Duece - Rear Wheel Balancing
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Duece - Rear Wheel Balancing
Was in the Touring section reading a post about wheel weights flying off and made me think of my experiences with the rear wheel on my Duece. If you've got a Duece and ever ride at sustained high speeds, you've probably encountered this same problem.
Here's the only way I've found to keep the weights on. While on the road, I've even tried duct tape completely over the weights and that didn't work.
On the Duece rear wheel there is no surface to apply the weights that is perpendicular to the centrifugal forces. The surface is at a slight incline (towards vertical) and therefore the wheels' rotation results in a constant force trying to tear the weight off. It's really only a problem at sustained high speeds - I have lost many weights. RTV (silicone adhesive) is the only thing I've found to keep the weights on.
I remove the foam tape from the weight and simply use RTV to bond the weight to the wheel. Let it dry overnight or longer. Never had one of these fly off yet. I also form the weight to fit the contour of the wheel. This allows more contact area for the bond while minimizing the bond thickness.
If you've experienced this problem give the RTV a try. It works!
I know some of you are going to suggest Dynabeads, but that is a completely different discussion.
Here's the only way I've found to keep the weights on. While on the road, I've even tried duct tape completely over the weights and that didn't work.
On the Duece rear wheel there is no surface to apply the weights that is perpendicular to the centrifugal forces. The surface is at a slight incline (towards vertical) and therefore the wheels' rotation results in a constant force trying to tear the weight off. It's really only a problem at sustained high speeds - I have lost many weights. RTV (silicone adhesive) is the only thing I've found to keep the weights on.
I remove the foam tape from the weight and simply use RTV to bond the weight to the wheel. Let it dry overnight or longer. Never had one of these fly off yet. I also form the weight to fit the contour of the wheel. This allows more contact area for the bond while minimizing the bond thickness.
If you've experienced this problem give the RTV a try. It works!
I know some of you are going to suggest Dynabeads, but that is a completely different discussion.
Last edited by 2black1s; Mar 26, 2011 at 03:15 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 512
Likes: 4
From: Johnstown, PA
I Never noticed an issue either. But I sure am glad I got rid of that fugly wheel. Worst feature of the deuce IMO...
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Elite HDF Member
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From: Simi Valley, CA
I somewhat agree the wheel looked a little off before the black-out treatment.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Honah Lee
It's really only a problem at sustained high speeds ??? What do you mean by high speed? Kwide has no problem and the last time he pasted me I got off while doing 60 since I thought I had stopped...
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 512
Likes: 4
From: Johnstown, PA
How did u black out those? Paint each one by hand? Either way I never understood why Harley put a plainaluminum wheel on such a chromed out bike.
Last edited by jdsmitty10; Mar 27, 2011 at 06:42 PM.
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Elite HDF Member
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From: Simi Valley, CA
With the black, and keeping the rest of the wheel polished, it looks great.
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Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
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Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
Not sure where the exact threshold is, but on long rides 85-95mph is pretty typical.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Honah Lee
Darn and all this time I thought you took that picture on the jack. On the serious side? HA.. I notice you are running a Metzeler ME880 on the back. Couple of off track questions and maybe Kwide can chime in since he has a lot of post on size. Never been too happy with the miles I get on a 160-70B-17 stock Dunlop K591. On the 4th set now. I drive like most little old ladies (slow). I have a ME880 now on the front but it was free with my $100 wheel. Think the ME880 is worth the extra $. Notice in the spec book it's a little narrower then the same size Dunlop. Can you tell that on the bike? Did a lot of searching but it appears on my stock 04 I can run up to a 180/55-17 SE tire or a 180/60-17 SE. Do either of you know which one it is and how close it is the the caliper mount or the belt? Does not appear you can get a slightly bigger rear ME880. I would assume by mounting the 180 SE on a 4" wide rim is why you can get away with this. My friend has a 180 on a 3" wide rim and it is not as wide as my 160 on the 4" wide rim. When I got the front wheel it came with a 3" wide 16" rim similar to my back except it chrome. Came off the rear of a 04 Fatboy. Anyone think I can get a tire on it as wide as my 160 looks and fit my Duece with out modifying anything? Thanks.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Mar 27, 2011 at 05:32 PM.