Recently, I did an endo trying to get off the freeway a little too fast. It's been about six weeks and I'm off the pain meds now and starting to put the bike back together, new handlebars, rear fender, etc.

I notice the rear wheel/tire is not in the center of the fender struts so I need to know if any of you that have had the fender off has noticed this or if maybe I damaged the swingarm bushings, bent the frame, cracked the tranny....

Just looking it appears everything is okay, not a scratch on the swingarm, even the axle caps didn't get scratched but the measurement between the tire and the fender strut on each side is about 1/8 to 1/4 closer on the belt side than the brake side. That is measuring from the rear-most bolt hole to the fattest part of the tire. I never noticed the tire looking off center when the fender was on before the wreck so if any of you have a measurement: swingarm to tire/wheel -strut to tire, I could use to compare I would appreciate the info.

Cheers.

 

I have an 07 FXD, it appears centered.
You can do a side to side comparison by using the holes in the swingarm (they are just forward of the axle).
measure from the hole to the center of the axle, and adjust so they are the same on both sides.

 

Thanks. That will align the wheel with the swingarm which is accurate but that doesn't tell me if the swingarm/wheel combo is centered on the motorcycle.....know what I'm sayin'?

 

If the bike went down on its side it is possible the struts are out of alignment, I found this to be the case on mine after a little slip a couple years ago. The wheel is centered in the cross arm, but looks off in the fender.
With the bike straight up take a level and set it against the struts and measure from the level to the cross arm on each side, you may just find it is the struts pushing the fender to one side.
I had to persuade my struts back to alignment to make mine look centered again.

 

I was mocking up a fender swap project on my 08 Fat Bob a couple weeks ago. I had the rear end striped down to the rear frame struts that secures the rear fender. I noticed the same off set as yours.
I think this is normal, however; you should consult a service expert at your local dealership for specific information regarding your particular modle.
Sorry to hear about your mis-hap, glad your alright.

 

Mine is offset as well. I have more distance between the fender and tire on the brake side.

 

it's a common issue amongst dyna owners ..i have my wheels off for powdercoat ...when i reassemble i'm gonna try and address this, somehow...will post a new thread if i have any success

 

Most all of Harley's are offset to the belt side. It is normal. I can not tell you why other than to keep pulley fasteners to their minimum length. Motorcyle will still track straight because of larger contact patch area of rear tire, compared to front.

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate your responses for sure. It leaves me to think the offset is normal and nothing to worry about for now.

When I get it back together and can ride again I'll get a better idea if it still tracks straight.

I will say I had no idea that bike would survive as well as it did doing an endo at speed. I guess all that weight adds up to one tuff motorcycle.

 

no doubt took mine down once,and side swiped a cage and watched it go over after the jiffy stand go limp and nary a scratch ,with all that plastic and fiberglass they put on the grinders i would have been doing a lot of wrenching