Possible tire problem, need advice
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 52
From: South Jersey
I had dyna beads in my old SG and wound up taking them out and going with weights.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,352
Likes: 7
From: Keene, CA
I decided since the tires are 6 years old with 9K on them, rather than pay the labor to have the dealer balance both tires with no guarantee that will fix the problem I purchased two new American Elites from Dennis Kirk for $305. Now the labor to mount and balance will be almost the same if I just got them balanced.
I jacked the bike up in order to spin the wheels and check the bearings, didn't hear any noise other than the drag on the rotor and there was no side to side movement in the wheel. The tire looked like it was rotating normal.
I jacked the bike up in order to spin the wheels and check the bearings, didn't hear any noise other than the drag on the rotor and there was no side to side movement in the wheel. The tire looked like it was rotating normal.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
You've done the right thing by changing your tyres. Let us know how you get on once you start riding on them. Whenever ride, comfort, handling problems arise and the tyres are well worn, that is the place to start!
Banned
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 11,232
Likes: 16
From: Socialist Republic of the USA
Once again!!!!
Look into local Indy, even metric shops to put on new tires. My Indy charges $45 per on the bike.
If/when you do get new tires forget about wheel weights, dyna beads, whatever and get Ride On, not only for balancing but flat prevention as well. You can thank me later.
Look into local Indy, even metric shops to put on new tires. My Indy charges $45 per on the bike.
If/when you do get new tires forget about wheel weights, dyna beads, whatever and get Ride On, not only for balancing but flat prevention as well. You can thank me later.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,155
Likes: 1,903
From: Doghouse... mostly
At exactly 70mph I feel like I'm driving over small pebbles. It get worse at 75mph and continues on up to 90. I didn't go faster than that. My first thought is the tires need balancing. I know in a car improper balancing usually feels like a side to side shimmy. the bike does not give a side to side shimmy but more of a pulsing up and down.
Under 70 all feels normal and smooth.
Could there be another problem other than balancing?
I have 9,000 miles on these tires and they are from 2010. I bought the bike end of last season with 500 miles on it so it sat for a few years without being moved. Could there be a flat spot on the tire that only shows up at speed although I didn't notice it before the other day.
Should I just buy new tires or should I try to get these tires balanced?
Also, if I do decide on new tires should I go with 888 Metzlers, American Elite or Michlen Commander II?
Thoughts please.
Under 70 all feels normal and smooth.
Could there be another problem other than balancing?
I have 9,000 miles on these tires and they are from 2010. I bought the bike end of last season with 500 miles on it so it sat for a few years without being moved. Could there be a flat spot on the tire that only shows up at speed although I didn't notice it before the other day.
Should I just buy new tires or should I try to get these tires balanced?
Also, if I do decide on new tires should I go with 888 Metzlers, American Elite or Michlen Commander II?
Thoughts please.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
Oh, they can shimmy from imbalance. Far more a problem with wide car tires than skinny motorcycle tires, but it can be a motorcycle problem as well.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 140
From: NY
ONCE AGAIN,RIGHT ON THE MONEY!
I have used ride on in the last 3 sets of bike tires have have installed on my bikes with great balance results along knowing it can also seal punctures up to 1/4" too! (thats tubeless apps,tube app seals up to 1/8" puncture)
Note,install inst for ride-on state you can use up to 25% additional ride-on in the tires to ensure proper balance in hvy dty tubeless apps .
I think thats to cover possible issues like if a tire or a wheel has heavier then normal area in it to ensure there is enough ride-on product in the tire to properly balance it.
So with that said i did add the additional 25% in all 3 sets of tires i installed ride-on in with great results thus far.
Scott