Tire Balancing
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,096
Likes: 4,673
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
I mount my own, too. Just putting the tire mark next to the stem doesn't give you the best balance all the time; I just ignore them on the few tires I've even seen them on. I put the tire on the rim without seating the bead, put it on a static balancer, and move the tire around the rim till I find the point of least out of balance - occasionally you can find a spot so close a half ounce of weight would throw it off again. I do stick weights on temporarily just to find out how out of balance the tire/wheel is, to give me an idea how much dyna bead to put in. Some folks have said dyna beads didn't help - their chart for recommended weight is ok unless the tire is more out of balance than that, and that happens. And why put two ounces in when the tire is only a half ounce off; one ounce will cover it.
A tedious procedure, yes, but does it gives a smooth ride at any speed I've gone. I've experimented running the wheel on the bike before adding weight, and nearly an ounce off wasn't really noticeable till somewhere over 60.
As far as the mechanic that said new tires don't need balancing, what about the wheel assembly? Put your rear rim on a balancer with the disk and pulley on; you might be surprised; a perfect tire won't be mounted on a rim that isn't. And of course I take all the old weights off, if it has any. This wheel's heavy side is the valve stem side, but not all are. I suspect the bolt pattern for disks or pulleys in relation to valve stem position could make a weight distribution difference among different wheels.
A tedious procedure, yes, but does it gives a smooth ride at any speed I've gone. I've experimented running the wheel on the bike before adding weight, and nearly an ounce off wasn't really noticeable till somewhere over 60.
As far as the mechanic that said new tires don't need balancing, what about the wheel assembly? Put your rear rim on a balancer with the disk and pulley on; you might be surprised; a perfect tire won't be mounted on a rim that isn't. And of course I take all the old weights off, if it has any. This wheel's heavy side is the valve stem side, but not all are. I suspect the bolt pattern for disks or pulleys in relation to valve stem position could make a weight distribution difference among different wheels.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 61
Likes: 2
From: Marietta Georgia
I dunno, i guess I'm comparing to a car where a good balance at speed is DEFINETLY noticeable to a not so good one. it may be just an exercise in futility..WTF are Dyna *****??
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,580
Likes: 215
From: Illinois
Dyna Beads, not *****, LOLOL! Are very small and a certain oz. gets poured through your valve stem once your new tire is mounted. While riding the rotational mass pulls them towards the unbalanced portion of the wheel, essentially balancing the wheel as you ride.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 98
From: north of the south pole
I have done my own tires for years. Also never balanced them for years and never wrecked because of it.
I use the Dyna Beads now and noticed a definite smoother ride with them installed.
I read some people call it witch craft and such. That the beads can not roll freely in a tire and consequently can't balance a tire. They forget that the beads don't continuously move. Once they find the sweet spot they stay there.
I haven't tried them in a tubeless tire with a plug in it yet though.
Over all I'm sold on 'em. They work well.
I use the Dyna Beads now and noticed a definite smoother ride with them installed.
I read some people call it witch craft and such. That the beads can not roll freely in a tire and consequently can't balance a tire. They forget that the beads don't continuously move. Once they find the sweet spot they stay there.
I haven't tried them in a tubeless tire with a plug in it yet though.
Over all I'm sold on 'em. They work well.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,096
Likes: 4,673
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
But I still like to know it's done right, I'm kinda particular about that. Compromised with this, so easy a kid could do it. Well, maybe a bigger kid.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 98
From: north of the south pole
15-20 min is all you need.
Use the 2X4 method of breaking the bead. (look on you tube) Then two 9 to 12" tire irons. Some plastic rim protectors and dish soap/water mix for lube.
The following is an example. Except he needs to turn the boards under the tire 90 deg so the foot in back is not needed.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5,448
Likes: 6,275
From: pacific northwest
Looks like you are doing it the hard way.
15-20 min is all you need.
Use the 2X4 method of breaking the bead. (look on you tube) Then two 9 to 12" tire irons. Some plastic rim protectors and dish soap/water mix for lube.
The following is an example. Except he needs to turn the boards under the tire 90 deg so the foot in back is not needed.
Burgman 650 - DIY - Bead Breaker - YouTube
15-20 min is all you need.
Use the 2X4 method of breaking the bead. (look on you tube) Then two 9 to 12" tire irons. Some plastic rim protectors and dish soap/water mix for lube.
The following is an example. Except he needs to turn the boards under the tire 90 deg so the foot in back is not needed.
Burgman 650 - DIY - Bead Breaker - YouTube