Topic: Rear Brake - Help! - Bike swerves

[AKjos]

I must have something wrong -- duh -- why else ask for help!

1796 Honda CB 750F

When I apply my rear brake, the rear of the bike swerves to the right, feels like the whole rear of the bike moves a few inches to the right. If am still in gear, it doesn't show as much effect. I have had the entire wheel and brake system off the bike, so I probably don't have it back correctly. Any ideas on what to look at?

Thanks in Advance for any help.

[Terry in Australia]

G'Day Mate, I guess you tightened the axle nut and chain adjusters, so it sounds to me like you've left out an axle spacer, or your wheel bearings (or swingarm bushes) are toast! Do you have an exploded diagram of the complete rear wheel assembly? Check it again mate, that doesn't sound healthy! Cheers, Terry.

[CHUNG]

My first thought when viewing the title was "He forgot to tighten the nut?" But Terry could be correct about the swingarm bushes. Drop the tire ond shocks and check the arm for slop. If something is loose enough to make it swerve then it shouldn't be too hard to find.

[Mark M]

It could just be the wheels out of line, Check the front rear wheels are in line witha bit of string. Hold it taught round the rear wheel then standing at the front of the bike swing it in untill it just touches the rear tyre front and back. You can then get your able assistant to measure the gap between the front wheel and the string. Make sure the front wheel is pointing forwards first. Then do the same on the other side of the bike. If you just go by the notches on the swingarm the wheel can still be way off line. That's even if all the orriginal parts are still in place and some PO hasn't swapped the 72 K2 wheel adjuster for a 83 Z750 one on one side. When you adjust the chain tansion after this you can keep the whole lot in line by ensuring you turn the adjusters equal ammounts. I start with 1/2 turns each side then 1/4 once things are close.

[SteveD CB500F]

Good post Mark.

I've seen a couple of these already on this board.

I might write a "how to align your wheels" FAQ!

[Terry in Australia]

I'll save Steve the trouble, here's a really good article on wheel alignment:

http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcnuts/chassis.html

Personally, I don't believe a misalignment will cause the symptoms described. Cheers, Terry.