Ive never been able to achieve this level of accuracy per the fsm. Im somewhere between 1/16 to 1/8. Am i close enough here? My 06 fxdli is pulling hard left. Im going to move on to the stabilizer and go for a ride to see what happens. Am i wasting my time if rear axle is not to specs?

 

Do you mean the distance from the alignment hole to the axle centerline on each side of the swingarm, or the relationship of the rear wheel to the front wheel with the bars straight, or the vertical alignment of the rear wheel, or the relationship of the rear wheel to an imaginary centerline through the frame, or the position of the engine in the frame, or...

Not being a wiseguy, but there are so many elements of "alignment" with a Dyna that I just want to understand exactly what you mean...

 

I would lilke to know too. I am always on the lookout for a problem my switchback might not have.

 

Use the "string" method.

Or, better yet, the rubberband method.

OP~ Since your bike "pulls to the left", do you need to push slightly on the left handgrip to achieve "straight & level?"

How worn are your tires? (Yes, a worn tire profile can absolutely cause a bike to " pull left.")

I fixed a BMW once that pulled left by replacing the steering head bearings and races.
Never did find the actual problem (other than detented races from a wheelie landing.)
Told the owner, Don't do wheelies anymore!
Turns out BMW has soft races in their bearings.

 

I don't think you're being a wiseguy don't sweat it. I thought I was trying to be clear when I was referring to the manual and what I was referring to was the measurement of 1/32 of an inch from the hole in the swingarm to the center of the axle so basically the rear wheel alignment in the manual. The step that comes after The fallaway test. My measurements for the fall away were within the acceptable range. Tires are brand-new with less than 50 miles on the by the way

 

Okay, got it... I think I have managed to get that measurement perfect, but it did take a number of attempts... Also, I have an aftermarket chrome rear axle that didn't have a detent. I put a piece of masking tape over it and traced lines with a straight edge between the points and hit the center with a punch. I suppose it's possible that the punch walked marginally, but i think it's right on.

But it did take several attempts... It would seem right in the air, then seem slightly off with weight on it, it would be perfect until I torqued the axle nut, etc.

I just did it several times over a few days until it seemed right on.

 

I was hoping there would be an aftermarket axle or arrangement that would make aligning the rear wheel less of an art form but didn't see anything. On my last go around I used an axle plug tool on the left side:



The right side didn't have room for it between the exhaust. It was better but still guess work. Like F86 just play with it until you're comfortable.

 

I will say that mattVA's method for vertical alignment worked well for me!

 

Hey I recognize those tools. .

 

1/32 shouldn't be too hard. Make sure you've got accurate measuring tools AND methods. An alignment tool (bent wire) helps. Make sure you pre-load the axle nut and adjuster nuts during/after rough-in so that you need a wrench to make the adjusters turn (CW only) and so that when tightening the axle, it doesn't creep.