Rear Wheel Alignment on GL1800

[weason]

Someone told me today I needed to have my rear wheel alignment on my Wing checked. I can't find anything anywhere that talks about this - does he know what he's talking about?

[Viking]

I wouldn't think so. If your rear wheel is out of alignment, then your bike is broken, or else I totally do not understand the concept behind the one sided swing arm of the GL1800. The wheel is bolted directly, just like a car, and there is no adjustment in the drive mechanism, to my knowledge. I will, however, get into my service manuals and investigate.

Edit: Nope, no alignment possible on the rear wheel of a GL1800, and likely on any shaft driven motorcycle.

[weason]

I thought he was full of bull - now I know! Thanks for the reply.

[WingAdmin]

I wouldn't think so. If your rear wheel is out of alignment, then your bike is broken, or else I totally do not understand the concept behind the one sided swing arm of the GL1800. The wheel is bolted directly, just like a car, and there is no adjustment in the drive mechanism, to my knowledge. I will, however, get into my service manuals and investigate.

Edit: Nope, no alignment possible on the rear wheel of a GL1800, and likely on any shaft driven motorcycle.

There is a procedure (fork bounce) that can be used to align the front wheel, but no alignment adjustment is necessary or possible on the rear wheel.

If the final drive is removed, there is a procedure for reinstalling/tightening to make sure the flange is aligned properly - this can affect the rear wheel alignment if done incorrectly. Randakk details it on his site: Correct rear end tightening sequence

[canuck623]

The easiest way to check if anything is wrong is to get a hose and wet the pavement for about 10 feet then ride through nice and straight. There should only be one track on the other side. If there is 2 or it seems wider than it should you either rode through a bit off or something is out of alignment. No there is no alignment procedure but if it is off something could be worn or bent.