You can protect yourself and the bike when you balance its wheels before going out on the slopes. For this you must place adhesive weights on the lightest side of the wheel and thus, you can enjoy a much more stable and controllable ride on the motorcycle. All you need to get started is a wheel balancing bench.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Configure the Balancer
Step 1. Remove the wheel from the motorcycle
Hold the motorcycle firmly, use the stand for this. Loosen the nuts by turning them counterclockwise with a wrench. Set the lug nuts aside and pull on the wheel to disengage it from the motorcycle.
The stand is under the central part of the motorcycle. Read the user manual for more specific instructions on its use
Step 2. Place the balancing bench on a flat surface
You can buy a balancing bench online or at a motorcycle supply store for about $ 100. Place this tool on the floor or on a table. Choose a completely flat and stable place.
You can also find dynamic balancers. These devices test the wheel electronically. They are more expensive and are generally used in motorcycle repair shops
Step 3. Test the balancer with a leveler
Use any type of leveler you can find at a home improvement store to test the level of the balancer. Place the leveler over the balancer and secure it to the bar with masking tape if it doesn't stay in place. If the balancer is not level, move it to other locations until you find a level base.
A magnetic leveler is the best option as it sticks to the balancer bar
Step 4. Fit the wheel onto the balancer
The metal shaft on top of the balancer has 2 cones that point inward. Pull one of these cones off the shaft. Then slide the wheel onto the axle until the cone snaps onto the wheel axle.
Step 5. Put the other balancer cone back in place
Slide the other cone back onto the balancer shaft. Push it forward until it snaps and fits inside the wheel axle. The wheel should be centered on the axle and snug between the cones.
As long as the cones are wedged inside the wheel axle, the wheel will stay in place when you turn it later
Step 6. Degrease the ring with a contact cleaner
Pick up a bottle of WD-40 or another cleaner at a home improvement, auto supply, or general supply store. Dampen a dry cloth in this solution and use it to clean the ring. Remove any residue that could affect the swing test. You should always clean the wheel, as any residue can distort the roll test results.
- Although you can clean the wheel at any time, it is easier to do so after it has been placed on the balancer. This way you can easily reach all sides of the wheel and the wheel will not collect other debris prior to testing.
- Debris can also include old weights attached to the wheel. You must remove all the old weights before balancing the wheel.
- You can also use nail polish remover to remove stubborn residue like glue left over from old weights.
Part 2 of 2: Leveling the Weight of the Wheel
Step 1. Turn the wheel gently and wait for it to stop
Make the wheel spin 2-3 turns. If you apply too much force, touch the wheel with your finger to slow it down. When it comes to a complete stop, the heaviest part of the wheel will be on the bottom.
Step 2. Mark the bottom of the wheel with masking tape
Cut a small piece of masking tape. Place it at the bottom of the hoop, right in the center. Glue the tape to mark the lowest point of the wheel.
You can also mark this point with chalk. Mark this point with a small line on the tire
Step 3. Glue a wheel weight to the top end of the hoop
Buy some adhesive wheel weights from a tire store. The highest point on the wheel, opposite the one you marked earlier, is the lightest part. Place the weight directly on the hoop, instead of removing the adhesive backing, secure it with masking tape.
- Wheel weights generally come in 0.5 g (0.18 oz) and 10 g (0.35 oz) sizes.
- Non-self adhesive wheel weights snap around the spokes and are secured with screws. These are less likely to come loose, but are more expensive.
Step 4. Spin the wheel again
Turn the wheel gently until the side with the tape and the side with the weight are to the right and left. Then let go of the wheel and wait for it to stop. The heaviest part will be on the base again.
Step 5. Add more weights to balance the wheel
Add weights to the lightest part of the wheel, which will always stay on top. If the part with the attached weight is facing up again, it means that it is still very light. If the part with the weight is going down, it means that it is very heavy and you will have to remove weight.
Clean the wheel to remove any remaining adhesive if necessary
Step 6. Stop adding weight when the wheel stops rolling on its own
Turn the wheel to test it until the heavy side and the light side are on the right and left again. When the wheel is balanced, it will stop rolling. The heavy side will not go down to the base. Test the wheel a few more times to make sure it's balanced.
You can move the side with the tape to different positions and then release it to test the wheel. You can also gently rotate it so that it goes around 2 or 3 times, the heavier side will not stay on the base again
Step 7. Secure the weights in place before installing the wheel
Turn the heavier side down again. Remove the protection from the stickers on the weights and press them onto the hoop. They should fit inside the rim, just before the spokes. Install the wheel back on the motorcycle and enjoy the ride.
If you are going to use the more expensive spoke weights, you will need to have them already installed on the wheel. Fit them around the spokes, then thread the screws into the hole on the back to secure them in place
Advice
- Perfect balancing is very difficult as weights are only available in a few sizes. You should balance the wheel as evenly as you can, but don't worry if it's a little uneven.
- Tire stores and auto repair shops can balance wheels for a low price.