Having just inherited a 1973 Commando, I'm doing a few 're-flight checks' as its years since I've been on two wheels.
Looking at the bike from the back, it seems that the rear wheel is sitting off to the left. See attached photo.
Crudely measuring the position by holding a srewdriver on the wheel rim and thumb at the beginning the shocks shows about 1/2 minimum difference between left and right. Similar crude measurement shows the same with the swinging arm.
Has anyone got any views or advice on this? It just does not seem right!
Thanks in anticipation.
Andy
Attachments IMG_0545a.jpgHi Andy, If I've read you…
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The Commando engine and ge…
The Commando engine and gearbox are mounted about 3/16" to the left in the frame (have a look at the head steady, you will see that the three screw holes are not central to the side plates) The rear wheel should be built with the rim offset to the right by the same amount to compensate. Bolt up rear hubs as fitted to the Domminator will fit early Commandos but will have the incorrect offset. As yours is a 72 plate I presume that the hub is the cush drive version. Has it had new rims? and if so who built them? Inaccuracies in frame manufacture, crash damage, and incorrect front isolastic fittings will throw the rear wheel out of alignment. In addition check that the front wheel is in the centre of the front fork. (measure it against the fork stanchions, not the mudguard mounting faces) The front wheel is difficult for wheel builders as the disc brake side has almost no dish. Good luck.
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Hi Andy,
If I've read you correctly you are worried about the rear wheel not being central in the swinging arm. A couple of questions:
- Is the wheel spinning true in the swinging arm? i.e. does the wheel wobble as you spin it?
- If you lay on the floor and look from the rear of the bike to the front are the wheels in line and straight?
- You can use two long planks of wood, with a straight edges, and lie then in contact with the rear wheel and check that the front wheel is in line and straight.
Unfortunately your photo doesn't help me much.Many bikes have either the front or rear wheel offset in the forks (front or rear) but as long as the wheels line up they ride fine.