Topic: #@%^&$# alignment

[bwaller]

Just some observations...

My race project is based on a 78 model year CB550. From the beginning I noticed most frame welds/engine mount bosses were rougher than I remembered. On the swingarm, from the pivot center to the shock mounts is uneven side to side as are the chain adjustment marks. I built a 73 CB500 a few years back and there were none of these issues. I remember Hondaman stating that Big-H was rushing things towards the end of the model runs. I can believe it.

The big deal though is this frame is odd enough it appeared the engine was "cocked" in the frame when bolted tight. Measuring from the crankshaft bore center to the swingarm pivot showed it was not straight. I wonder how the sprockets actually aligned.

You could probably ride these forever & not ever notice, but if anyone is interested in a challenge while their later model 550 (at least) is apart, this is a good one!

[754]

 Insert a straight rod thru the lower motor mount, and the swingarm pivot.. compare them..for parallel. then compare the swingarm pivot to a rod thru the end of swingarm, straighten arm if needed..
 As for setting up sprocket, for a race bike, it should be checked regardless, of age/manufacture/suspected tweak..etc, etc...

[bwaller]

Well Frank, I laced up a different model rear hub, as well the countershaft is not a 550 part so aligning sprockets was the first goal. I offset the engine 4mm to the right and made it parallel to the swingarm pivot by welding in spacers and changing a couple mounts. The swingarm is true, but the chain adjusting marks are not.

The best approach I could come up with since the engine cases needed to be in the frame was to use a fork leg through the crank bore and measure back from that.  

I have the crank/swingarm pivot/rear axle all parallel, and the sprockets align. I quess I better make sure the front wheel is cooperating with the rear now. Crap, knowing this thing it won't be.  

Any other thoughts are more than welcome.