ballancing tires

[Skeldog]

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]

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.

[WingAdmin]

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.

[Skeldog]

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]

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.

[WingAdmin]

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]

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.