Mount and balance
10-13-2013, 06:18 AM
#1
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SuperBike
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Bisbee, AZ
Posts: 1,873
Mount and balance
After much indecision I was going to go with the Dunlop’s Q3 to replace the worn out Michelin 2CT. I called the not so local moto shop to find out if it was in stock. No, and it would be a week before one came in. Frustrating because It had already been a week since I removed the rear wheel. Why is that you ask? I was riding with the cords showing and the only way to stop myself from riding was to remove the rear wheel. Whatever works, Right?
After adding up the cost of mounting and balancing, the slightly inflated tire price, tax, the cost of gas to go the 75 mile round trip to the shop and the OCD/DYI factor, I decided to do the whole job myself.
I ordered a Michelin PP3 in the usual size. Why the switch from Dunlop? I think it was some sort of logic that I made up about the front tire (currently a 2CT). I also was going to need a way to balance the tire. After a little searching I found this: http://www.marcparnes.com/Honda_Motorcycle_Wheel_Balancer.htm
This was a good time to install angle valve stems. Found these: 90 Degree Low Profile Valve Stem - 10mm - BLACK
Checking pressure is SO much easier now.
After viewing a You Tube video of the dimensional lumber, zip tie and Windex method of dismounting a moto tire, I went at it. Easy pesy, tire came right off.
Before mounting the new tire I placed the balancer on the wheel only to see if the valve stem was the heavy spot. As I have read, the stem is not always that point on the wheel. This was the case with my wheel. Also with the tire mounted the heavy spot was in almost the exact same place as the wheel alone. Just an interesting FYI.
The balance procedure was easy and straight forward. I’m very pleased with the quality and sensitivity of the tool. Very satisfying for a tool junkie. I also like the fact that there is no stand that is required to use the balancer. The whole balancer fits in the tool chest drawer. Simple, easy and compact.
I was a bit concerned about mounting the new tire as the PP3 has quite a bit stiffer carcass than the 2CT. Since ammonia and rubber don’t get along well, OCD kicked in and I bought this at my local NAPA store: NAPA AUTO PARTS Yup, a life time supply, but the stuff works. I had no problems mounting the PP3. Actually surprised at how easily the tire went on the wheel. After a few minutes with the balancer attached the wheel was balanced with the new tire.
After another couple of tire changes I will be just about at even money as compared to having a shop do the change. This is really secondary in my mind as DYI brings satisfaction that it’s done right and the knowledge gained are really what’s important to me.
After adding up the cost of mounting and balancing, the slightly inflated tire price, tax, the cost of gas to go the 75 mile round trip to the shop and the OCD/DYI factor, I decided to do the whole job myself.
I ordered a Michelin PP3 in the usual size. Why the switch from Dunlop? I think it was some sort of logic that I made up about the front tire (currently a 2CT). I also was going to need a way to balance the tire. After a little searching I found this: http://www.marcparnes.com/Honda_Motorcycle_Wheel_Balancer.htm
This was a good time to install angle valve stems. Found these: 90 Degree Low Profile Valve Stem - 10mm - BLACK
Checking pressure is SO much easier now.
After viewing a You Tube video of the dimensional lumber, zip tie and Windex method of dismounting a moto tire, I went at it. Easy pesy, tire came right off.
Before mounting the new tire I placed the balancer on the wheel only to see if the valve stem was the heavy spot. As I have read, the stem is not always that point on the wheel. This was the case with my wheel. Also with the tire mounted the heavy spot was in almost the exact same place as the wheel alone. Just an interesting FYI.
The balance procedure was easy and straight forward. I’m very pleased with the quality and sensitivity of the tool. Very satisfying for a tool junkie. I also like the fact that there is no stand that is required to use the balancer. The whole balancer fits in the tool chest drawer. Simple, easy and compact.
I was a bit concerned about mounting the new tire as the PP3 has quite a bit stiffer carcass than the 2CT. Since ammonia and rubber don’t get along well, OCD kicked in and I bought this at my local NAPA store: NAPA AUTO PARTS Yup, a life time supply, but the stuff works. I had no problems mounting the PP3. Actually surprised at how easily the tire went on the wheel. After a few minutes with the balancer attached the wheel was balanced with the new tire.
After another couple of tire changes I will be just about at even money as compared to having a shop do the change. This is really secondary in my mind as DYI brings satisfaction that it’s done right and the knowledge gained are really what’s important to me.
Last edited by xeris; 10-16-2013 at 09:49 AM. Reason: Add photos
10-13-2013, 06:39 AM
#3
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SuperBike
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10-13-2013, 07:56 AM
#5
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SuperBike
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Geneseo, IL
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"I was riding with the cords showing and the only way to stop myself from riding was to remove the rear wheel. "
That's awesome.
I'm taking the wheels off all our vehicles this afternoon so I'll be forced to swap the head on the Superhawk and get it back on the road.
That's awesome.
I'm taking the wheels off all our vehicles this afternoon so I'll be forced to swap the head on the Superhawk and get it back on the road.
Last edited by VTR1000F; 10-13-2013 at 07:57 AM. Reason: 'off', not 'of'
10-13-2013, 10:42 AM
#6
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: East TX
Posts: 226
For balancing, I have been using Dynabeads for quite a few years now with excellent results, speeds up to 110. When tire is spent, insert a plastic tube through stem and vacuum them out or cut a hole in center of tread and pour/shake them out. I like the look of no weights on wheels.
10-15-2013, 06:32 PM
#10
the boss
SuperBike
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: largo,fl
Posts: 1,182
10-16-2013, 07:53 AM
#12
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Superstock
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Rome, GA
Posts: 458
where did you pick up this no mar bar you speak of? I just used a set of nice tire irons ive had for forever
Edit: I ask because there are a few different versions at different prices. I just dont see spending $125 for a tool that I've used my tire spoons for so long to do without any damage to a wheel
Edit: I ask because there are a few different versions at different prices. I just dont see spending $125 for a tool that I've used my tire spoons for so long to do without any damage to a wheel
Last edited by insulinboy; 10-16-2013 at 08:02 AM.
10-16-2013, 08:37 AM
#13
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SuperBike
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Location: Bisbee, AZ
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For balancing, I have been using Dynabeads for quite a few years now with excellent results, speeds up to 110. When tire is spent, insert a plastic tube through stem and vacuum them out or cut a hole in center of tread and pour/shake them out. I like the look of no weights on wheels.
Now that I have an alternate way to balance, I'm offering thishttps://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...71/#post364022
10-16-2013, 08:50 AM
#14
Senior Member
Superstock
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Seattle
Posts: 250
I've had real good luck spin balancing with a couple of milk crates and a long socket extension bar... might have been half inch, but whatever fits. Been doing it this way through many years and many bikes. It works for me. II don't mind buying the right stuff, but I don't have room to store it for something I'll only use once or twice a year.
07-17-2014, 05:17 PM
#17
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MotoGP
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: NYC
Posts: 5,033
Me and independant tests say the beads dont work. (not to mention every tire guru at every racetrack).
But those snake oil/ wonder tonic salesmen used to make a killing.
(jeeps and sportbikes have drasticly different tire dynamics)
But those snake oil/ wonder tonic salesmen used to make a killing.
(jeeps and sportbikes have drasticly different tire dynamics)
07-17-2014, 05:39 PM
#18
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MotoGP
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Gettysburg, Pa
Posts: 5,072
A very good friend used Dynabeads on his Jeep as well. It isn't easy to balance these heavy mud terrain offroad tires. When one is out of balance, you know it immediately. Ours have several weights per tire. The beads worked fine for him. I rode in the Jeep on the highway and can confirm, they did in fact work. BUT, I've never tried them on a bike.
07-18-2014, 05:24 AM
#19
Deals Gap is a Hoot!
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: St. Louis, Mizzery
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Xeris changing the rear tire is so easy it's like the tire falls off the rim once you break the bead.
It's the front tire that's a bitch to remove and mount!
I have been using the beads for about 3 years now and IMO they work well, just toss in the small pack of beads in the tire before zipping things ups and your good to go!
I had the tape on weights from the dealer come off at speed and just about killed the guy riding next to me so tape or beads it's what ever makes you happy IMHO.
SIRR1
It's the front tire that's a bitch to remove and mount!
I have been using the beads for about 3 years now and IMO they work well, just toss in the small pack of beads in the tire before zipping things ups and your good to go!
I had the tape on weights from the dealer come off at speed and just about killed the guy riding next to me so tape or beads it's what ever makes you happy IMHO.
SIRR1
07-18-2014, 12:38 PM
#20
Junior Member
Squid
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada
Posts: 7
I have been reading more and more about people using beads on their bikes with good results. I don't race so I am going to give them a try as well.
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