Wheel and Sprocket Alignment Methods

[Hack]

After discovering that there was no spacer fitted behind the rear sprocket on my Z900A4 I was advised to do an alignment check to determine if one is needed (spacer is shown in parts manual, using O ring chain). As I've had the rear wheel/swingarm out at the same time I obviously need to align the wheel first.

What's the best method for wheel alignment?

What's the best method for confirming sprocket alignment?

Cheers,
Andy

[floydsz1]

If you look at the screws that are just behind the front sprocket, you will need to take the outer sprocket cover off, The screws that hold the transmission cover pt number 14024-007. if the chain has been running out the heads of the screws will be worn away. this happens when people fit o-ring chains to the z1 and z1A. The front sprocket should have a lip or built in spacer so it moves the sprocket away from the case. i tried to get a rear spacer for my Z1A but dave marsden said just to put a washer on each stud behind the sprocket.

[Garn 1]

Hack, I think the first thing is to ensure your front and rear wheels are set up. This is usually done with a string line or a straight edge along the rear wheel and measure the same distance in from the line on either side with the front wheel.
The chain-run is checked by eye viewing from the rear to see if the chain changes angle. You will notice if it's out. Then its usually packing the front sprocket to match the rear with shim or suitable spacer. As i mentioned before I'm sure, as standard, the the Z900-A4 is set up originally with a slightly stepped front sprocket and the rear 35 t sprocket is mounted without any spacer.
RegardZ

[Hack]

Great minds think alike! - I had already fitted a washer behind the sprocket for each stud - I managed to find some nice laser cut stainless ones rather than the usual punched and plated type. These were exactly 1.5mm thick and as the plain front sprocket had a 1.4mm spacer behind this should be correct.

I have checked alignment by sight with the above setup and it certainly looks straight. I then spun the wheel several times by hand and checked that the chain does not always end up hard against one side or the other of the sprockets - checked this numerous times and the chain always seems central on the sprockets, so that's a wrap as far as I'm concerned.

I'm still curious as to where the original spacer went as it must have been on in the first place.

Thanks guys.