PRO-LINE DEVELOPMENT HISTORY
A Kawasaki ZX9R B4 had over a period of time developed a vibration
problem. As the problem worsened it was decided that the problem
needed investigation.
After a lot of grease and oil sessions it was discovered that
the gearbox sprocket had worn on the inside. It was later diagnosed
that the rear wheel/sprocket was pointing towards the curb and
not directly at the one in front, thus inducing a bend in the
chain which in turn was the reason for the front sprockets wear.
To solve this problem meant adjusting the chain adjusters using
conventional wheel alignment techniques. Having corrected the
problem it was found that the markings on the Swinging arm were
not correlating with the adjustments made. This led us to believe
that bikes bought brand new cannot be relied on for correct markings
and subsequently correct wheel alignment, therefore the problem
was more than likely universal.
Having corrected the alignment it was found that the bike was
now a totally different machine to ride. The bikes set-up was
now neutral and did not favour right hand bends over left handers,
it changed direction much easier and high speed stability was
improved. In all, having corrected wheel alignment had transformed
the bike into what we had assumed Kawasaki had wanted all along!
A by-product of the Pro-Line development is its ability to check
for twist and misalignment of the Motorcycle chassis. This feature
plays a major part with many of its users. This being Insurance
Claim Assessment and Race Engineer Assessment further to the bike
being extracted from the hedge row or kitty litter.
During 1998 Lazertrack developed a wheel alignment system using
the latest laser technology and introduced Pro-Line in Jan 1999
at Motorcycle Trade Expos and Race Exhibitions. Lazertrack also
introduced itself and services at many of Britain's Race tracks
and established that out of some 1000+ bikes checked less than
2% had correct wheel alignment! During the 1999 Race Season Lazertrack
received purchase orders for Pro-Line from many Race Teams i.e.
Castrol Honda, Sanyo Honda, Crescent Suzuki, Harris Performance
to name but a few. Through its development with Race Teams and
performance Centres Lazertrack has built up a network of centres
around the country offering wheel alignment services to the discerning
Sportsbike Rider.
We have one customer who just happens to be an instructor at that
famous little track in Germany 'der Nurburgring Nordschleife'
and can be found offering performance enhancing adjustments to
those who demand the ultimate set-up for the ultimate track, 'the
Ring'.
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