Australian Motorcycle News — January 03, 2018

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gym weights or bricks to keep the string taut and
secure at the front.

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Set up a straight edge
Alternatively, you can use a builder’s straight
edge to achieve the same result. The idea with
bothmethodsistocreateparallellines.Make
sure the string or straight edge are not touching
anything apart from rear tyre. There needs to be an
unobstructed line from rear to front.

7

Measure distance to rim.
The measurement from the front rim to the
straight edge should be the same on both sides if
yourframeisinalignment.Rememberthatthisis
only an accurate measurement when the rims and
forksarestraightandtrue.Inthiscase,theMonster
cameupafewmillimetresout–withintolerance.

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Using the Frame Align machine
The Frame Align machine uses a series of lasers
to measure the frame accurately, and because it is
measuring from the steering head, any problems
with the fork or rims do not affect the outcome. It
measures the frame only. It’s certainly more accurate
thanmeasuringyourself,butthecoststartsat$250.

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Complete measurement
The Frame Align machine can also check other
points around the motorcycle to work out if they are
true, such as the subframe. Any custom point can be
measured and checked back to the central reference
point of the steering head. The database also allows
for any deliberate offsets.

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Certified results
The certificate from Frame Align is conclusive.
If your bike has been in an accident, this piece of
paper will allow you to have it re-registered. Note that
the data is presented with respect to manufacturer
tolerances. Frame Align is common in Europe, but
not so much Down Under. It’s available at Melbourne
Motorcycle Fairings (MMF), Procycles (Sydney), and
there is a Sydney mobile service.

Thanks to Johannes Olk from Motorcycle

Weaponry at Mona Vale

http://www.framealign.com.au

amcn.com.au 99

10

Probably don’t need to get

the string out for this one

Please note

For a bike with a

conventional dual-sided

swingarm, measuring

the frame manually will

only work if the rear wheel

is adjusted perfectly

square in the swingarm

• the rear wheel axle and
  swingarm pivot bolt must
  be perfectly parallel.
  Single-sided swingarms
  are more straightforward
  because the rear wheel is
  adjusted concentrically, and
  therefore is always square
  in the swingarm unless the
  swingarm itself is bent.
  Some bikes, particularly
  those with large section
  rear tyres and belt drive,
  are designed deliberately
  with an offset front and rear
  wheel alignment. Make
  sure your bike isn’t one
  of these before getting it
  straightened!