Chain alignment tool - SV650.org

garynortheast · 26-05-11, 08:47 AM

At the risk of starting yet another argument (not my intention!) would anyone care to give me their assessment of these Laser 5051 chain alignment tools? Lozzo, YC, Rictus, Spannerman, what's your opinion? I'm a little dubius as to the accuracy of these particular tools but I'd appreciate a second opinion.

Sid Squid · 26-05-11, 09:02 AM

I'm not sure of the value of that tool, by which I mean perfectly good wheel alignment can be achieved without spending money on such items.
Which is not to say that it wouldn't work just fine - I'm sure it does, I just consider it un-necessary.
We all know that the SV, like many other bikes, has wheel alignment marks that aren't fantastic, and that with the SV in particular the amount the plate on the left moves around under the spindle nut it can be hard to judge with perfect accuracy. But simply sighting from the front wheel to the rear will give alignment that is plenty good enough. If in doubt string or a straight edge can be used. And, most importantly, once alignment has been established don't lose it, when adjusting the chain turn each adjuster the same amount.

timwilky · 26-05-11, 09:07 AM

I personally wouldn't go for a gizmo like that. But then I only go for rear wheel alignment.

I use a engineers variation on the string.

I have two lengths of box section that I have fitted threaded bar through.

This allows me to lightly clamp it either side (front/back) of the rear wheel and to then measure the gaps at the front wheel. Of course you have to have a straight frame and straight box section. But takes 2 minutes to attach and personally I think a lot more accruate

rictus01 · 26-05-11, 09:47 AM

I was treated to the magnetic laser tool some years ago, you stick it on the rear sprocket, think I used it twice, it's gathering dust somewhere now.

Pretty much as Sid squid says, it's easy enough to do with other methods I personally wouldn't bother.

Cheers Mark

garynortheast · 26-05-11, 03:38 PM

Thanks guys, pretty much reinforces what I'd already thought.

26-05-11, 08:47 AM	#1
garynortheast Member Mega Poster Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Mid Wales Posts: 2,690	Chain alignment tool At the risk of starting yet another argument (not my intention!) would anyone care to give me their assessment of these Laser 5051 chain alignment tools? Lozzo, YC, Rictus, Spannerman, what's your opinion? I'm a little dubius as to the accuracy of these particular tools but I'd appreciate a second opinion.

26-05-11, 09:02 AM	#2
Sid Squid No, I don't lend tools. Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Skunk Works, Nth London Posts: 8,680	Re: Chain alignment tool I'm not sure of the value of that tool, by which I mean perfectly good wheel alignment can be achieved without spending money on such items. Which is not to say that it wouldn't work just fine - I'm sure it does, I just consider it un-necessary. We all know that the SV, like many other bikes, has wheel alignment marks that aren't fantastic, and that with the SV in particular the amount the plate on the left moves around under the spindle nut it can be hard to judge with perfect accuracy. But simply sighting from the front wheel to the rear will give alignment that is plenty good enough. If in doubt string or a straight edge can be used. And, most importantly, once alignment has been established don't lose it, when adjusting the chain turn each adjuster the same amount. __________________ If an SV650 has a flat tyre in the forest and no-one is there to blow it up, how long will it be 'til someone posts that the reg/rec is duff and the world will end unless a CBR unit is fitted? A little bit of knowledge = a dangerous thing. "a deathless anthem of nuclear-strength romantic angst"

26-05-11, 09:07 AM	#3
timwilky Member Mega Poster Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Not in Yorkshire. (Thank God) Posts: 4,116	Re: Chain alignment tool I personally wouldn't go for a gizmo like that. But then I only go for rear wheel alignment. I use a engineers variation on the string. I have two lengths of box section that I have fitted threaded bar through. This allows me to lightly clamp it either side (front/back) of the rear wheel and to then measure the gaps at the front wheel. Of course you have to have a straight frame and straight box section. But takes 2 minutes to attach and personally I think a lot more accruate __________________ Not Grumpy, opinionated.

26-05-11, 09:47 AM	#4
rictus01 Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: South London Posts: 9,799	Re: Chain alignment tool I was treated to the magnetic laser tool some years ago, you stick it on the rear sprocket, think I used it twice, it's gathering dust somewhere now. Pretty much as Sid squid says, it's easy enough to do with other methods I personally wouldn't bother. Cheers Mark __________________ Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a Ride!

26-05-11, 03:38 PM	#5
garynortheast Member Mega Poster Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Mid Wales Posts: 2,690	Re: Chain alignment tool Thanks guys, pretty much reinforces what I'd already thought.

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