Tires

[MattyBoy1976]

I know I saw a discussion about this somewhere, but for the life of me, I can't find it anywhere. I finally ordered some 50/50 tires for my bike, and I'm wondering if they need to be balanced when I get them mounted. I'm not worried about the extra cost-it's only about 60 bucks difference if I have them balanced. What do you guys think?

[pyoungbl]

I always balance my tires. The last few times they have taken a lot of weight, so much that I am sure I would have noticed had they not been balanced. With that said, I do not pay to have the balance done. It's super easy to do it yourself. Here are a few options:

http://www.redlinestands.com/catalog/shop-equipment-c-327/tire-change-equipment-c-327_331/benchtop-balancers-c-327_331_95/standard-tire-wheel-balancing-stand-p-207

http://www.harborfreight.com/motorcycle-wheel-balancing-stand-98488.html

https://www.nomartirechanger.com/category_s/38.htm

For $60 the weights must be made of some exotic metal

[rtking]

The beauty of getting one of those tire balancers is that it's a one-time cost (unless you break it.) :p

You'll go through several sets of tires, but knowing you can mount and balance the tire yourself at home is priceless.

[rojo_grande]

I've used the balancing beads in the past with good success as well.

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/4505/23687/Dyna-Beads-Motorcycle-Starter-Kit

Rojo

[Azhule]

I use "Ride-On" in my motorcycle tires/tubes, got rid of those "wheel/rim weights" and never have to "Balance" my tires again... they "Balance" every time I ride ;)

http://www.ride-on.com/motorcycle-formula-mot.html

[jbfla]

....and I'm wondering if they need to be balanced when I get them mounted. I'm not worried about the extra cost-it's only about 60 bucks difference if I have them balanced. What do you guys think?

$60 is way too much for balancing two tires. If you are paying to have them mounted, the balancing should be included.

Unless you just don't want to do it, which is OK, tire mounting and balancing is a good skill to learn.

The Harbor Freight balancer works fine. I did have to trim about 1/2" off the end of the metal rod for it to fit the stand.

Also, check the rod to make sure it is straight, and you may need to lube the bearings so they turn freely.

The stand in the photo below is not the HF one. But I used one to balance the tire in the last photo.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/wheel%20balancing/wheel%20balancing%202_zpsddpjqwri.jpg


Let the wheel turn on the stand until it stops.

When it stops, the 6 o'clock position is the heaviest point on the tire/wheel.

Add weights at the 12 o'clock position (the lightest point...I tape them in place) until you can place the weighted point of the tire at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions and the wheel/tire does not move.

Be sure to clean the rim before fastening the weights, or they won't stick. The weights have 2 sided tape on the back.

There are also weights that attach to the spokes, as in the photo above.

These are the stick-on weights. You can put them all on one side, or an equal amount on each side of the rim.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/tires/wheel%20weights2_zpshelvdjvh.jpg

jb

[AZRider]

Rather than buy a balancer, I use the wheel axle balanced on a couple of triangular jack stands and spin the wheel as jb directs below. Wheel weights can be bought any any auto store or Harbor Freight.

[MattyBoy1976]

I guess I should clarify-the $60 difference comes into play if I remove the wheels and bring them to the shop vs. bringing the whole bike and letting them remove the wheels and tires, mount and balance the new tires, and then put the wheels back on the bike.

Regardless, it appears that balancing them isn't the mystery I kind of figured it would be-I've watched car tires spinning around on a balancing machine and have no idea how it works!

Thanks for the info and instructions-I'm always up for learning something new!

[jbfla]

Found a photo of the Harbor Freight balancer:

The wheel is from my '06 Triumph Bonneville.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/T-100/IMG_0904.jpg


AZrider's suggestion also works well.....and if you already have jack stands, the only cost is the weights.

jb

[jbfla]

.......

Thanks for the info and instructions-I'm always up for learning something new!

Buy a few tire irons, and you can learn to mount tires.

The CSC Shop Talk video on tires says to use 1 or 2 tire irons.....I prefer 3.

When you put the 3rd one in, the middle one loosens; you then use that one to take the next "bite" of the tire.

Watch a few YouTube videos on tire changing.

And use lots of tire lube. I've used soapy water, Windex, and currently......I have found the personal lubricant works really good.... ;)

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/tires/DSCN2141_zpsmln8rvvu.jpg


http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/2005%20Yamaha%20TW200/Tire%20Changing/tirechange3.jpg

jb

[pete]

on the Shinko 705...
why is the red balance dot a 1/3 of the tyre away from the valve?
you now need more weights to get it balanced...



...

[jbfla]

on the Shinko 705...
why is the red dot 1/3 of the tyre away from the valve?...

Oh Pete....picky, picky, picky....;)

I know better, but didn't realize my error until the tire was mounted and inflated and seated on the rim. :doh:

As it turned out, it took only one ounce to balance the tire.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/tires/wheel%20weights2_zpshelvdjvh.jpg (http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/tires/wheel%20weights2_zpshelvdjvh.jpg)

jb

[MattyBoy1976]

Oh Pete....picky, picky, picky....;)

I know better, but didn't realize my error until the tire was mounted and inflated and seated on the rim. :doh:

As it turned out, it took only one ounce to balance the tire.



http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/tires/wheel%20weights2_zpshelvdjvh.jpg (http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/tires/wheel%20weights2_zpshelvdjvh.jpg)

jb

Where's it supposed to be?

[pete]

next to the valve...
lightest part of the tyre next to the heavyest part on the tube....



..

[MattyBoy1976]

next to the valve...
lightest part of the tyre next to the heavyest part on the tube....



..

See, I learn something every time!

[jbfla]

Tire changing isn't all fun and games.

Besides tire irons, and lube, you might need rim protectors, and a wire gadget to pull the tire valve through the hole in the rim, and a method of "breaking" the bead.

And then there is the possibility of "pinching" a tube, and you need to start over.

It can be very frustrating.

There used to be a shop in north GA that would mount and balance a new tire, off the bike, for $15....not any more.

If I could get it done for that now, I would.

If you think you will be motorcycling long term, you might want to buy a tire changing machine.

You can buy one on your own or go in together with some riding buddies.

Some local riding groups have a tire machine for the group.

Or ask around and you may find someone that has a tire machine that will mount a tire for a six pack of his favorite brew. ;)

This one has has paid for itself over the years.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/T-100/IMG_0894.jpg


However, since I don't have a permanent place to set it up, I find that I regularly pull out the tire irons, instead.

jb

[jbfla]

.... I finally ordered some 50/50 tires for my bike.....

BTW, which tires did you order?

jb

[2LZ]

On my dirt bikes, I've never balanced them. Didn't make much difference pounding around an MX track or hammering down a trail, especially at my skill level. It would be like me buying $10,000.00 worth of golf clubs. It wouldn't make my game better. ;-)
On the big street bikes, always......but the shop would do it.

I should pick me up one of those HFT balancers. Pretty slick.

[MattyBoy1976]

BTW, which tires did you order?

jb

Shinko 244s-I was going to order them from Amazon, but I found a local shop that beats Amazon's price, and they're nice guys, too. There's a motorsports service place next door that will handle the mounting and balancing, so it's almost a 1-stop shop.

I think, based on what you guys have said, I will pay the shop to mount my tires, as long as he'll let me hang out and watch. I know it's something I need to know how to do, but I'd prefer to watch someone do it once before I tackle it myself.

[katflap]

For the RX3 I haven't bothered with wheel balancing.

Just aligned the balance mark, like Pete mentioned.

Go for a test ride, get up to 70mph, note for any unusual vibration whilst getting there.

Then when at 70mph, pull the clutch & drop the throttle at the same time and let the bike coast down to about 40mph. All is good if you get no vibration. :tup:

This is just what I do , so can't say if its good advice or not . :)

( my RX3 , as new came without any balancing weights attached )

[pete]

Tire changing isn't all fun and games.

Besides tire irons, and lube, you might need rim protectors, and a wire gadget to pull the tire valve through the hole in the rim, and a method of "breaking" the bead.

And then there is the possibility of "pinching" a tube, and you need to start over.

It can be very frustrating.

There used to be a shop in north GA that would mount and balance a new tire, off the bike, for $15....not any more.

If I could get it done for that now, I would.

If you think you will be motorcycling long term, you might want to buy a tire changing machine.

You can buy one on your own or go in together with some riding buddies.

Some local riding groups have a tire machine for the group.

Or ask around and you may find someone that has a tire machine that will mount a tire for a six pack of his favorite brew. ;)

This one has has paid for itself over the years.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/T-100/IMG_0894.jpg


However, since I don't have a permanent place to set it up, I find that I regularly pull out the tire irons, instead.

jb

Thats way to flash.........
I use a old 14' alloy car rim with a bit of hose split
& glues on the rim edge to protect the wheel..


..

[Jay In Milpitas]

However, since I don't have a permanent place to set it up, I find that I regularly pull out the tire irons, instead.

jb

Ah, it doesn't need to be bolted to the floor, JB, it only needs to be attached to something to stand on, either metal plate or plywood.

Metal plate you can weld some studs on or just drill & tap some holes.

A 3'x3' sheet of 3/4" plywood with either Tee nuts installed or some carriage bolts driven through will also suffice.

When not in use, disassemble & tuck them all away. Or if you plan ahead the same base can be used to mount a pedestal grinder, vise, or other shop thingy.

Jay, cheap-ass bastage.

[fjmartin]

The 244s have been great off-road tires for me and OK road tires. When my bike is loaded up with stuff in the boxes the bike will start to wander a bit up front when I get to the mid-60 MPH. Doesn't happen with the stock tires.

[MattyBoy1976]

The 244s have been great off-road tires for me and OK road tires. When my bike is loaded up with stuff in the boxes the bike will start to wander a bit up front when I get to the mid-60 MPH. Doesn't happen with the stock tires.

I read the thread you started re: your wobbling Shinkos, and after weighing the options, decided to go with them. I try to stay on lower speed roads (45-55 max) as much as I can, and I don't carry much in the stock luggage-usually just lunch and a few tools, just in case. I figured they're cheap enough, if I hate them, I can always try something else!

By the way, is your front tire 18" or 19", and do you think it would make a difference on the wobble?

[2LZ]

I'm feeling the need for that cool, blue tire changer.......... It's off the ground.

[fjmartin]

A few things to clarify also. I did balance the Shinko's so that's not the issue. The bike has no wobble even at max speed if I don't have luggage on the rear. I think the issue occurs once the front end gets a bit light. If I slide forward on the seat and put weight over the tank it helps the wobble. I do love these tires for off-road! I have the stock 18" front wheel. I have no clue whether the 19 would help or hurt

[Silversprint]

I have the 19" front and cruising 65 - 70 with a load I have no wobbles at all.

[2LZ]

I have the 19" front and cruising 65 - 70 with a load I have no wobbles at all.

I have a birthday coming up and am thinking of begging for the 19" front wheel, just for available tire variety, if nothing else. Did you lose any road handling going to the 19"? I spend about 90% of my time on paved twisties.

[Silversprint]

I have a birthday coming up and am thinking of begging for the 19" front wheel, just for available tire variety, if nothing else. Did you lose any road handling going to the 19"? I spend about 90% of my time on paved twisties.
No. It handles quite nicely. I sometimes ride with a group of Triumph riders who like to blast through the twisties and I don't have a problem keeping up.

[jbfla]

Ah, it doesn't need to be bolted to the floor, JB, it only needs to be attached to something to stand on, either metal plate or plywood.......

A 3'x3' sheet of 3/4" plywood with either Tee nuts installed or some carriage bolts driven through will also suffice.........

Jay, that photo of the tire changer was from about 5-6 years ago in FL.

Since then, I've bolted the changer to a piece of 3/4" plywood with carriage bolts, and the changer is in NC.

The problem is that I only change 3 or 4 tires per year. The changer is stored under the basement stairs, and invariably gets buried under piles of "stuff" before I need it again. :hmm:

jb

[jbfla]

I'm feeling the need for that cool, blue tire changer.......... It's off the ground.

2LZ, Off the ground is good, and so is the tire changer.....but what is even better is a table lift. :)


http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/19%20inch%20wheel/19quot%20wheel%20mounting_zpsebrx3fvj.jpg

jb

[2LZ]

2LZ, Off the ground is good, and so is the tire changer.....but what is even better is a table lift. :)


http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/19%20inch%20wheel/19quot%20wheel%20mounting_zpsebrx3fvj.jpg

jb
I just happen to have one of those!....and a moving blanket! ;-)

[MattyBoy1976]

I had my Shinkos mounted and balanced today. As I was paying, I asked the mechanic what he thought about the bike. He obviously knew it was a China bike, but that was all. He told me that he and his coworker spent some time checking it out and were very impressed with the quality. He was even more impressed when I told him how much I paid for it! I was glad to hear a positive opinion from a third party. And now I'm ready to go find some dirt roads that aren't covered in snow and ice!