F8GS tire balancing question

Steveman · 01-04-2013, 10:32 AM

I never balance the knobbies I use on my KTM EXC (w. rimlocks) or on my Honda XR650R (w/o rim locks) but I thought it may be a good idea to balance the fron tire of the F8 (TKC 80) so 20 grams did the job. I did not balance the rear TKC (150/70/17) and for me everything was fine till a mechanic from the nearby garage stopped by. He said I will run into trouble. I said I did not balance the Michelin Anakee and it was fine, same with K60. He meant that this was pure luck and happened by sheer chance and the TKC will cause wobbles and so on...

I admit I am a bit worried now. What do u think?

Thanks Steve

runnin4melife · 01-04-2013, 10:40 AM

I balance my front and rear, if you have a balance throw it on there and see what how far out of balance you are. It may not be a huge problem, but it also maybe a nuisance.

Bayner · 01-04-2013, 10:52 AM

Out of balance won't cause a wobble, but you may feel some vibration at certain speeds that you wouldn't notice if the tire was balanced. Non balanced tires are harder on suspension parts as the suspension is forced to absorb extra motion. They will also sometimes wear unevenly or quicker than the same tire (balanced).

RobbieO · 01-04-2013, 01:24 PM

Loutre · 01-04-2013, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobbieO

isn't that a kit to brew some beer?

Oz_Gordo · 01-04-2013, 03:24 PM

You can also run tyre seal, slime or similar goop as a preventative. They will act the same as Dynamic Beads.

Steveman · 01-04-2013, 03:37 PM

0K guys. I will go and take that fookin wheel out again.
Thank you.
Steve

TowPro · 01-04-2013, 05:15 PM

I mount mine then put the tire on the balancer before I put any air in them. I leave the tube nut a couple turns loose. If the balance is real bad I spin the tire on the rim until I find the best balance spot. Once I find spot, I turn the tire just a little more, then back to the sweet spot so the valve stem sticks out straight.

When I air them up I leave the core out. Fill the tube with air until bead seats, then let all the air out so the inner-tube can relax and find its comfertable position, then put the core in, fill it again and set the pressure.

All my dirt bike days cause me to leave the valve stem nut several turns loose so I can see if the tire is moving on the rim (valve stem will no longer be straight). if you tighten the nut and the tire spins on the rim, you will rip the valve stem out of the tube (and you end up walking).

ScienceOfDirt · 01-04-2013, 06:39 PM

I balance the rim with a loosely inflated HD tube on it. Then I put the tire on, and do what TowPro does to get it as close to balance as possible, but I don't add anymore weight. I mark where the valve is, so I can get it back in place when I get a flat.

Reaver · 01-04-2013, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScienceOfDirt

I balance the rim with a loosely inflated HD tube on it.

Uh, I thought Pirate bikes were tubeless?

Do knobby tires have the red dot at the light spot like most tires? My TKC's did but others too? That goes a long way in getting a low lead balance. Course the RDC sensors on the other bikes tend to need lots.

Steveman · 01-05-2013, 05:57 AM

Done. Balanced the rear wheel with 20 grams. Not sure if I'd feel a difference. However, knowing that everything is OK is fine for me

01-04-2013, 10:32 AM	#1
Steveman ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Sep 2011 Location: Austria Oddometer: 470	F8GS tire balancing question I never balance the knobbies I use on my KTM EXC (w. rimlocks) or on my Honda XR650R (w/o rim locks) but I thought it may be a good idea to balance the fron tire of the F8 (TKC 80) so 20 grams did the job. I did not balance the rear TKC (150/70/17) and for me everything was fine till a mechanic from the nearby garage stopped by. He said I will run into trouble. I said I did not balance the Michelin Anakee and it was fine, same with K60. He meant that this was pure luck and happened by sheer chance and the TKC will cause wobbles and so on... I admit I am a bit worried now. What do u think? Thanks Steve

01-04-2013, 01:24 PM	#4
RobbieO Muskokatard Joined: Mar 2007 Location: Dumpmere - Muskoka Oddometer: 3,987	__________________ "Now this is the shit!" Drcool I can no longer wheelie..

01-04-2013, 03:24 PM	#6
Oz_Gordo Adventurer Joined: Dec 2011 Location: Adelaide, South Australia Oddometer: 26	Tyre Seal or Slime You can also run tyre seal, slime or similar goop as a preventative. They will act the same as Dynamic Beads.

01-04-2013, 05:15 PM	#8
TowPro I want to ride Joined: Aug 2009 Location: Compass PA Oddometer: 1,787	I mount mine then put the tire on the balancer before I put any air in them. I leave the tube nut a couple turns loose. If the balance is real bad I spin the tire on the rim until I find the best balance spot. Once I find spot, I turn the tire just a little more, then back to the sweet spot so the valve stem sticks out straight. When I air them up I leave the core out. Fill the tube with air until bead seats, then let all the air out so the inner-tube can relax and find its comfertable position, then put the core in, fill it again and set the pressure. All my dirt bike days cause me to leave the valve stem nut several turns loose so I can see if the tire is moving on the rim (valve stem will no longer be straight). if you tighten the nut and the tire spins on the rim, you will rip the valve stem out of the tube (and you end up walking). __________________ 2010 F800GS Stone Road Touring bike!

01-04-2013, 06:39 PM	#9
ScienceOfDirt U-Boat Rider Joined: May 2010 Location: Snowbelt/Rustbelt of Northeast Ohio Oddometer: 1,495	I balance the rim with a loosely inflated HD tube on it. Then I put the tire on, and do what TowPro does to get it as close to balance as possible, but I don't add anymore weight. I mark where the valve is, so I can get it back in place when I get a flat. __________________ Friend: That was some trail shortcut. Me: Yep. See how fast we got lost.

01-04-2013, 10:40 AM	#2
runnin4melife Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2012 Location: Maryland Oddometer: 491	I balance my front and rear, if you have a balance throw it on there and see what how far out of balance you are. It may not be a huge problem, but it also maybe a nuisance.

01-04-2013, 10:52 AM	#3
Bayner Beastly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2008 Location: Penticton, BC Oddometer: 1,245	Out of balance won't cause a wobble, but you may feel some vibration at certain speeds that you wouldn't notice if the tire was balanced. Non balanced tires are harder on suspension parts as the suspension is forced to absorb extra motion. They will also sometimes wear unevenly or quicker than the same tire (balanced).

01-04-2013, 03:37 PM	#7
Steveman ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Sep 2011 Location: Austria Oddometer: 470	0K guys. I will go and take that fookin wheel out again. Thank you. Steve

01-05-2013, 05:57 AM	#11
Steveman ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Sep 2011 Location: Austria Oddometer: 470	Done. Balanced the rear wheel with 20 grams. Not sure if I'd feel a difference. However, knowing that everything is OK is fine for me

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