Hi All,
I have the satisfaction of learning how to align a bike's wheels accurately and cheaply, and hope the board members might appreciate the info.
I had been concerned that my RGS replica wasn't nearly as stable as the other bikes in the fleet; it had a "nervous" feel to it.
I had made up a couple of wheel alignment fixtures over the years, using 1" RHS and similar (straight) material, but they were never particularly satisfactory, or easy to use. A major problem has been working around (avoiding) the centre stand.
Anyway, I had checked the RGS frame during restoration, and knew it was straight, so looked for another way to align the wheels.
I discovered this site.
http://www.motorcyclemetal.com/Download18.htmlDownload the pdf file "Wheel alignment made easy".
Follow the instructions, and you have your wheels in line!
These are the items I have put together as a tool kit:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn82/orabanda/P1010177.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn82/orabanda/P1010178.jpgI found it best to use 100 ;lb fishing line (green is easy to see) for the material between the wheels, and 6 lb with a nut hanging off it, as a plumb bob.
Find an old octopus strap, tie a knot at around 3" from one end, cut off the rest of the elastic, and you have the elastic joiner piece.
Find someone to help you when setting up (a 10 minute job). Tie a loop in the fishing line at the appropriate spot, and join the line by stretching tight with the elastic joiner. TYou will have to lay down on the pavement to set it up. have the joiner somewhere in the vicinity of the centre stand.
The line will be 4 - 6 inches above the ground level, and will stay on the tyres if you have enough tension.
Tighten the sterring damper a couple of turns, so that when the bars are turned left or right, they will stay there.
I did for bikes yesterday in about an hour.
They were all out, but especially the RGS.
It now handles very nicely.
A $15 innvestment; no batteries or laser lights needed!
Good luck
Richard