When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
To get the axle in, I just lower the bike on the jack so the swingarm lines up with the wheel. As you slide the axle through you can put the spacers / sensor in. A lot of times when I pull stuff apart I take pictures with my phone, so I don't have to watch a 20 minute YouTube video full of excessive talking, drone footage & techno music to get to the 30 seconds of info that I need.
Well, since I was little paranoid, I ended up tripple checking torque specs for the final torque on the rear axel nut. I had to unbolt the shocks again. But at least I have a peace of mind now.
I also put in the Ride-On balancer and sealer. Per their website, I needed 10oz. for the front and 14oz. for the rear. Took 3 bottles, but it went smooth without any mess. I was really worried because if that didn't work, I would have to remove the wheels again and take them to balance, because like a moron, I told the guy not to balance my wheels lol...Rolled the dice there.
Anyways, took the bike for a quick spit to get the Ride-On stuff rotated inside the tire. I have to say, holy mother of god, I did not realize my old tires were so bad. This thing is like on rails now. It just falls into the turn! Smooth as ****! No vibrations in bars, no jumping around like the old cupped tire did. My old tire would make my bars shake on the freeway like I had bubble gum stuck to it. Granted, going from old factory tires to anything new will make drastic difference, but I am super happy so far.
Not sure if I would embark on something like this again. Thinking about it, I could of drop my bike off to the shop, wait few hours and have it all done. But instead, I spent few days dicking around with it and hoping I get it done correctly. But overall, I am very happy, because I do know that it was done correctly lol.
Sure don't agree with your balancing method but glad all worked out.
PS.. and I do know a little on balancing. I was the balancing man during my toolmaker apprenticeship at Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock company. In 70, I was made supervisor and part of my crew still had the dynamic (turbines) and static (propellers) By around 74, commercial work was gone and we shut it down.
Beeds may dampen but there is no way anything moving around can dynamic balance anything. Most modern Harley cast wheels are balanced . And quality tires are close.
Been interesting to have seen what your wheels did before the beeds .
I was a skeptic too, but I can tell you, it's as smooth as it can get. I did some research about it. It provides me with two benefits; 1) puncture protection, 2) balancing, so there is no need for weights. I never had any weights fly off, but if it did, it wouldn't be nice, especially on long trips.
Sure don't agree with your balancing method but glad all worked out.
PS.. and I do know a little on balancing. I was the balancing man during my toolmaker apprenticeship at Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock company. In 70, I was made supervisor and part of my crew still had the dynamic (turbines) and static (propellers) By around 74, commercial work was gone and we shut it down.
Beeds may dampen but there is no way anything moving around can dynamic balance anything. Most modern Harley cast wheels are balanced . And quality tires are close.
Been interesting to have seen what your wheels did before the beeds .
You'll get used to it. I am cheap is why I do it myself. but its also a hassle bringing bike to dealer, getting ride home, then ride back to get it. I can have a tire off on 30-45 minutes.
The frustrating part some time is lining up the axle, and not dropping the spacers 10 times. Plus re-inenvting the wheel every time. But if you ride the back you'll need tires, and you'll get used to it.
Having a clear area to put the saddle bags helps that you are not tripping over.
Also if you spend money on tools so you don't have to take exhaust off helps. I only removed the shocks once. Not sure why I didn't do it again. You'll find what you like.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.