Dont be stupid! Gently tighten straps on the rack.

[prichmon]

I've been working on my 85 GS700es. We strapped it on and went to work.
We repaired the head and timing chain, performed all maintenance, changed all fluids

Then I ran into the rear wheel snag. I have to 2 partial parts bikes. I noticed the rear tire was leaned at the top ~1".

I guessed the swingarm was bent. So we changed it with a spare.

The lean was just as bad if not worse. So we changed to the 3rd swingarm. Now I'm getting worried the frame is bent.

The 3rd swingarm is on and it shows less than the previous two but still leaned. I'm almost sure the frame is bent.

So I took some measurements to see what was going on. I checked the swingarmand found all 3 arms rocked back and forth when turned upside down. So I said all 3 arms are bent.

I ordered a 4th from EB. We installed it today same story. I compared the new 4th arm to 1 of the others and I couldn't see anything wrong or different.

So I started pulling measurements and trying to find a motorcycle frame shop. It seemed that the rear frame was bent making the tire look out of square.

When I pulled measurement from the frame to the deck for the frame it was 1/4" higher on 1 side. I found the right side was soft on the center stand. I pulled on it to find the who;e bike moved. The tie downs were holding it.

I went up front and loosened the tire clamp and the found the left strap ridiculously TIGHT! I had to pull the bike to left to release the strap.

Once the bike was on the center stand solid all the measurements became even.

Conclusion: We had put so much torque on the system from the over tightened clamp and strap it skewed the look of the tire in the swing arm.

Don't be stupid like me! take measurements and check before guessing; spending hard earned money
and time making poor decisions!

Good luck guys

Rich

[Rich82GS750TZ]

It’s difficult to share embarrassing moments, but we’ve all done things we’re not exactly proud of. Thanks for sharing. I know I learned something from your post.

[Rob S.]

My motto: cut twice, then measure once.

My other motto: Apocalypse Now!

[rphillips]

Looks like may be GS700 swingarms showing up in the For Sale section. Main thing, it's fixed.

[fbody_mike]

Also, do not forget the straps. I was working on the front wheel on one of my bikes the other day and had it on the motorcycle jack that lifts from the center. All was fine until I pulled the front wheel off and the bike started to gently tip backwards. Luckily I was able to hold it in place while lowering the jack to get the rear tire to touch the ground. Darn heavy front wheel.

[Cipher]

Thought this a cautionary tale of a brassiere fitting gone wrong.

[prichmon]

HAhaha... Good one.

[Big T]

Trust me we have all been there, done that on something.
That's how you become experienced

[oldGSfan]

Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it ~ Steven Wright

Trust me we have all been there, done that on something.
That's how you become experienced