Harley-Davidson M8 Softail | Rear Wheel Alignment | Doc Harley

[@coachron3524]

This man is amazing, helpful, and makes things easy to understand!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

AWWWW your making me blush....Thanks...Doc

[@WaitWhat-jy9ck]

Doc, I hope you and Low Country HD realize what a great service you provide by doing these videos for us do-it-yourselfers. Can't thank you enough.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Wow, thank you....Doc

[@flytheedge]

Doc, Thank you!!! I got the alignment as close as I could per the service manual, but sure didn't think about rubber stoppers! Great video, Low Country H-D!

[@Hippy75]

As always - simple explanation, easy to do at home. Thanks Doc

[@midnightmc3096]

So straight forward and concise, it is TRULY refreshing to take in compared to so much none-content "content" on KZbin. Thank you, good Doctor, sir, for continuously supplying us true blue's with these little brilliant bits and pieces! From southern California - Ride Forever!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you for watching....Doc

[@eddie8279]

Thanks for your time, and effort to help us be safe,and understand more about being "hands on" with our beloved bikes. Much gratitude to you!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

My pleasure!....Doc

[@Grunt49]

Thx Doc!

[@roadkingjim3818]

Your videos are so helpful, I made mine out of a rubber grommet from harbor freight and an old wire coat hanger for my 01 Road King Classic, works every time 👍

[@jimbeam4111]

Fantastic video. It’s simple things like this that really help out.

[@henriquewebber1736]

You're amazing, I'm 1 year working in a specialized in Harley Davidson workshop in Brazil, I would like to work and be taught by someone like you and in another country :')

[@larrys.3992]

Thanks! I just was thinking about wheel alignment on my Heritage Softail. Brake rotor change out!

[@zachfetter5710]

I’ve got my rear perfectly aligned with rubber stops and a coat hangar and o ring. Still pulls left no matter what. I’ve even tried to get the belt to ride the opposite side of the sprocket and nothing works. What could it be? I can noticeably see my left fork tube further forward than my right while riding down the road, like it’s compensating for something that isn’t aligned

[@K9RickRet]

Another great tip! Thanks, Doc!

[@jeffrockel5176]

More great info Doc, Thank you!

[@djmysticalone321]

Awesome

[@EarlGuyton425]

Excellent video. Heres how I achieved the best alignment for my 02 softail. I took the adjuster bolts out and made sure they were the same length, then screwed them in until I got my belt tension right, then counted the threads on the outer part of my adjuster bolts and on both sides came up with 4 threads on the outer end of the bolt, then turn the wheel of the bike or start it and pace in first gear and let it go for around a minute, then check to see if your belt in centered in the rear sprocket with a slight penny width on each side of the back of the sprocket belt. I did this with a simple floor jack and even left the bike on its side stand, and this makes me want to inform others of you dont need a bike jack or stand and you can leave any bike on its side stand and floor jack up the front or back wheel, but place the jack on the outer of the area so it stay secured and jacks it up at the angle of the lean, as bike doesnt have to be upright and straight to even remove a wheel

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Wow, impressed with your ideas and details....Doc

[@EarlGuyton425]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Just to be certain, being I am a perfectionist with my vehicles I am waiting for my 6 inch micrometer that is digital and do an ID check between the thick washer notch that holds the nipple of the adjuster screw up to the inner area where the bolt threads meets the metal of the metal that the bolt screws into. I get matching digits on both sides, then I will be satisfied

[@vicmanjw]

That’s fantastic, thanks for sharing

[@stanwerner7484]

always the professional --thank you

[@VadimNYC]

Subscribed, I don't own a Harley just yet but hoping to one day. Thank you for you easy to follow videos.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Looking forward to the day you ride your Harley to Low Country so we can take a picture together....Doc

[@xHawgRyderx]

I’m a mechanic but hell I got no trouble paying somebody like Doc to do it for me. At my age I got the money and just want to ride.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

That's a great place to be in life...Doc

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks Doc. Interesting indeed.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Glad you think so...Doc

[@joemann3536]

you would think they would put a few notches as a guide on each side of the axle nuts... guess that would increase the cost?

[@chikowhitey]

great vid Doc....greetings from Australia

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks Mate....Doc

[@Mi-ck]

Every other manufacturer has graduated lines above the axle. Why does HD have to make things difficult?

[@jimeckenrode1271]

EXCELLENT

[@shanecoker8566]

Why doesn’t it have a cam system on the axel like my Ultra limited has. It adjusts both sides at the same time is just to much to ask for on a softail. Harley can make this much easier and have almost no error for the adjustments.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Have you talked to any touring model rider that has made a lot of horsepower? There axles rotate , dont hold....Doc

[@shanecoker8566]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I never thought about it being weaker and holding up to higher HP. I’m one that just turns miles and want longevity out of the bike.

[@jimputnam2044]

Not rocket science but you need to know how. Good going Doc.

[@flfbsphatboyblue8970]

Doc, If all is properly aligned, should the belt run daed centre of the rear pulley? I notice mine rubs up against the outer pulley flange since day one of the bike. I will be taking it in next week for it’s 1600 KM inspection. I imagine they will be adjusting the belt tension.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

With the rotation of the wheel and transfer of power belts favor the outside edge...Doc

[@bikeracr]

you never mentioned how long the 5/16 rod is ?

[@tonycaronia1068]

Maybe a dumb question but is adjusting tension out (loosening the belt) as simple as backing out the adjuster screws?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

No the axle must be loosened and then after adjusting torque to spec….Doc

[@jsprite123]

Could you use a measuring tape, and make sure those 2 points (on both sides) are of equal measure?

[@sportster88]

Thanks, Doc, for the tips! I have an M8 Softail with less than 4000 miles that pulls hard to the left when I take my hands off the bars. I have to keep a slight pressure on the bars just to go straight. The rear axle is properly aligned. Could the rear wheel have been spaced too far to the right from the factory? How can I check that?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

If the wheel was spaced to far over the brake would be effected. HD will not address your issue because they believe in hands on the handlebars. I have received several emails about front ends needing to be adjusted…..Doc

[@hcanergocmus]

What size and type of socket is that screw to push the wheel back? Is that a triple square?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

No just a 12 point….Doc

[@chip9832]

💯

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks Chip for watching….Doc

[@nuffdoggiggey4103]

I'm back, I got my bike back from harley after two months, I have a 2006 night train with crome swing arm and belt guard all that ,well my dealership put new tires on it, not sure if you remember me but my bike was in Storage for years and has the original tire Dunlop 200mm the new 200 tire I'm not sure if it's upgraded a bit but I received the bike delivered, it was making a noise, not running right off the trailer, so I was confused it was rode 5 miles test drive before releasing it, but the crome belt guard was rubbing the he'll out of the tire, I figured out , there is no room for adjustment, what's your thoughts? the driver strapped it down too hard? or they never did the test ride ( was obvious) or both and the tire is a bit larger then 06 manufacturer original tire, and will need to shave a bit off that 1955 Cadillac rear bumper hard as he'll crome guard. Thanks Jeff

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Glad to see you have your bike back. My memory is getting bad. I remembered a 180mm rear tire not a 200🤷‍♂️ . Backing it off the trailer would move the belt to the outside but not effect the tire. I am afraid a thick washer was forgotten or misplaced that should have gone between the guard and the mounting tab maybe. Do you own a flat Jack? You could raise the rear end and rotate the tire so you could look at the belt travel from rear pulley to front pulley. You can adjust the rear axle as long as the belt tracks straight. If no jack available, remove belt guard and ride to the dealership and ask them to install it so it does not run rear tire! The 5 miles might have been put on after they got the bike running before tire change🤷‍♂️

[@MM-hc9nr]

dealer near me swears the cant get the plug tool for me. ican order it but no idea when it might ship. cant find it anywhere

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Try Motion Pro or Jims…..Doc

[@donmatre5101]

Thanks for all of the videos, great content. I have the Dakota Digital Dash on my 2019 FLHXS. I added an oil temp sensor to the drain plug and the dash picks up the head temperature from the ECM, so I have the oil temp and head temp displayed in one of the satellite gages. In order for that to mean anything, I need to know what the normal operating ranges are and what the danger points are. Can you provide this. I have the HD oil cooler with the fan built into it. On a warm day, mid to upper 80's, I see head temps in the 300-325 range. In traffic they can get to 350. The oil temp is usually in the 190's, in traffic it gets as high as 220.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Are you sure you want to know? I am all for knowing about my bike. but sometimes this can keep me up all night or distract my eyes in stop and go traffic, HD does not supply Max Engine temps. In my experiance, all your numbers are normal. Remember weather, road surface temp, humidity, oil life and more have great influences on these numbers. (especially your right hand!)

[@jimmin9802]

Thanks.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

You're welcome...Doc

[@joshuaramos9676]

I just got one of those alignment tools for my dyna for the rear wheel and I just wanted to know, I replaced the wheel bearings about 200 miles ago but turns out after getting the alignment tool the rear tire was misaligned any chance to overthink if the bearings are bad now or am I overthinking it and the bearings should be good after only riding it for 200 miles that way.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Well that depends on your 0-60 time😆….Doc

[@joshuaramos9676]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I was riding normal because I had replaced the rear tire and bearings at the same time and was taking it easy for the first 200 miles

[@azariarrocha5586]

What's the effect of rear wheel that is, lets say, an 1/8th out of alignment? Thanks for all those great videos.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Added wear to parts....Doc

[@varianricard75]

Hey Doc! Just picked up a 21’ low rider s. I’ve been hearing that the new M8’s, unlike the big twin, come perfectly tuned for the AFR’s. I’ve seen a few people saying that you can add a air cleaner, or exhaust without having to tune the bike. Do you know if this is true?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

First, The M8 is a Big Twin. Yes they come perfectly EPA tuned. You can change just one. Either Air Cleaner or Mufflers. I said Mufflers because a full Wild Exhaust System can go beyond the Factory ECM adaptive percentage....Doc

[@varianricard75]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Sorry, I should’ve been more specific. I meant compared to the twin cam. I noticed you said slip on mufflers only, but I’ve seen a couple videos of people adding full exhaust systems without issues with dyno sheets to prove it. I believe DK Customs put up a video about it. I guess my actual question is, on the 2021 model Harley changed the ECU design, at least for the plug, and I wanted to know if that means they changed the factory AFR tune.

[@natsubbu]

Thanks DocHarley! Also on these newer Soft-tails how do you align the front wheel to the rear wheel please. Thanks in advance.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

There is no alignment procedure....Doc

[@natsubbu]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Thanks Doc! The 2018 FatBot almost all the rides in India slightly pull to the left and the tyre wear is very uneven and more on the right side of the rear! Any direction to help assist please?

[@hlll6233]

Man you should do one on painting the engine and primary with the silver bead blast acrylic lacquer

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I was never that good with crayons so painting is out :)...Doc

[@awedihdaira2786]

Hi doc is it matter if i want to put the axle from right side and nut screw on the left side ?? (Softail deluxe 2020 m8) thanks 🙏🏽

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I have wondered the same and can’t get the Factory Pros to explain why not….Doc

[@awedihdaira2786]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson thanks doc 🙏🏽

[@robertprotomanni]

The dealership does not sell these alignment tools to the public.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I am sorry to hear this. Motion Pro offers an alternative....Doc

[@MyMotorcycleObsession]

I have a question for you doc, I just bought a 2014 Sportster Custom and when I'm riding and giving it gas at low RPM it has a ton of vibration coming from the engine that shakes the whole bike. I had another guy ride it and he said his Sportster Custom does the same thing, shakes way more than my Dyna. I'm used to the shaking getting smoothed out when you take off. Is this normal? Wondering if it could be the engine mounts? It only has 4,800 miles on it.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Is your XL completely stock? Most of the time it has to do with the exhaust. Lighter mufflers, aftermarket full systems or No tuner when there should be. I admit the stock exhaust system is heavy but HD designed it to be a tuning fork to counter the natural vibration in a 45 degree motor. Change this and owners talk about vibration. About the tuning. You and I know this bike runs lean and hot. Change the Exhaust and air cleaner without adding fuel and this motor will hate you and let you know. If by chance your bike is stock (rare) yes motor mounts.

[@djmysticalone321]

What’s the torque? Thanks

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

95-105 in a 2019 Softtail standard….Doc

[@roberttolley5055]

Doc, I need help bad! I have 79,1000 cc with fat back tire. Chopper. It dropped big tire grabbing hard . Rebuilt starter ,checked by 2 shops. Won't turn moter over, engage. I'm saying it bit ,pushed clutch basket out! Is this possible. In your mind could it happen sir.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Yes the inner clutch nut can back out. more likely the bearings in the clutch basket are finally worn out. With the trans in high gear and spark plugs out, you can rotate the motor? If so keep following the path mechanically and electrically on the starter system...Doc

[@ralphbrewster4458]

is it the same tool for dynas

[@vegasrider2246]

Good luck on finding a metal coat hanger these days. Unless you get dry cleaned. Which I don’t. Lol

[@marcnunes6916]

Lol can believe this? $20k+ bike it has no alignment markings. Still I'd take this over what I have on my bagger. When will HD hire real engineers??

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Next time your at a rally, find the guys wearing the Bar & Shield and hand them your blueprints....Doc

[@marcnunes6916]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson no need. I'll point to a yamaha or a ducati I see in the lot. There seems to bem fewer and fewer Harleys every year should be easy to do.

[@reyesveloz4531]

How to aline a M8 SG rear axel please ?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I'm sure it is in your Service Manual. The design of the axle helps..Doc

[@tonydanzl]

That's ridiculous.! Motorcycle manufacturers have been machining built in reference marks for years without having to come up with all that BS. Thanks HD 🤔😖

[@fps636]

Always reference the Doc. You might learn something.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Always Factory Service Manual first Then I would appreciate a view..Doc

[@donowolf]

Your videos based on "theoretical" things like "if you did this" are all useless. What some of us are looking for is to see you failing at the same things we're failing at in the same process, using everything the manual describes. But because Harleys don't align correctly, showing the full alignment process would take you forever, and you know it. Give us REAL content, not this half-a$$'d stuff. One such difference might be your usage of a lift that stabilizes the bike at the front wheel and leaves the rear one with load on it.