ballancing tires
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- Posts: 139
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- Motorcycle: 1982 GL 1100
ballancing tires
I have never personally used the ballancing beads but have read of some good results. I'd like to hear if there is really any drawback to using them in place of conventional wheel weights. I'm talking right now about the rear wheel on my 82 GL. if they are a good alternative it seems a simple way to avoid having to pay a dealer for the ballance. as I intend to mount my tire myself anyway
- MikeB
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Re: ballancing tires
I have been using two ounces of balance beads in my motorcycle and light trailer tires for about 10 years or so and have had no issues with tires out of balance. They just work.
MikeB
1998 - GL1500 w/184,500 miles ~ 2017 - GL1800 w/13000 miles
USAF Avionics Communications Tech - 1968 - 1986 / Flight Engineer C-130E - C-141B - 1986 - 1992. Retired
Industrial Maintenance Tech - 1992 - 2014
Retired in Tacoma, WA
1998 - GL1500 w/184,500 miles ~ 2017 - GL1800 w/13000 miles
USAF Avionics Communications Tech - 1968 - 1986 / Flight Engineer C-130E - C-141B - 1986 - 1992. Retired
Industrial Maintenance Tech - 1992 - 2014
Retired in Tacoma, WA
- WingAdmin
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Re: ballancing tires
There is no drawback, they work amazingly well in motorcycles, and you get the benefit of not having your tires ever go out of balance (and require rebalancing) as they wear.
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- Posts: 139
- Joined: Tue Sep 08, 2020 7:22 am
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- Motorcycle: 1982 GL 1100
Re: ballancing tires
That's a good report- thanks. I think I'll give them a try- I was actually given a 3 oz. package of Tech plus brand of beads at a tire shop I was at yesterday. they did a windshield chip repair for me and I asked them if they ever used them. they said they did and these are some that some supplier gave them. I don't know how brands and quality vary but guess it will be easy enough to give them a try
- LAB3
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Re: ballancing tires
I've used the "ceramic" beads and was disappointed. The balance aspect worked out fine but they turned to dust and plugged the schrader valve kinda half open whenever I checked the air pressure. They make schrader valves with screens that prevent that from happening, I ended up going to steel beads after that. I've also used Ride-On motorcycle tire balancer/sealant which gave me my best ride, at $15+ a tire it's a little pricey.
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The best advice on internet motorcycle repair forums comes from posting the wrong answer to your own question.
The best advice on internet motorcycle repair forums comes from posting the wrong answer to your own question.
- WingAdmin
- Site Admin
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1982 GL1100A Aspencade (sold)
1989 PC800 (sold)
1998 XV250 Virago (sold)
2012 Suzuki Burgman 400 (wife's!)
2007 Aspen Sentry Trailer - Contact:
Re: ballancing tires
I've used both ceramic and glass beads, both worked well, I think the glass beads work a bit better because there is less static. I compared the two here: viewtopic.php?f=18&t=43181
- cbx4evr
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Re: ballancing tires
Beads work great. I’ve used them in all my bikes. To avoid beads plugging up the Schrader valve check your pressure with the valve at the 9:00 or 3:00 position depending which side of the bike you are on.
"It´s a friggen motorcycle, it´s not supposed to be comfortable, quiet or safe. The wind noise is supposed to hurt your ears, the seat should be hard and riding it should make you s**t your pants every now and then. "