HOME 2.30 WHEEL ALIGNMENT GENERAL 1. Verification of wheel alignment requires that the motorcycle meet specifications for the following components: The alignment of the front wheel to the rear wheel is set at the factory. There are no adjustments for alignment. Alignment is maintained with quality components and with correct assembly procedures. a. Wheels. See 2.28 DISC RIM RUNOUT . b. Tires. See 1.13 TIRES AND WHEELS . c. Steering head bearing "fall-away." See 1.21 STEERING HEAD BEARINGS . The stabilizer link between the engine and the frame is a hori- zontal engine locator only. The stabilizer link is not to be used to adjust the horizontal alignment of the rear wheel.
See 2.5 FRONT ENGINE MOUNT ASSEMBLY . d. Belt deflection. See 1.16 REAR BELT DEFLECTION . Verification of front wheel to rear wheel alignment can be used to determine the cause of an ill-handling motorcycle or of a vibration/noise in the front engine mount. 2. Place the motorcycle on a center stand to support the vehicle and lift the rear wheel off the ground. a. Place scissors jack under fuel tank mount with clear- ance for alignment bars. INSPECTION b. Do NOT support engine on oil sump.The engine must be free to shift slightly in its mounts.
Before following the verification procedure, after engine removal and replacement, or after service that requires removing and replacing the front motor mounts or the Swingarm and engine mounts, always inspect the front and rear engine mounts, the stabilizer link, the rear tire to the fender mounting hardware clearance and the lower left crankcase to frame rail clearance. c. Be sure the motorcycle is as level as possible. 3. Identify the rear tire clearance to the rear fender and mounting hardware.The tire should appear to be centered and move through its travel without hitting other compon- ents. Front Engine Mount 1. Verify condition and torque of the front engine mount.
Visually inspect for wear, damage or improper installation. Replace hardware as necessary. 4. Install a set of straightedges or alignment bars on both the left and right side of motorcycle alongside the front 2. cracking, or shearing. See Both alignment bars should firmly contact the rear tire Use clamps or bungee cords to hold the bars in place. Tension should be equal to avoid spreading or 1. Verify condition and torque of the mounting hardware. Visually inspect for wear, damage or improper installation. Replace hardware as necessary. c. Verify that the bars are parallel by comparing the measurements between the bars at both ends. 2.
Examine rubber rear engine mounts to be sure there is no twisting or binding. Replace as required. See 2.6 REAR ENGINE MOUNTS . 5. See Figure 2-96 . Straighten the front forks. From the front wheel rim, measure to the bar on one side of the motor- cycle at the rear of the rim (A) and at the front of the rim (B) (two points). Straighten the front forks until the two measurements are equal (A = B). Engine Stabilizer Link 1. Verify condition and torque of the mounting hardware. 2. Visually inspect for wear, damage or improper installation. Replace hardware as necessary. See 2.5 FRONT ENGINE MOUNT ASSEMBLY . 6. See Figure 2-97 .
Measure vertical alignment by placing an inclinometer vertically on front and rear brake discs. Front and rear lean angles should be equal within +/- 1/2 degree. Clearances 7. See Figure 2-96 . On the other side of the motorcycle, measure from the alignment bar to the front wheel rim (C) and compare measurement to that of the opposite side (B - C). 1. The rear wheel and tire must have adequate clearance through its suspension travel. 2. The engine crankcase should have a minimum 3.18 mm (0.125 in.) clearance from the lower left hand frame rail. a. If opposing side measurements (B - C) are within +/- 6.35 mm (0.250 in.), the front and rear wheel are in alignment. essary.
f there are any signs of b 2.4 FRONT ENGINE M a. Both alignment ulging, at two points on OUNT. b. Use clamps or b vot Tension should pinching the ba and Swingarm Pi VERIFICATION b. If the difference in opposin C) is more than +/- 6.35 m rear wheel are out of align according to following proced- an adversely affect stability and sult in death or serious injury. 2009 VRSC g 6.35 m m m Check vehicle alignment ures. Incorrect alignment c handling, which could re (00287a)