Tim's video: Quick Tip: Checking alignment of Front Axle to Fork Legs

When installing the front wheel, or checking alignment of the brake calipers you must first ensure that the front axle is in alignment to the front forks. On the Suzuki GSX-R and some Yamahas such as the R1, one side of the axle will have a bolt, a fork leg, and a spacer then the wheel. This side is known as the captive leg as the leg cannot move, it is held in place by the nut and the spacer. The other leg, is aligned to the axle by bouncing the bike up and down. However, I am quite light so cannot generate enough force to align the leg. In my search for another method, I read the Yamaha R1 and Honda CBR600RR manuals which state the axle should align flush to the surface of the non-captive (movable) fork leg. This is a very useful check to make sure the axle and fork leg align correctly. It also means your calipers will be in alignment when mounting.