Balance your tires at home, on the road or on the trail - full length lesson
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- Balancing your tires while traveling or at home is a critical skill for safety, comfort and to reduce unnecessary wear and tear on your motorcycle. I will take you in real time on the process to balance your tire and wheel using both an axle from the motorcycle and a balancing stand.
www.BretTkacs.com
MC Tire-specialist here: If you need that amount of weight, rotate the tire. The reason is you now have two "heavy spots". Each time such a "heavy spot" hits the road, it "slaps" and at higher speeds, this can cause vibrations. Here in Germany we say the tire "eggs". When you are on the trail and you want to get moving again, don't bother as you are not driving fast enough anyway. But it is advisable to fix the major imbalance by rotating the tire. As as rule of thumb: when you drive on Autobahns/Freeways, try to keep the added weight to 40 grams max. (around 1.5 US-ounces). Large Front wheels (21 inch) are more prone to "tire slap" vibrations than rear wheels.
I agree its called match balancing here where you have zero weights to start and balance the tyre to the rim including any additional accessories ie tyre pressure monitor , fit accessories then see how it rotates , next deflate n rotate tyre on the rim 1 way after marking original location and get it to where it needs the least amount of weight as possible 👍
Thank You for your expertise. I am confused. When you say, "rotate the tire;" what do you mean by this? When putting the tire on the rim, one is supposed to match the yellow dot on the tire with the tire valve. I know some say this doesn't matter about the yellow and red dot. But when you say to rotate the tire; does this mean move the tire on the rim to where to yellow dot won't be lined up with the valve stem? Thank You in advance.
@@justmyself1000 On some tires, the "dot" or marking (some have a small triangle) can mark the heaviest point of a tire. Or the lightest point of a tire. The color can vary. Some tires have no markings or indicators at all (Avon Roadrider MKII for example). The best thing to do is first balance the rim without a tire on it. The valve-stem section does not need to be the lightest or heaviest part of a rim at all. it can vary greatly. So take off the tire, clean the rim and put only the rim on the balancing stand. Take off all weights if any are present. Must be a bare rim. Mark the heaviest part (the rim will rotate downwards to that point time and time again). If the tire-manufacturer clearly states that their "dot" is the heaviest part of their tire, put it 180 degrees opposite to your marking on the rim. Now both "heavy parts are exactly opposite. This is the best possible starting point. With the before mentioned Avon Roadrider MKII, which has no markings at all: figure out the rim's heavy spot as explained, then put on the tire, seat the bead but keep it a bit loos and don't inflate it yet. Use tire-mounting grease to enable the tire to slip/rotate on the rim (might take some force though) and rotate the tire bit by bit while on the balancing stand. At some point, the speed, at which the tires rotates its heaviest spot downwards (let gravity work for you) will decrease. The slower it rotates and swings, the closer you are to the ideal point. At one point, you reach the state where the entire wheel hardly spins anymore. Stop, mark that spot on the rim and start adding wheel-weights, 180 degrees opposite of the "heaviest spot" until nicely balanced.
This makes a lot of sense. If I'm putting new tires on (with tube) should I balance the tire before inflating? That way if I need to rotate the tire, the bead hasn't been set.
@@DikkeBetha that's a great insight, I had just put tyre on the rim then balance, it makes sense to balance the wheel first then adjust for the tyre. Cheers
Great video….especially for the trail side balancing.
Thank you for sharing this.
I totally agree
The only thing I’d add is to find the heavy spot on the rim without the tire. Mount the tire so the dot on the tire is opposite the heavy spot on the wheel. Often it will make the natural balance about close as possible and it can reduce the amount of weight you have to add. That’s important because if you throw the weights off some how you have may have to ride on an imbalanced tire. The less weight you have to add the better. It’s well worth your time to do the extra step.
Absolutely. Many tires have a colour spot, marking the heaviest part of the tire. If you have the empty wheel pre-balanced you will fit that heaviest spot of the tire to the lightest position of the wheel. Only European tire that doesn't offer this markings are Michelin as far as I know....
I had a significant bounce effect on my front end Serow
When I rode on tarmac at 55+
I firstly thought it was suspension lack of oil in the stanchions etc nah it turned out to be simply tyre out of balance
Great passing on of knowledge 🙏
Will the suspension feel hard when front wheel is imbalanced??
After I find the heavy spot I rotate heavy spot to 9 or 3 position and add weight opposite side and release. If too much weight the weighted side will rotate toward 6 and if not enough it will rotate toward 12, if tire doesn't move you're good.
Best way 👍
Aah yes, patience is key. I think you could do a full vid on patience. Thanks for this one. On spot as always
Good advice… I tend to lose my temper when I can’t pick up my bike (which then helps me pick it up) but I’ve never lost my temper doing a repair. Except for that one time when a Very Important Bolt dropped down into the bowels of the plastics on my old sports bike… and now I ride a dual sport…
Have you tried the squat technique? Have your back facing the downed bike, squat down and grab it andthen lift/lean back as the bike comes up. Way easier than lifting while facing the bike.
The balancing stand is an old tried and true method. In the 70s and 80s, I used one of these, made by Snap-On, in an auto repair shop.
I run tubes, so I balance using tire slime. As the tire wears, the balance will change. Having balancing beads or a viscous fluid to act the same way will be ever changing. Been doing that on my africa twin for 20k miles now, no issues. Even my motoz rallz are glass smooth. I noticed a drastic increase in tire life as well when I was running shinko 804/805s. Tire slime is my go-to. Also, when paired with 5mm tubes, I don't have a whole lot to worry about with small punctures
Most new tires have a dot painted on them. Tires are pre-balanced at the manufacturing stage. The dot (often white or yellow on motorcycle tires) should be aligned with the valve stem. This should help to reduce the amount of weight needed to balance the wheel.
Very well done.. very useful to know.. Thank you Bret from Italy
Nice, I use jack stand to balance my tire
I never thought of balancing it on the trail. Love it!
it also helps to identify the heavy spot on the tire before mounting. Most tires are marked with a red or white dot. align the dot opposite the valve stem.
Yes I was going to do a tire changing lesson again and I always mention that but I did a weak hand change video before and there are a lot of those videos on tire changes.
@@tsconver really?
@@RayzGarage yes really see updated post
My replies keep getting removed
Me came from cycling world, i usually put the tire brand mark with the valve together,
This is makes things easier for me like when searching for the cause of a flat, and it's just looks aesthetically pleasing.
That was great to see how balancing works in general! :)
sorry for off topic question, was afraid if I asked it in a 2 year old video you would never see it .... Track bikes take bends by leaning the bike and the rider. The more the rider hangs off, the less angle the bike must lean and therefore the better part of the tires remain in contact with the surface. In contrast, I see dirt riding instructions saying to lean the bike more, and keep the rider more straight up and down. Pretty much the opposite of a track bike. Why is it not better to keep the tires at a better angle with respect to the dirt by also leaning the body? thanks for your great vids!
I have been using a similar set up home made balancing stand for over 30 years now for balancing wheels at home. I get weird looks from the tyre place when I ask to buy 10 strips of weights as they thing I am balancing my own car wheels. Hint, if you want to try and use less weight, check for the heavy spot on the wheel rim with out the tube and tyre fitted and mark the rim, then align up the yellow dot on the tyre with the heavy spot on the rim, the tyre can even be rotated around the rim till you find the spot where you can use minimal weights.
I was a big fan of 'BalanceBeads' on my old VeeStrom, but am mostly a dirt biker. Now I just take everything including Enduro bikes with TubLiss system installed to CycleGear for free balancing. Balanced wheels definitely track better in gravel and hard packed but dusted over trails with high speed sweeping turns. Test unbalanced then balanced Tubliss on same high speed sweepers. Difference is shocking, and you'll balance dirt bikes too.
More pearls of experience, well explained and very useful....thanks Brett!
Nice tip using chalk instead of trying to remember the location 👍
Great Movie very very good
As always, a great value.
What is your opinion on balancing beads in the tire (e.g. Counteract) vs weights? Beads are certainly more expensive, but self-balancing once put in.
I was wondering about this as well.
I'd like to know also.
I'd like to know also, but admittedly I'm dubious.
I'd also like to know Bret's opinion on balance beads. I know from my own experience commuting in California that they work for me in both tube and tubeless situations. I've only been up to maybe 85mph though.
Very good video, I learned some valuable techniques. Thanks.
No balance beads?
Great information! You could totally make a video on some less common more emergency balancing options as well. Like antifreeze/water/ect
Great explanation.
Great video, thanks, Brett.
Good vid dude, thanks! Nice bike collection!
If you mount a new tire, it will very likely have a red, white or orange dot on it. This dot marks the lightest point of that specific tire. It was put there by the manufacture. This dot needs to be aligned with the walve. This way you will need less balance weights...
Great Video like the American Flag 🇺🇸 on Panniers
Hey Bret, any chance for a future video on how to maintain a rim with spokes? …and can bad spokes give a wrong balance reading? Thanks
I like it. Most logical
My mitas e07 front & rear have a stupid amount of weight on them.
Thanks thoroughly simple
Miatas 07 dakars. Nice! Good video.
You are the best
Nice video. But do how you proceed for the rear wheel of the GS ? (no axle)
Great video. I'd really like to see how you balance the rear wheel on the BMW.
I use a hub adapter
Cursing doesn't happen when balancing the tire; it happens when mounting one. Reduce your cursing by warming your new tire in the sun and making sure the bead opposite the side you're spooning is always in the wheel's dish. Those Mitas tires have a stiff bead. And pox on you if you're mounting a Mitas E-07 Dakar even with full size spoons.
How important is "dynamic balancing" on motorcycles i.e. side-to-side balancing (on rear tires only, as those are much wider).
what about handlebar vibrations? I have Transalp 650, have done basic service after buying it ( spark plugs, oil, filters, new tires Metzeler Tourance + balanse in workshop), but i expirience bad vibrations in the handlebar when in gear and after 3000 rpm, especialy when trying to accelerate from lower rpm like 2000 to 5000 it vibrates bad.. after 20 km of ride my hands get numb and i dont like it... Im new, trying to do all the right hand grip and even changed to position of my handlebar slightly backwards + the handbrake and the clutch to feel them proper and have straight hands when riding! Could it be bad carbs syncronisation, could it be something wrong with the clutch or combination of both stuff! I love your channel it helps me big times with all the stuff a newbie can imagine or need!
Patience matters ... whatever that will do
Clear, concise and informative, couldn't ask for more.
Yet I will ask, what stand are you using to hold up the front end?
Thanks.
Hola..gracias...y la rueda trasera?
good intel
My tire installer says the weight change is quite small when I put the same tires on. I use Michelin radials. I'm not sure about build qualities or type making a difference.
How about addressing the back wheel.
The front is obious and easy.
What about spinning the wheel faster, and using the gmeter in your cell phone to measure the imbalance ? You'll get an impulse (x or y axis howvlever you set it up) and then be able to index it to the side of your wheel. Use a timing light and reflective tape and you can find out exactly where to place your weight.
How do you manage to sync the timing light?
@@Artur1959 if you are electrically minded enough a simple circuit could be made to trigger the light (just like the ignition pulse did on older vehicles) , or for me just do it manually, though you do have to account for a lag factor.
That's really a great instruction video as usually.
However, did you REALLY put 2,5 ounces on (70gram)?
Did you not mean 0,25 ounces?
Yeah okay. If you didn’t spin it so much to start you wouldn’t need to drag fingers though. Didn’t do the back I notice 😉 Probably good to mention dynamic wheel balance and why that’s better on the back for some applications. Well, better for all but worth it for some.
EXCELLENT!
Informative 👍👍😁
Not every important skill is about riding ...
Shakey tires are just “the way”I thought. But what really caught my attention in your video was the foot pegs. On any Japanese bike I think ,foot pegs are way too far forward and way too high. Let’s talk about the foot pegs. I know it’s a BMW
Check for out of round? My eo7 front needs a hump sanded down.
I have noticed nearly all cast wheels they put the weight on 1 side of the rim near the bead instead of in the center of the rim is there a reason for this as my front factory tyre really thumps the road when on the blacktop and as you said offroad you sorts dont notice out of balance tyres till you get back to the bitumen again
what kind of lowering footpeg is that?
$54 eBay, Chinese special
Great video! Have you ever found that the tyre "slips" on the rim after an initial ride?
Never
Nice video. But in my opinion, you should first talk to experts before making an expert video... this way you would know about colour markings on tires for the heaviest spot and that it makes sense to pre-balance the empty wheel for marking the heaviest spot. Cheers.
How do you go about the rear one on the GS? :)
On the trail... You don't
What about the rear tyre?
i have a noob question. Is the balancing required for tube type tires as I assume the weight keeps shifting with tube unlike tubeless tires.
weight is not shifting unless you grossly under-inflate your tires in which case you should use rimlocks. It's more important on a tube type to keep the tire fixed on the rim, so your valve doesn't get ripped.
👍🏼👌
Something for Al Gore's Rhythm.
Will bearing.
Whaa?!? A ball cap? C’mon Man!😉
Gotta keep doing something to keep up the chatter 😂. Of course own 7 flat caps but only own one ball cap (from a track program I used to operate)
@@BretTkacs I was surprised not to see a flat cap offered in your merch store 😄
You can also break down the tire and rotate it on the rim 90% and re balance. Sometimes it won't take as much weight to balance. I took my motoz tires from 3oz to 1oz by doing this..
It's clearly an imposter!
Hello Bret,
thanks for this information. It shows that balancing is not rocket science. but what about the rear wheel of your BMW? it does not have an axle?
best regards
Henry
One thing that is worth doing is marking the heavy/light spot of the rim (with the valve in) before you mount the tyre. Then match up the heavy/light spot of the tyre to the opposite spot of the rim. The reason for doing so, is valve isn't always the heavy spot depending on the rims.
Just did the tires on my streetbike last week with a balancing stand. Just perfect and much less weights as when done at the dealer. Maybe just luck but worked out perfect for me. :-)
Axle balancing is a nice addition for in field repairs. Thx bret 😎👍🏻
Wow thank you, I use the same way of balancing bike wheels but never thought about the field way :)
Nice! I just did this for the first time on my own. Still helps
why not internal beads?
I remember putting tires on a GT550 and they had a dot that indicated the light point on the tire that should be mounted next to the air valve. Balancing tires rarely required more than a couple weights. The adventure tires I've used haven't had the dot and I seem to need a lot of weights to balance the tire. Wish the tire manufacturers would mark their tires.
Completely agree. I actually think it's a sign of poor quality control when there isn't a dot as they don't even spend a small moment to gauge it. For those of us using dual sports, wheel weights often aren't used as mud catches on them or on the wheels so that lil dot really matters to avoid wheel shake on the highway
@@kingofallworlds As you've noticed some manufacturers don't have a dot showing the light point on the tyre not due to poor quality control but more than likely due to good quality control so it's not needed ? Over the years i've found some tyres with a spot fitted near the valve still need a fair bit of weight to balance them correctly.
Try this before fitting a new tyre see how much out of balance your wheel is before fitting the tyre,so it an't just the tyre you need to balance it can also sometimes be the wheel.
What about balance beads?
Okay, this might be very silly question: how does it affect the bike?
I mean, left-right wobble is perceivable on the handlebar, but does this also show?
Could it be dangerous?
How much out of balance is unacceptable?
I like the way you present your advice. Great videos. I appreciate your work.
Too many times I find myself loosing patience while performing maintenance and I almost always second guess myself.
But once the work is performed, there is no greater pleasure than knowing you accomplished it yourself.
Great motivation for tackling the next project.
And the more success you have, the easier it is to remember to be patient next time.
Hey Bret, what's your take on balance beads? Ever use them?
Nice tutorial Bret! Just had a tire replaced but now I know the technique at least!
Thank you so very much for your video it does help and it is really well done have a great day and please, keep up the great job!
I'd buy a motorcycle tire balancer, but it doesn't seem to also be useful for car tires at all
what is better, the clip on weights or the stick on weights?
Thanks again, and I think at that much added - maybe tire need moving
Thanks man ! Great video. Super helpful !
Keep it going Bret 🤟🏼🤟🏼🤟🏼
I have a similar wheel balance machine but I also used a zip tie on one of the arms to help true my spokes.
great video. one of those maintenance procedures most like to skip
Are you running the TPM sensors? They throw the balance of the wheel off significantly on my GS
Yes I have TPM sensors
Great video as always very educational. Thank you Bret.
Thank you ! Does anyone offer Computer Dynamic Balance on motorcycles ?
Read "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" be fore attempting to balance the tire.
Never accurate wheel needs to be centered tilting the wheel will never be accurate
Shoe use something useful , like how to balance your rear wheel on the gs
Interesting video bret....thank you.
Just looking into wheel balance on my 2020 Triumph T100 after fitting wifi tyre pressure sensors to my spoked tubed wheels....the sensors fit on the out side on the valve.
The sensors weigh 10 grams....I am felling a slight roughness at around 70mph.
Just bought a static balance rig like yours.....the weighs in my rim where fitted in the factory when the bike was built.
The tyres have never been off or worked on...
I my case would you still say remover the weights already fitted to the wheel?
Nick in the UK.
If it isn't balanced with the current weights then always strip the weights and start from zero
Funny that you pushed the importance of patience, then were impatient and called it done; I was pretty sure it wasn't. Then 10 or 15 seconds later as you were talking, at about 10:36, the tire stopped and reversed direction showing that it wasn't balanced.
This needs to be addressed immediately.
Could you please describe the effects a really badly balanced tyre (tire) would cause when riding? I recently had new tyres (tires) fitted, and the fitter didn't balance the tyres(tires) . I am having some issues, and wondering if this is the cause.
And thanks for the trail side balancing, that's ideal.
They contribute to vibrations which consequently affects ride comfort, among other things it can potentially affect as well like traction if the vibration is very significant. May not be very noticeable on trail and low speed, but definitely something you'll want to sort out if you ride long pavements, especially at high speeds.
@@UnliRide Thanks, that describes the loss of traction i've been feeling since the tyres were fitted. I'll sort them using the method shown here.
@J D Sweet, thanks for that, sounds like an easy way to go about it.
There is no t at the end of “across”.
How funny to watch your video, Bret - I'm just back from changing the front tyre of my Aprilia Tuono V4. And from balancing it, of course.
Cheers from Günter, Nürnberg/Germany
Great share
Wow. Not bad at all. I watched the video about the tyre change first. So, if you don't have to do all this explaining and talking, YOU might be able to change AND balance a tyre on the road or track within about 30 minutes. That is really damned fast. My tyre garage needs that much time, incl. having the proper tools and machines.
With practice and no issues it certainly can be done quickly. Keep on mind I have changed thousands of tires by hand. When I still ran my street/dirt school we had a fleet of around 140 motorcycles and I ran that school for 26 years before switching to my focus in ADV riders only. I also owned a motorcycle rental company for many years.
nice nice as always "Eastern European"..........great tips, thnx VDN!
That's a practical way for conducting a static wheel balancing. The problem is that the wheel is not flat. It has "Starboard and port sides", so I would split the weight, and place each half of the weight on each side of the rim, just to make sure you are not introducing or even worsening a problem known as wheel Shimmy.
Put you weights on the light spot, then position the weights at the 3 or 9 o'clock position. If it rises, add weight. If it drops, remove weights. Much faster than spinning wheel.
Yep. That's how you do it in the racing paddock.