Balance Weights on Chrome, Laced Wheel?
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Balance Weights on Chrome, Laced Wheel?
I got a new set of Metzeler 880's installed Friday on my 07 Wide Glide at a local INDY. So far I like the tires, but it was an ordeal and I don't like the way the balance weights look on my front wheel.
First, after asking for 90/90-21 for the front, I found they had installed a MH-90 instead. After a short disagreement with the guy who did the installation, they changed the tire to what I requested.
Then I looked at the stick on, grey colored, lead weights and thought they were awful on the chrome wheel. There were 4-5 on each side of the wheel and butt ugly IMHO. They gave me the option of changing to chrome stick on weights or spoke weights. I knew the rear tire had one spoke weight before, but I previously had no weights on the front. So, I choose the spoke weights and was glad to go home after several hours. But, I don't like them either. They are so big, on two adjacent spokes and almost exactly opposite the valve stem. Does this look right to you guys?
Now, I was in the local dealer on Saturday and looked over their new stock, particularly the laced front wheels. Well, they had some with now weights, some with stick on lead like I got initially, and some with spoke weights. All on brand new bikes.
So, I know I tend to be on the **** side in terms of being particular, but I know I don't like this.
Oh yeah, the white you see in the closer pic is the residual adhesive from the stick on weights that I need to clean off.
First, after asking for 90/90-21 for the front, I found they had installed a MH-90 instead. After a short disagreement with the guy who did the installation, they changed the tire to what I requested.
Then I looked at the stick on, grey colored, lead weights and thought they were awful on the chrome wheel. There were 4-5 on each side of the wheel and butt ugly IMHO. They gave me the option of changing to chrome stick on weights or spoke weights. I knew the rear tire had one spoke weight before, but I previously had no weights on the front. So, I choose the spoke weights and was glad to go home after several hours. But, I don't like them either. They are so big, on two adjacent spokes and almost exactly opposite the valve stem. Does this look right to you guys?
Now, I was in the local dealer on Saturday and looked over their new stock, particularly the laced front wheels. Well, they had some with now weights, some with stick on lead like I got initially, and some with spoke weights. All on brand new bikes.
So, I know I tend to be on the **** side in terms of being particular, but I know I don't like this.
Oh yeah, the white you see in the closer pic is the residual adhesive from the stick on weights that I need to clean off.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,579
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From: S.E. MO
Ya the weights suck but not much you can do.
My new rear wheel was way off at first. Luckily the guy doing the tire didnt like that either. He broke the tire free again and spun it around some and was able to lose half the weights doing that. Still more than I would like but much better than at first.
My new rear wheel was way off at first. Luckily the guy doing the tire didnt like that either. He broke the tire free again and spun it around some and was able to lose half the weights doing that. Still more than I would like but much better than at first.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Ashland Ore.
Next time spend the $ and get Dyna Beads. I have them in my Roadwinder wheels and they work great. I highly recommend them.
http://www.innovativebalancing.com/motorcycle.htm
http://www.innovativebalancing.com/motorcycle.htm
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Republic of Texas
I have seen this done. Install stick on weights to the outside of the rim after you have determined how much is needed. Then brush a light coat of liquid rubber over the weights and let it dry. The liquid rubber is to keep the weights from rubbing a hole in the tube. Then install your tube and tire.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 564
Likes: 6
From: Wyoming USA
Got those weights on my front allso and don't care for them either,I will put new tires on in the next coupla weeks and am planning on going with the Dyna beads.I have heard nothing but good from using the beads,allso look down in the tire section and you will see alot of guys talk about them you may have to do a search
Last edited by Kaycee; Mar 7, 2010 at 09:25 PM. Reason: voices were telling me to
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Yeah, after I got home and was thinking about what to do, I did a search and read several comments about the dyna beads. I suppose I could give it a try still...add the beads and remove the spoke weights. There is just so much weight in one place to my way of thinking, will the beads correct for that? I wish I could spin that tire 180 on the wheel and try another balance. But...that's not easily done and no way to know whether it would help.
I also looked for the dot I've heard mentioned but didn't find one on the tire. Either that or I'm not quite sure what to look for. No yellow dot present anyway.
It is also possible that I'll learn to live with it as is. Did I mention that I'm **** about these small details?
)
I also looked for the dot I've heard mentioned but didn't find one on the tire. Either that or I'm not quite sure what to look for. No yellow dot present anyway.
It is also possible that I'll learn to live with it as is. Did I mention that I'm **** about these small details?
)
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 379
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I just purchased a new chrome laced wheel. The dealer balanced it without using any wheel weights at all. It looks much better without any weights.
I get along well with my service/parts guys at my local dealer. A gift of Crown Royal at Christmas really helps when getting work done throughout the year.
BigLow
I get along well with my service/parts guys at my local dealer. A gift of Crown Royal at Christmas really helps when getting work done throughout the year.
BigLow
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Boise, Idaho
i have HD smoothie wheels and it use the spoke weights instead ofn the stick on ones. I have a No-Mar tire changer and balancer, and it came with the stick on weights. last time i balanced the wheels i used the stick on weights, but didn't like the look at all. went down the the dealer and bought a variety of the spoke weights (HD sells 3 different weights). used these instead. the tires balanced great and didn't have to use those ugly stick on ones. BTW, looked at some of the new bikes and noticed that many had both, spoke and stick on.
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