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22nd September 2010
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Biker
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 91 Sportster/Buell Model: Ironhead Sportster/Buell Year: 1976 Other Motorcycle Model: 1985 FXRT custom
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Chain alignment???
How do you make sure that the chain is properly aligned (even) on an ironhead. Every bike I have ever owned had marks on the swing arm and the adjusters to let you know when you were in the same spot on both sides... my ironhead has nothing. There has to be an easier/better way than eyeballing it or using a laser level. So what's the secret  |
22nd September 2010
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Senior Master Custom Bike Builder
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Heart of Dixie
Posts: 5,954 Sportster/Buell Model: XLX-61 Sportster/Buell Year: 1983 Other Motorcycle Model: Honda CL350 Other Motorcycle Year: 1969
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I always measure the distance from the swingarm pivot to the axle on each side. A narrow tape measure makes it pretty easy.
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I never wanted a Harley, but I always wanted a Sportster.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it (especially if you don't know what you're doing). Most Sportster problems are owner-induced.
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22nd September 2010
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Master Bike Builder
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,041 Sportster/Buell Model: 71 xlch Sportster/Buell Year: 73 Sportster/Buell Model #2: 74 xlh Sportster/Buell Year #2: 74 Other Motorcycle Model: BT rigid hand shift
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I check the alignment by riding it. check the direction of steering when riding no hands. seems to work
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22nd September 2010
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Senior Master Custom Bike Builder
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Cornelius, OR
Posts: 3,987
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A ruler on each sprocket should intersect in a straight line.
Use axle spacers and sprocket offset to align, hopefully the frame is straight.
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Ryder Rick "If life doesn't kill me, nothing ever will."
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22nd September 2010
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Senior Chief Harley Engineer 1st Class
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Minnysoda
Posts: 1,357 Sportster/Buell Model: AMF XLS Roadster Sportster/Buell Year: 1981
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fergerburger
I check the alignment by riding it. check the direction of steering when riding no hands. seems to work
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Me too. That, and just look at the dust, etc. pattern on the rear tire, after going in a straight line on a level surface.
Doesn't have to be to the mm exact.
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Question Authority
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22nd September 2010
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Biker
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 91 Sportster/Buell Model: Ironhead Sportster/Buell Year: 1976 Other Motorcycle Model: 1985 FXRT custom
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Thanks for the replies guys, I guess I just like to be pretty exact when it comes to chain and rear tire angles. I even used to mark the rear axle slots when I would build a rigid frame for other people so they would be able to know that the wheel was "exactly" straight. I will use the measure and eyeball system, good enough for me!
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22nd September 2010
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Senior Master Custom Bike Builder
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 7,860 Sportster/Buell Model: XLCH 1000 Sportster/Buell Year: 1977 Sportster/Buell Model #2: 75 motor in Norton frame. Other Motorcycle Model: 42WLA 45, Harton, Narley Other Motorcycle Year: 1942
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Easy. Measure the amount of adjuster sticking out past the locknut on each side.
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In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is.
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22nd September 2010
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Banned
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 969 Sportster/Buell Model: Ironhead Chopper Sportster/Buell Year: 84 Other Motorcycle Model: Kaw Z1 900 Other Motorcycle Year: 1973
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get out your chalk box, pop a line on a flat surface, roll bike to line also can check tracking this way
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22nd September 2010
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Know It All
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Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 156 Sportster/Buell Model: XLS Sportster/Buell Year: 1984
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Don't know if it is right but I did mine with a 4 ft carpenters level against the tire then backed up and eyeballed it. Seems to go down the road OK.
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1984 XLS Roadster, 42K miles, SU carb, HI-4 Single Fire, Pipes and Andrews Y Cams. Had it long enough I am the PO ;-(
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22nd September 2010
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XL FORUM TEAM MEMBER
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Booneville,Ms.
Posts: 2,053 Sportster/Buell Model: XLCH Sportster/Buell Year: 1974
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I know this is probably not the best way but it's the way I've done it over 40 yrs.I eyeball the tire and swingarm,thats seemed to have wkd 4 me.I don't know but I think that's as good as trying all the measuring.
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Murphy's Law 
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