Hello all.

On Friday I'm dropping off the bike to have 2 new tires (Michelin pilot power) put on. When you get your tires changed, does the shop adjust chain tension when they put the wheels back on? Or is this something I'll have to do myself when I get the bike home?

 

They should adjust the chain for you but it wouldn't hurt to check it when you get home.

 

Don't count on it. Always check your chain tension, tire pressures, axle nut, etc, after picking up your bike from any shop.

 

Any time the wheel comes off, i personally check the alignment.Put it on a center stand, straighten the front wheel and either, put the Mark I eyeball to it, or grab a piece of string and pull it across the tires (front to back) to check it's tracking. Front and rear of each tire should, all touch the string, if the rear is straight.
Ern

 

I'm changing my tires too, but I'm waiting on my t rex stands so I can just take the wheels in there and save some $$ should be here saturday. Can you go into a little more depth about this string method? Are you checking for the alignment of the tires relative to each other, or being centered between your forks and swing arm

 

Setting the tire to the chain tension marks will get you close. By using the chain tensioner marks you should be parrallel to the swingarm.You stretch the string from the front of the bike to the rear and then bring it close to the tires on one side. The front tire has to be pointing straight ahead. This establishes the plane that both tires should be in. The string confirms that all is in a straight line.

 

The string method:

http://www.yamahafz1oa.com/sportryde...ntmethod.shtml
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ho...els/index.html

 

Cool links! I was going to come home tonight and draw it on paper and scan it, to illustrate it. But you made it all better Dbeau! Thanks, Ern