Balancing wheels

[busy builder]

I had new PR4's fitted (not GT's) and have had them balanced, not a problem but the lad balancing them had some trouble.

The rear needed 95 grams on it and the front 45 grams both opposite the tyre valve. (TPI fitted)

So he spun the tyres around 180 degs and ho, only 40 grams on rear and 25 on front. The Michelins don't put a dot on their tyres unlike Bridgestone so no reference as to tyre balance (vs wheel balance).

I've never had this problem before though the fitter/balance has come across this before with Michelins.

 

[Smug]

Michelin are obviously cutting corners.

 

[Popell]

Well they did have to make a new batch for Rossi and his pals....

 

[theoneandonly]

think yourself lucky he had the brains to refit them in a different position . smart boy/man

 

[Our Gee]

Yes, good on the lad. A couple of years ago I had tyres (Conti Road Attack) fitted at a local bike workshop (not a BMW dealer). When I called to pick up my wheels I noticed that the rear didn't have any weights at all." Nah, ya don't balance shaft drive rear's mate, no need". I took my wheels home and called my BMW Dealer. "Can you get the wheel up to us". I did and it took about 40 grams to balance. Incidently. no charge . Well done Paul Sharman who sadly has since left Cooper's at Sunderland. Never been back to the other place since.

 

[stolzy]

Yes, good on the lad. A couple of years ago I had tyres (Conti Road Attack) fitted at a local bike workshop (not a BMW dealer). When I called to pick up my wheels I noticed that the rear didn't have any weights at all." Nah, ya don't balance shaft drive rear's mate, no need". I took my wheels home and called my BMW Dealer. "Can you get the wheel up to us". I did and it took about 40 grams to balance. Incidently. no charge . Well done Paul Sharman who sadly has since left Cooper's at Sunderland. Never been back to the other place since.

I've had my GS for 10 years and and an 'R' before that. Never had the wheels balanced.

Like the guy says, no need.

 

[Our Gee]

I've had my GS for 10 years and and an 'R' before that. Never had the wheels balanced.

Like the guy says, no need.

Hmmm ?

 

[busy builder]

Well this is the first time I've had mine balanced but they certainly needed balancing. It was rough at 60 but at 120 the clocks were wobbling like a wobbly thing.

 

[stolzy]

If I had a ZZR and used it appropriately then I'd probably get them balanced, but seriously, a boxer twin?

Not only do I not get mine balanced, but I don't know anyone who does.
Just get the tyre fitted correctly.

 

[Our Gee]

Appreciate your opinions Stolzy but I just can't see the point of not balancing your wheels. Infact I would go as far as far as to say that your own preference of not having wheels balanced is very much in the minority and is the first time I have heard of anyone taking this line. (Other than the tyre fitter I mentioned previously and whom I learned later didn't have a balance machine that would take the BMW rear wheel). Your comparison with a ZZR in MHO does seem irrelevant as for most vehicals the critical speed where out of balance becomes noticeable is around 70 mph which boxer twins can easily manage. Or are we missing something ?.

 

[mrjim130]

If I had a ZZR and used it appropriately then I'd probably get them balanced, but seriously, a boxer twin?

Not only do I not get mine balanced, but I don't know anyone who does.
Just get the tyre fitted correctly.

I think you must be in the minority, I've had several bikes and wheel balancing certainly makes a difference!

 

[ianboydsnr]

You would struggle to notice the back, even the front, if it's not to far off,

I never bother and have not had issues, even though we have the kit to do it at work, so it's easy and free,

And on bikes much faster than a GS,

If I ever had a problem then I would do it,

I guess that the TPM make quite a difference, so worth doing if you have them,

Many shops don't seem to be able to balance the GS with the funny big hole, but it's no different really to many car wheels


To be fair tyres are rarely far from balanced as they come,

Can't remember the last time I put a motorcycle tyre on for a customer and it be more than 20g out