Laser Alignment Issues with all A/mkt Wheels - they won't accept alignment tools? Anyone heard this before??

[ImaCaMan]

I got this reply from my Spyder mechanic, who is excellent and very knowledgeable, regarding installing some PPA aftermarket wheels I have been looking at. Has anybody heard about this being an issue with aftermarket wheels?

“The biggest issue with all aftermarket wheels is they will no longer accept the laser alignment tools.”

 

[Woodaddict]

You're in SLC, "Squared Away" is close by, and on this forum. Joe is his name. Uses proprietary laser, Rolo system. He would be best to know PPA wheels and any work a rounds, IF true they're needed as told by your mechanic. Absolutely the one to talk too.

 

[Peter Aawen]

I've done a few alignments on A/mkt wheels, likely nowhere near as many as Squared Away, and I've trained many alignment techs on a range of different equipment, but I've NEVER had a problem or heard of such a problem... maybe I came across a few wheels that meant I hadta look carefully & work out how to do the alignment, but it was always possible!

Is your Spyder mechanic by any chance a dealer tech??

 

[Cobranut]

I just use my Gyraline V2. Great alignment tool for any vehicle.

 

[ImaCaMan]

I've done a few alignments on A/mkt wheels, likely nowhere near as many as Squared Away, and I've trained many alignment techs on a range of different equipment, but I've NEVER had a problem or heard of such a problem... maybe I came across a few wheels that meant I hadta look carefully & work out how to do the alignment, but it was always possible!

Is your Spyder mechanic by any chance a dealer tech??

Ex dealer tech. Very highly regarded by all San Diego area riders.

 

[Peter Aawen]

Ex dealer tech. Very highly regarded by all San Diego area riders.

So why the bleedin' 'eck is he still pushing the (clearly ridiculous to anyone who knows!) BRP furphy... sorry, lies... err, sorry again... story??

 

[Snoking1127]

So why the bleedin' 'eck is he still pushing the (clearly ridiculous to anyone who knows!) BRP furphy... sorry, lies... err, sorry again... story??

He had BRP Kool-Aid for breakfast, lunch and dinner while a BRP tech. Probably still thinks only Kenda tires should be on a Spyder also.

 

[Jackhartjr]

So why the bleedin' 'eck is he still pushing the (clearly ridiculous to anyone who knows!) BRP furphy... sorry, lies... err, sorry again... story??

He probably trained by the 'Smoaks joke!'

 

[UtahPete]

You're in SLC, "Squared Away" is close by, and on this forum. Joe is his name. Uses proprietary laser, Rolo system. He would be best to know PPA wheels and any work a rounds, IF true they're needed as told by your mechanic. Absolutely the one to talk too.

Squared Away is in Las Vegas the last I heard. 450 miles away from Salt Lake City, I'm afraid.

 

[UtahPete]

Ex dealer tech. Very highly regarded by all San Diego area riders.

What is his name or shop name? We're in San Diego every winter.

 

[UtahPete]

You're in SLC, "Squared Away" is close by, and on this forum. Joe is his name. Uses proprietary laser, Rolo system. He would be best to know PPA wheels and any work a rounds, IF true they're needed as told by your mechanic. Absolutely the one to talk too.

Has anyone heard from Joe or Ann lately?

 

[Peter Aawen]

He probably trained by the 'Smoaks joke!'

Once you get past all the pointless pre/post amble and palaver, and then wade thru the BRP Kool-aid, Smoaks often actually has some good info... but if you're new to Spyders and just don't know enough to sort the wheat from the chaff, you can end up going down one of those aforementioned rabbit holes! Shame, buuut...

 

[Jackhartjr]

Once you get past all the pointless pre/post amble and palaver, and then wade thru the BRP Kool-aid, Smoaks often actually has some good info... but if you're new to Spyders and just don't know enough to sort the wheat from the chaff, you can end up going down one of those aforementioned rabbit holes! Shame, buuut...

When he was looking at a Spyder on a lift, saw the tires and said, "oh, car tires, danger danger", I was DONE with him.
I realize that he has to toe the BRP company line, but in my opinion, that was uncalled for!

 

[Danvirsse]

I find the difference in BRP Dealers amazing! My dealer installed the Vredestein tires on my F3-T with nary an eye blink. I guess I'm lucky to have them 7 miles up the road.

 

[PW2013STL]

Has anyone heard from Joe or Ann lately?

Joe and Ann are currently in Montana at their Thumbs Up ranch. They will be heading back to Vegas on Thursday. They did do alignments at the 3wheel rally.

If I remember correctly they did have to purchase special adapters for aftermarket wheels.

 

[BajaRon]

When he was looking at a Spyder on a lift, saw the tires and said, "oh, car tires, danger danger", I was DONE with him.
I realize that he has to toe the BRP company line, but in my opinion, that was uncalled for!

He was exactly right! You are in danger of getting better handling, better mileage, better wet traction, and a smoother ride! It is important that you be aware of these dangers. He was just letting you know...

 

[BajaRon]

When he was looking at a Spyder on a lift, saw the tires and said, "oh, car tires, danger danger", I was DONE with him.
I realize that he has to toe the BRP company line, but in my opinion, that was uncalled for!

You got me with this one, Jackhartjr. I had to look up Palaver. Great word! I will hold my opinion as to whether it applies in this situation or not...

 

[UtahPete]

Joe and Ann are currently in Montana at their Thumbs Up ranch. They will be heading back to Vegas on Thursday. They did do alignments at the 3wheel rally.

If I remember correctly they did have to purchase special adapters for aftermarket wheels.

That makes sense. If memory serves, their facilities in Montana are somewhat limited, so Joe doesn't work on Spyders while they are up there.