Dynabeads vs. Centramatics (again)

[PaulC]

I've read through the various threads on this subject. No definitive answer - as expected. Just wondering if anybody has an update, or additional information, thoughts, etc.

I've used Dynabeads for years. But if the claims of Centramatics are true (smoother ride, longer tire life, lower tire temperatures, reduced vibration, etc.), and you never need to add beads or balance the tires again, maybe switching to Centramtics makes sense.

Can anybody chime in with words of wisdom? TIA.

[Big Red Bertha]

I tried both Centramatics and Counteract beads. Both would not balance. I went back to the traditional static balance and the tire is now balanced perfectly.

[virgilmobile]

Unusual results.Perhaps the wrong amount weight of beads.The "book"calls for 2oz of beads in both front and rear tires on my stock wing.
This may not be enough for a "Trike" wheel.
I do use ceramic beads in mine.Third bike use.Stable from 0 to we'll over the speed limit on the interstate.
I just replaced my tires on my 96 ford explorer...I did use 5oz in each one...same results..smooth from 0 to above the speed limit.
I haven't tried the other method..can't speak about them but I suspect the same results.

[tfdeputydawg]

neither!!! Read about what really works and also puncture seals the tire/wheel : http://www.ride-on.com/

[WingAdmin]

Unusual results.Perhaps the wrong amount weight of beads.The "book"calls for 2oz of beads in both front and rear tires on my stock wing.
This may not be enough for a "Trike" wheel.
I do use ceramic beads in mine.Third bike use.Stable from 0 to we'll over the speed limit on the interstate.
I just replaced my tires on my 96 ford explorer...I did use 5oz in each one...same results..smooth from 0 to above the speed limit.
I haven't tried the other method..can't speak about them but I suspect the same results.

Ditto. I'm on my third? Fourth? I forget - set of tires balanced with beads, every one of them has been perfectly smooth and balanced throughout the life of the tire. I too used them in my Explorer, a 2003. That damn thing would not balance no matter what - I would take it in, they would balance it, it would be good for one speed, but would shake at another. I finally took all the wheel weights off of it and poured 5-6 oz of beads into each tire, and that fixed it. Perfectly smooth and no shaking.

As for the Centramatics vs Beads...first off the Centramatics are available for the GL1800 only. Secondly, with a set of Centramatics setting you back $240, and a kit of beads for both wheels costing $20, that's a LOT of tires I'd have to go through (12 sets, to be exact) before the Centramatics made financial sense. I don't know about you, but I go through a set of tires every 1.5 - 2 years. So that would take between 18 and 24 years of riding before the Centramatics would make sense - and will I even still have the bike that long?

I do not like Ride-on or similar "goop" sealants. Apart from being incompatible with most tire pressure sensors, they make a real mess when changing tires. Some places charge extra to change these tires, because they have to clean the goop off their machine afterwards. Some places refuse outright.

[bntyhntr6975]

None of the tires I've changed while using Ride On made any mess on the wheel. It all stayed in the tire, like its supposed to. But, I've always used the recommended amount. Perhaps using too much makes it go places it shouldnt?
I DID make a heck of a mess changing a tire with dynabeads tho. Broke it down, beads went EVERYWHERE! Was still finding them for weeks.

[WingAdmin]

None of the tires I've changed while using Ride On made any mess on the wheel. It all stayed in the tire, like its supposed to. But, I've always used the recommended amount. Perhaps using too much makes it go places it shouldnt?
I DID make a heck of a mess changing a tire with dynabeads tho. Broke it down, beads went EVERYWHERE! Was still finding them for weeks.

The first time I changed the tires on my GL1500 after I got it, it had Ride-On in them, and I spent half an hour afterwards cleaning the machine. It dripped out everywhere! And that stuff is sticky.

I've never had a problem changing tires with beads in them, and in fact usually just recover the beads and re-use them in the new tires.

[bntyhntr6975]

Im gonna guess that someone put WAY too much in there then. Yea, its pretty tacky. And it usually disperses to a fairly fine layer over most of the tire, with a little bit of a 'puddle' in places. I could see too much being an issue.

[salty1]

I've used al lot of beads in various vehicles, mostly motorcycles. Never have had a problem. My recent wing purchase came with centrimatic balancers and the tires are wearing very well and the bike's handling is excellent. The cost analysis between the two methods given above is difficult to argue with.