Tires
 

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?

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...ng-stand-p-207

http://www.harborfreight.com/motorcy...and-98488.html

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

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

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.

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

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p...le-Starter-Kit

Rojo

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

$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/e3...psddpjqwri.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/e3...pshelvdjvh.jpg

jb

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.

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!

Found a photo of the Harbor Freight balancer:

The wheel is from my '06 Triumph Bonneville.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...0/IMG_0904.jpg


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

jb

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/e3...psmln8rvvu.jpg


http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...irechange3.jpg

jb

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...



...

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/e3...pshelvdjvh.jpg

jb

Where's it supposed to be?

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



..

See, I learn something every time!