Forum

[drummerNick]

Hello, I am very new to Bullets (2 weeks ownership), so please excuse me if I have asked a question that may seem fundamental to you experts. I have a 2001 4 speed right side change Bullet 500. It's everything I expected it to be and more, I really love it (now I've learnt how to start it). However, I do have a problem with my rear wheel. I have adjusted the chain and alignment it all is good front to rear. The wheel does not kick out when spun by hand and runs true. The problem is that it appears to be tilted over. Looking at it from the back, the top of the wheel is tilting towards the right. I've taken the shocks off, and done all I can to check everything, but I just can't get it straight. My thought are the swing arm bushes, but there is no undue play in them. Any advice or thoughts would be really welcome.

[Lycan-Moon]

Have you checked the rear mudguard ? I have noticed this before on other british bikes I have had and noticed a similar thing on my 2001 500, the rear mudguard is slightly out of true / alignment giving the appearance of the wheel being out, my mounting brackets are slightly out of alignment which seems to have ocurred in production.
it may be that you have the same problem ??? Just a thought ...

[Chris [Stockport]]

Just had a look at my bikes. Both 500cc. Measured from the wheel rim at the top to the chrome shocker shroud (I know this is flexible but I thought I'd try it anyway...) The solo bike, yr 2000, wheel leans about 1/4" to the right. The sidecar bike, yr 2007, wheel leans about 1/2" to the right. What this proves I'm not sure. So.... I just ride them and enjoy. -C

[PeteF]

Second the mudguard issue, I've had to straighten mine up.
As Chris says, measure from the rim to the shock. Near enough is fine.

[drummerNick]

Just in from the garage, took the mud guard off and measured with a plumb line to the floor from the edge of the wheel at the top. It is tilting to the right by nearly 7/8" I suspect the swing arm or bushes so I'll take it off and check it. If as I suspect it's the arm, I am going to buy the ridged rear kit for it as I'm doing some mods.

[Lycan-Moon]

Hope you get it sorted without too much hassle ..

[Chris [Stockport]]

Mine, as I said, was about 1/4" out at the top. But if my way of thinking is correct, that would be doubled by using the plumbline to the floor system, thus making mine in total 1/2 inch out, or a full inch on the sidecar bike... ok, I know chairs pull things a bit. But anyway, just another thought. Good luck, Chris