How To Check Your Wheel Alignment | MC Garage

[@maxrusch]

Ari is an exceptional presenter and just about the best I've seen in this sport. He is very well-spoken in terms of how he gets the words out and accross to the viewer. His presence is excellent. Very well done brother. Motorcyclist Magazine is fortunate to have him, although they should enjoy it while it lasts because I think he will soon be snapped up by a company willing to pay him more than MCM ever could. This guy is a huge talent regardless. Kudos...and best of luck.

[@M.deHout]

Agreed!

[@Majesenmoto]

you are so right

[@harindugamlath]

maxrusch1 Totally agree. Ari is exceptional. He is really good and gets to the point straight away.

[@geripg8127]

Si es que esa intro es mucho bisnes xDD

[@sssgeneral]

Ditto

[@hni7458]

This guy has a natural, friendly no-nonsense approach that I like - much appreciated.

[@blipco5]

I've been meaning to get a chain alignment tool for 20 odd years now. If I can remember I'll order one with my next set of tires. (Been saying that for 20 years as well).

[@bernardomotard]

blipco5 here, get it now. Look at this on eBay www.ebay.com/itm/331238847677

[@blipco5]

Bernardo...Thanks, I just ordered it.

[@ramrajpanthukalathil1601]

blipco5 iam happy that you ordered ! You 20 year old dream 🤩

[@dace8030]

So, it's been 7 years. Did you buy one?

[@roadwarrior8560]

@@dace8030 he's still planning too, soon.

[@afletra]

it's doesn't matter how complicated or trivial your vid is, I always love it Ari. haha... I just love the way you guys make this mc garage video. even if it's just a simple information, I always enjoyed watching it. keep it up!

[@Majesenmoto]

excellent as always. didn't know that tool, I'll buy it no doubt!! thank you for another great video

[@xjulitox]

Majes en Moto Justo voy a comprar mi primera moto y estoy que me veo todos los videos de MC Garage y de tu canal como adicto. MC Garage para lo técnico y tu canal para aprender todo lo que puede haber en la calle. Saludos!

[@kenudo89]

Genial el majes!!!

[@rupertfb]

Neatly explained - as ever. Thank you. I get fed up people taking 20mins to explain a 1 minute topic!

[@quadguy1470]

Thanks Ari, love the vids you do. It's because of you that I mount and balance my own tires which has saved me hundreds in the last 2 years and the mere thought of it has amazed people and it boggles there mind that at 140 mph it's smooth as can be. Keep up the great work!

[@AriH211]

That's great to hear Frank. Cultivating self sufficiency and knowledge is what this show is all about, so getting feedback like that is really encouraging. Ride safe.

[@thesighbored]

Nice info, thanks for the share. I have a feeling not many mechanics from where I'm from actually know this, or bother to check this every time the wheel is removed, either for tire change, or chain/sprocket change. From now on I'll be sure to have this checked!

[@mince69meat]

TheSighBored most won't even do wheel balancing

[@stephaniedigrigoli4856]

Dude your videos are absolutely perfect not too short not to long technical but not too technical absolutely hit the nail on the head every time keep up the tremendous work

[@AriH211]

We're glad you like our recipe.

[@RallyRossi]

Ari, you're the only reason i watch this. You just make it so simple and fun to watch. Looking forward to more vids :)

[@karldoenges9943]

Just changed front sprocket on new RE Int 650. I measured the the amount of adjustment screw sticking out was the same. Felt Ok, had to finish in the dark and couldn't see any markings on swing arm. Thanks for the tips, will double check in the morning.

[@oldninjarider5524]

Great info. Love the videos, they are short, concise and easy to learn from. I've been riding over 40 years and still learning some cool new stuff about motorcycle care and maintenance. Thanks MC Garage, Great Job.

[@osmoregulatoryorgan]

Straight to the point. Best video on alignment I've seen tonight.

[@Mik3Bravo]

Re tuning in, I think i'd still be watching your videos even if I got rid of my bike, I think this channel deserves at least as much support as that

[@AriH211]

Thanks, that's quite the approval. Hopefully you never get rid of your bike though ;)

[@WarwickHunter]

A great series of videos. I have been riding for many many years but these videos are still a excellent source of new information, tips and techniques.

[@akhileshgiri8044]

You've got great confidence. great presenter. watching all your videos is fun. one can never get bored of them and they are useful and to the point. thumbs up.

[@AC-yc6rz]

Thank You very much. Every time i tightened the nut on my ninja 650 the axle block moved backwards and the lines didnt match. Using the measuring tape worked perfect. I got worried for a while, kept redoing it. Great video.

[@philkearney0577]

I was always a bit nervous of having a go at things re my bike but this guy gives me confidence! Thanks a lot.

[@carlobiondi3014]

Not only these videos are so good but sometimes they just crack me up like in this case: "It's also worth mentioning that if your bike has a single sided swing arm or drive shaft, you didn't need to watch this video" 😂😂😂 kudos to Ari

[@BlueSoda03]

This was really helpful. I had my tires replaced somewhere and adjusted the chain tension, but in turn it left my bike leaning to the left when I let off the throttle with hands off the clipons. Will definitely do a wheel alignment after this.

[@pawel4599]

did it help? I have similar problem with my almost new Kawasaki 1000SX, its leaning right little bit.

[@BlueSoda03]

@ sometimes they do man. i had a z900 bnew and I was frustrated because of this issue.

[@saadh2980]

These MC Garage videos are awesome! Aside from uneven tire wear, what else is a good indication of misaligned wheel? My bike had a tendency to lean left if I let go of the handlebar. The factory marks were the same on both sides but the distance b/w the swing arm pivot and rear axle was off by 1.2 cm. After correcting the bikes rides straight with no pressure on the handle bar. If you do try this, use a empty car park that you know has a straight surface to check. Also, this may not apply to every bike out there.

[@beo7929]

Today I needed this video and I was like: "MC Garage is not going to do "Wheel Alignment" video soon, so I'm just gonna try by myself" Ha! I'm watching this video after a lot of back pain trying to do the 3rd one few hours ago, it took me 3h to give up because it wasn't changing the gap difference on the front wheel, it's really stressful, don't do it.

[@robertanthonyfarrell]

Alberto Harres Rocha I tried it once - never again! It obviously does work but it's so much hassle.

[@supercubshorts4636]

Elegant, succinct, no nonsense description, best I've seen on this

[@alanchase7329]

When you tighten the axle the wheel will go where it wants to go. If you are having to use the chain tension bolts to correct it you will be stressing other components like spacers and swing arm surface.

[@surepicv819]

Pure nonsense

[@888jackflash]

I broke down and finally bought that Motion Pro tool. GOOD MOVE: I found that the marks were off-line by ONE FULL MARK. Because of this, I discovered that early Bandit 1200's came out of the factory with the sprockets 3mm out-of- plane.. I altered two rear wheel spacers 3mm and now my chains last twice as long.

[@bigjoe4020]

Neither of the 2 methods will work on either of my bikes (Roadliner and Roadmaster) and the 3rd is just unpractical. Having said that I am sure it helps on lot of people. Keep up the good work rsm8

[@ae70gts]

4th way. measure the distance between the wheel's rim lip and the swingarm inside or outside . both sides. simple. regards. nicholas d. edit: love your videos. keep it up!!!

[@ArcanePath360]

5th way: Take it to the shop.

[@PsychoLegoMan]

Not all swingarms are alike; mine has a different distance between each side!

[@xcivproductions8200]

does not realy work with my bike xD swingarm does not look the same on both sides xD rip ?

[@YeetxBoi]

Pretty much every bike will have difference in the two sides

[@DazzaOnGoogle]

I think it's possible that front wheel can be out of alignment. If you cop a whack on the front, the forks can develop a twist in the headset, or if the forks are re-assembled with some mis-alignment in the head

[@ricktyler5430]

This would happen all the time in motocross. If you crash, it would twist the forks in the triple tree, therefore putting the front wheel out of alignment

[@chrisduke3251]

Great commercial for Motion Pro tools. Wish I had this chain alignment tool 30 years ago!

[@Absolute_Unit135]

I think I watch these vids now more for how great the production is than the actual information lol. Good job Ari👍🏿

[@richardraymond5535]

Where can I buy that shirt at?

[@schenker1993]

scotch iron

[@ramiretz]

the LaserVAT is also a wonderful, easy and fast tool for alignment... i love it its my favourite and second fav is the motionpro tool you showed in the vid

[@4imazupi]

LOL So now you tell me I don't need to watch this if I have a single swing arm or a shaft drive. Thanks for these informative videos; even though I can never get back those 3 minutes and 30 seconds of information that I didn't require ;)

[@ImminghamIronhead]

Thank you! I've been messing around with string since 1983 and it's never been reliable; my swing arm bolt is visible and there's nothing in the way - can't believe it never occurred to me to measure them!

[@auomauom]

Been doing tape measure swing arm pivot to axle for a couple years. Easiest and cheapest way

[@mattymccolgan9453]

That's what I was thinking... Not many ppl can hold a tape measure perfectly while paying attention to one end of the tape

[@Miata822]

With the popularity of restoring old mikes today it is important to mention checking the swingarm bushing for wear. That can't be adjusted out and needs to be replaced if there is wear.

[@brent1041]

I got a shaft drive but I still enjoy these videos.

[@raymond060]

nice videos, well explained, good language and NO loud music, thanks

[@sfak5]

Honestly, the best descriptive video I've ever watched on KZbin. Well done! (Nikos. Greece)

[@AmgK.]

i do not have a bike😅 but i still wait for your uploads😉

[@milosozegovic6980]

You said at the end that if our motorcycles have a single sided swing arm or a shaft drive that we didn't need to watch the video. Jokes on you, I don't even have a motorcycle.

[@bcuzicancuellar5478]

Great vid, but my 4 bikes are all shaft drive! I suspect my next bike will have a chain, so this is very informative! Ride safe.

[@moJosouthpaw]

have had great success with two 2"x4"s, and two wide adjustable wood clamps. shade tree style

[@Im-a-machine]

Dude, you're doing a fabulous job! Thanks for all the great tips! I really enjoy your videos, they are very helpful.

[@AriH211]

Glad you like them William. Thanks for watching.

[@robs7741]

I have a single sided swing arm. Watching this video game me appreciation for what some of you have to deal with. 😂

[@viniciusmartos]

Amazing content! You just got another subscription! Keep up the good work bro

[@reesie2995]

Can you please do a video about spark plugs? Thank you. Great work!

[@VirtualMark2]

What I'd like to know - what happens if your wheels are out of alignment? What problems can it cause? Thanks, great video!

[@xjoshsaucex]

Did you ever find this answer??

[@davidfellows6250]

You can use a single string or known straight line down the center of your tires provided they have a center grove. When I started doing this all of them did. Also instead of buying the tool you can use a square especially if you have a belt drive.

[@storymaker_____]

will it worked

[@nuggethead008]

Great tips and a very cool motionpro tool. I appreciate the call out to those of us with shaft drive. Deep down we miss chain adjustments and wheel alignment activities. ;-)

[@_piston_addictz_]

YOU ARE GREAT SIR ..... YOU TEACH EVERYTHING IN VERY SIMPLE MANNER , AND IT IS EASY TO APPLY AT HOME ... THANK YOU SIR ...... SIR MAKE A VIDEO ON HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR BIKE PROPERLY.....PLEASE....

[@vijayam1]

Man, I love this guy. Spot on, crisp, no bull shit, yet a short video... Ari, style.. Would love to know do injector cleaners and octane boosters as such, are they really what they claim to be. And also, a little technical video especially for the KTM 390 engine and parts, how well they're put together, how well they handle track abuse, just a separate video regarding the 390 as a whole would be super super useful. Keep revving mate!

[@sorin.n]

Lerning something new every day! Thank you!

[@mentalflosstv1515]

exactly what I needed.. perfect timing!!

[@Modelero]

I did it by measuring how much the adjusters stick out from the nuts. They should be quite precise (in lenght) but i'll check with the other methods.

[@JoeJoeMoto]

Another quality video guys. Well done.

[@9928981576]

wow i didn't know that thing i always thought wheel alignment thing is only on four wheels ty u r great

[@loneridermukesh2928]

Thanks a lot Brother. The first method helped me to resolve the issue of handlebar vibe and restricted movement on my Interceptor 650.👍🤘✊🏼

[@kennethh2430]

Single side swing arm FTW (07 Speed Triple)...balancing the rear wheel, have to take it to the shop ;( lol Great video as always!

[@captainkixx5849]

thanks man i used the tape measure method. you probably just saved me closer to $200 i have a 2016 kawasaki vulcan s the cruiser version of the z650 you got in the video :D

[@samtoshner8002]

I just land a straight edge on the rear sprocket and sight it under the chain. Works the same as the 2nd method but I can use a ruler I already have.

[@orion15151]

Brilliant video the tape measure method has done it for me

[@Ninjatrouble]

Or a 4th. Test ride and adjust depending how much the bike leans over when doing no hands

[@anirbanchakraborty6569]

I've learned straight edge method for sprocket alignment, but for a motorcycle it's quite tough.

[@mikeadvr46]

Great tips. thanks MC Garage! Now this is a good piece of info!

[@MyRandomLife247]

A vernier caliper also works well too :).

[@MrRandoms254]

Had to look, if anyone else thought so... Nice one, @MyRandomLife247 😁

[@ralphmctell5210]

Great video it just seems so simple when you put it like that

[@Johny40Se7en]

Ta very much for these videos, very helpful and clear. I'm new to bikes, just got my first one and I rode it from, where I bought it, quite far so I had to adjust the chain, I gave it a go but there's no centre stand or paddock stand so had to just keep it as upright as best I could using wood under the side stand =P

[@themvp3447]

Could you do a video on tyres used in off roading bikes. Bikers who go for the Leh Laddakh circuit in India would benefit a lot with knowledge on that tech. Hope to see the video soon. Thank you.

[@ivanelbarra3969]

tumbs up man keep it up thanks for all knowledge you share with us. making referance to all your videos.

[@ememcleaning4543]

Thank you for this video. Always helpful.

[@justadam1917]

Use a stringline for the Straight Edge front to back both sides of the tire measuring side of the front tyre straight edge

[@jerryfarmer5989]

Thank you I just order that motion pro. MY bike the way it is s about the only other option is doing line of site and trying a tape measure.

[@Coconut_54]

I use the 4th option which is the easiest and most accurate one: Profi SE-CAT laser tool (but I understand that this is just an ad for motion pro :)

[@theedge1420]

Very clear and helpful tips as usual 👌

[@micheal49]

@2:07 -- if the rod points right, which side do you adjust and in which direction? If the rod points left, which side do you adjust and in which direction?

[@Dsam04]

My bikes have single sided swing arms, but I enjoyed the video!

[@MrKromy67]

Thanks a lot Ari. I really enjoy your work.

[@jgrass93]

Great video, do you think you can do one on how to swap out brake and clutch levers with new ones???

[@brettjohnson2580]

I like the tool that goes on the rear sprocket

[@danielkachev1186]

Браво винаги много добри съвети от това момче.

[@crisrose9707]

would it also be possible to measure the bit of rod poking out of the back of the swing arm with the adjuster nuts on it if you have that?

[@InvictvsNox]

Does this apply to belt-driven bikes as well? Can shaft driven bikes also go out of alignment, or was this video's methods of checking and fixing alignment just not applicable to shaft driven bikes?

[@TrackSol]

Do you guys have a video on how to align the forks when the handlebars are a bit crooked?

[@lorenzoadrielchuidian4528]

Thanks Ari Henning. Really Helpful Video! :) :D

[@dace8030]

That tool cooukd have saved ne si juch time yesterday!!

[@marccheshire2271]

Very impressed with this video.

[@briarfox637]

Totally getting one of those tools now. The human eye can detect an error 1 thousandth of an inch off center so that'd be an excellent way to align the wheels.

[@PMitchell106]

Couple notes on the Motion-Pro tool: It has to be stored in a way where the rod doesn't get bent. Pretty obvious, but also easy to put it in a crowded toolbox drawer and forget. Definitely don't buy the knockoffs, they have plastic parts that flex easily, making them incapable of staying true to the rear sprocket.

[@PHILIPWATSON82]

Thanks bud the tape measure tip is excellent 💯

[@alvarofigueroa4693]

great video...can you briefly explain why owners of bikes with shaft drive don't need to watch this video? I don't regret watching it but I do have a BMW R1200GS, hence the question...cheers

[@Nefsen402]

The reason for that is that that kind of stuff is already tuned from the factory. A drive shaft has no play in it like a belt or a chain, so it will never come out of alignment (until you wreck it, but then you have much bigger issues than some pesky alignment). With a chain bike, the mechanism will have to allow for some movement as the chain or belt stretch out after use. With this, comes the chance for the wheel to come out of alignment with the body.

[@Nefsen402]

Except if you do the song and dance to check your alignment and find that it's off there is nothing you can do to fix it (on a bike with a drive shaft). There is no possibility for adjustment on those bikes.

[@alvarofigueroa4693]

thank Alex...I have only had this GS for two years now and I am not too familiar with the maintenance that is required to drive safely...I did send it to BMW a few thousand KM ago so I hope the were professionals and checked for everything that is supposed to be checked.

[@Nefsen402]

As long as you don't do major modifications to your bike and take it in for regular maintenance intervals to the dealership, you certainly have nothing to worry about. As you said they are professionals. The only thing I would worry about is if you take it into a budget mechanic, some shady stuff in that industry.

[@Miata822]

Why to feel smug, of course.

[@lewysjames4671]

Love your videos guys you planning on doing a review or comparison of that z650 ???

[@JpOcDenver]

Can a bike want to "pull" one way if out of alignment? I feel like I need to lean one way in order to ride straight if I ride with no hands. At first I thought i was just compensating for wind, but now I suspect otherwise. Edit: before I catch any shit, I ride no-hands hardly at all, but if it's an indication of an issue, I want to know.

[@jeffbarnard348]

RoadRunner Yes it could, it should track straight with no hands unless the crown of the road is very pronounced, so try it on a few roads. Shifting your weight ever so slightly is ok maybe to compensate for something like exhaust weight etc. I often do it to stretch

[@JpOcDenver]

Jeff Barnard thanks. Will look into it. I considered the crown of the road too as a possibility. I do have to lean left so crown, plus right side (heavy stock) exhaust is possible.

[@opmike343]

For whatever reason, there's a few bikes out there that track so slightly to one side even when everything is in alignment. Triumph Street Triples are known for this. I confirmed it on mine on a flat parking lot, so it definitely wasn't road crown.

[@davidnamy8240]

great video. i used that little tool it worked. very easy any one can use.

[@Pertamax7-HD]

nice tricks sir

[@douglasmacquarrie5002]

Love how at the end you tell who doesn't need to lol

[@marcusneiman2168]

To check your wheel alignment, you can also match the length of both alignment screws.

[@kaylas4132]

That’s what I was thinking…

[@surepicv819]

Thats not perfect way of doing it if you look at the end of threaded rod/bolt its not perfectly flat it has an angle of about 0.2mm. So in short u will always be off by 0.2mm

[@turboflush]

How important is the centerline of the two wheels? IE changing to a wider rear tire. Effects tracking in road ruts only? Or?

[@oddballchic]

Will front and rear stands work for this measurement? I don’t have a paddock or center stand.

[@stillenacht8518]

I watched the video thinking ‘My bike is shaft driven! What ever shall I do!?’ And then at the end I thought ‘Oh. Well that’s a relief 😅’