I am replacing the tie rod ends on my '04.5 SP 500. Unknowingly, and without thinking, I took them off without measuring them, so now I don't exactly know how to get them back on in the correct length. Anyone out there who can help?

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: andyems

I am replacing the tie rod ends on my '04.5 SP 500. Unknowingly, and without thinking, I took them off without measuring them, so now I don't exactly know how to get them back on in the correct length. Anyone out there who can help?</end quote></div>

You need only to set the toe-in correctly and both sides will be the same.

There are a couple different ways to do it, here is one.

1) secure your handlebars with what you feel is straight (rachet strap them to your rear racks so that they will stay straight)
2) mark the center line of your front tires (width wise), at about the heigth of the axle.
3) measure the distance between the marks on the tires and record it on a piece of paper.
4) measure (both tires) from the center mark on your tire (or the inside of your rim) to the lower A-arm pivot point (where it bolts to the frame) - both sides should be equal.
5) push your bike forward so that the tires rotate 1/2 revolution and measure the distance between the two marks (now close to the foot pegs) on the tires.

Note - the measurement between the tires should be about 1/8 inch less in while the marks on your tires are facing front as apposed to when they are rotated back toward the foot rest. (toe-in)

Repeat the above steps at least twice to double check the settings.