just don’t know the history. I just want to make sure all is correct.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

What makes you think you need an alignment? When you ride through a curve, does it feel like the bike can't find a line? I'd say most Spyders are pretty well aligned from the factory and unless something is worn or you (or the previous owner) hit some serious bumps, you may not need it.

I've been on this forum since 2012 and based on what you said about factory alignment, I'd say just the opposite. It appears 25 to 35% are not properly aligned. ... If want expert advice contact Capt. Jam or SpyderAnn they have " lazer aligning " for almost a decade and they " align " many, many NEW Spyders. If " prettywellaligned " is fine with you dis-regard my post .... An almost aligned Spyder will most likely handle OK, what you will nitice ( after the damage is visible ) is the front tires are badly worn on either side of the tread. At that point an alignment correction will not save them. But getting a lazer alignment will prevent it from happening to your New tires .... As to the New Kanine's a lot of folks who bought them are reporting ONLY slightly better mileage .... I have Altimax's on my 14 RT with almost 40,000 mi., I will be changing them this winter ..... good luck .... Mike :thumbup:

 

[2dogs]

My supposed OEM alignment was over 2" out on the left front wheel. So much for BRP's factory alignment jobs. Along with tires, their alignments suck also.

 

[LooseCannon]

Thanks everyone

 

[arkyleo]

I've been on this forum since 2012 and based on what you said about factory alignment, I'd say just the opposite. It appears 25 to 35% are not properly aligned. ... If want expert advice contact Capt. Jam or SpyderAnn they have " lazer aligning " for almost a decade and they " align " many, many NEW Spyders. If " prettywellaligned " is fine with you dis-regard my post .... An almost aligned Spyder will most likely handle OK, what you will nitice ( after the damage is visible ) is the front tires are badly worn on either side of the tread. At that point an alignment correction will not save them. But getting a lazer alignment will prevent it from happening to your New tires .... As to the New Kanine's a lot of folks who bought them are reporting ONLY slightly better mileage .... I have Altimax's on my 14 RT with almost 40,000 mi., I will be changing them this winter ..... good luck .... Mike :thumbup:

I just had my 2021 RTL laser align done at LaMonster's and it WAS out. My friend on the same model who rode there with me had his checked and it was ok (so ya never know). After the new shocks, laser align and front wheel balance there was a tremendous difference (Elka stage 2's).
On mostly your advice on tires, I just ordered a new rear Altima 43 to have on hand because I expect more supply shortages and have about 4k on the original Kenda. I will run the fronts for a while longer. BTW--does anyone know the diameter of the rear axle shaft? mm or inches ok. I have a static balancer and numerous shafts one of which may just work. Thanks!

 

[JayBros]

IMO, it is worth having alignment at least checked by a knowledgeable technician using the Rolo system. A decent dealership will not charge if it's within spec. Mine was done as part of the OTD deal; one wheel was out a little, the other a lot.