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Rear Wheel Alignment

Rob1957

Registered User
I bought my bird less than three months ago, on spec without seeing or riding it first. It came from a dealer in Bolton. It arrived ok and as described, (somewhat relieved). However, I could not get on with the bikes handling. It was unpredictable especially on initial turn in for corners.

I was so concerned I booked it into a local Honda dealer for a safety check and it came out with a 100% sign off? I persevered but decided to sell her and put it down to a bad experience. I thought perhaps it had been thrown down the road at some point in its life and not repaired correctly.

I decided to give the bike one last check over and found the rear wheel was out of alignment by about 5mm. I reset it and the chain tension hoping for the best.

The bike is transformed, I cant believe how much better it is, sure footed and turns in beautifully. My confidence in the bike has returned and I am now starting to enjoy what was a very disappointing start.

I am a bit miffed at both dealers to be honest and if I had used her in the rain chances are I would have thrown it down the road...........All's well that ends well.
 

Ajeman

Registered User
Read Only
I seem to be having similar issues with mine, it feels as though the back wheel is slipping mid corner and I've lost all confidence in taking corners at any reasonable speed.

Would wheel alignment be worth checking or should I be looking at the suspension? It's got an uprated setup on the rear that I don't know much about.

I used to have a CBR1000F that I would scrape the pegs on as it would lean so easily, but the 'Bird just feels like I'm going to throw it down the road if I even try.

Any ideas?
 

andyBeaker

Moderator
Staff member
Moderator
Club Sponsor
I seem to be having similar issues with mine, it feels as though the back wheel is slipping mid corner and I've lost all confidence in taking corners at any reasonable speed.

Would wheel alignment be worth checking or should I be looking at the suspension? It's got an uprated setup on the rear that I don't know much about.

I used to have a CBR1000F that I would scrape the pegs on as it would lean so easily, but the 'Bird just feels like I'm going to throw it down the road if I even try.

Any ideas?
My last Bird was a nightmare when I got it, feeling really vague, even in a straight line. Eventually resolved by a combination of correct tyre pressures (42psi at both ends works every time for every tyre on a Bird) and putting some oil in one fork leg (true!!). However, it was only properly sorted with a new JAWS exchange rear shock. The original item is well past it's best by 30,000 miles, and changing the front springs for JAWS items is worthwhile whatever the mileage. - I can only explain the improvement by saying the front end feels 'plusher'.

But if the rear wheel is out of alignment everything else is irrelevant as it will never be right. In my experience the marks on the rear adjusters are pretty accurate but the only way to be sure is to check the alignment with a straight edge, bit of string or anything else you have to hand.

Don't be overly concerned - the problem you describe is unusual for a Bird and should be sorted relatively easily.

Keep posting.

Ps you should have taken the advice in my signature below:-0)

Pps - just a thought - have you got any luggage fitted? Birds tend not to like it, especially top boxes

Ppps- upon rereading your post I now realise you have 'non-standard' shock on the back. If it is a fully adjustable unit that could well be the problem, and who is to say that it isn't shot anyway. Maybe just set up incorrectly? Either way, tyre pressures and wheel alignment need to be right or you will never find the problem, if indeed there is one when these are right
 
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Centaur

Site Pedant
Club Sponsor
As Andy says....

back to basics. Tyre pressures 42 front and rear when tyres are cold. Wheel alignment and then start looking at front and rear suspension. What suspension unit is on the rear? Checking front oil levels and replacing is not rocket science. In my experience peeps tend to set rear suspension too hard when fitting uprated suspension in the belief (mistaken) that the bbird will handle better. A well sorted bbird on standard gear can comfortably lean until the bodywork is wearing through so don't give up. @tu*
 

Ajeman

Registered User
Read Only
Tyre pressures are correct but I will have a look at the wheel alignment.

I'll also look at what shock is fitted, but how will I tell if it's too stiff?
 

CBRDEAN0

Registered User
I'll also look at what shock is fitted, but how will I tell if it's too stiff?

For spring rate - You check the SAG of the bike.

Put bike on centre stand and measure from the rear axle to a fixed point on the frame/body directly above it. - note the measurement.

Bike on wheels - sit on bike in normal riding position ( use a wall/bench to support you if required )
Take the measurement again.

There should be around 30mm difference in the two.

For damping - you want to control spring bounce - but not to slow it up too much.
I would start around the middle of the damping adjustment and see if that feels harsh or too soft.
 
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