So still trying to sell my old scooter to help pay for the BMW

Metal Bass God

New member
Not sure if this is a big deal but a guy came to test ride my Honda Silverwing and mentioned the front tire wobbled at 65 Mph. He asked if the tires were balanced. I thought they were, when I had the local bike shop install new tires I assume they do what is needed. When I took it up to 65 I did not notice anything but a rougher ride and that is normal at higher speeds.

My question is is it common to have a shop put new tires on but not balance them? I called the shop and the said they don't have the adaptor. They referred me to Les Shwab. I got the expected response from Les Shwab, "We don't work on bikes".

And I swear that I was charges extra to balance them too but I don't have the paper work handy to look at. Maybe it stated they were not being balanced.

Not sure what to do. It seems to be a sales killer.
 

Metal Bass God

New member
SO far as I know you need specialized equipment to balance tires, stuff I don't have nor would know how to use. My question is, is it normal that bike shows will sell you tires and instal and not balance them? Is it just not a big deal? I've never heard either way.

OK So I just ran the topic through google. NO big deal unless you are doing over 50 Mph. So I am not happy about not getting a full service tire change at my local shop because now I have a problem. I did not buy a touring bike to then put new tires on it and see it's capability cut down to a 150 cc scooter. I would also imagine that it will cost me more to have it done then it would had it been done at the time it was SUPPOSED to have been done.

As for me doing it myself no way. I had the tires installed by the shop for a reason. I am no mech.
 
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TN_Sooner

Member
It really just depends on the bike shop whether they balance or not. You really have to ask and even verify by reviewing the weights before and after. Lots of folks have the attitude that you don't need to balance scooter tires. Well, thats just bunk in my book. They come from the manufacturer balanced for a reason.

I have a buddy that helps me change them and he uses a Marc Parnes balancer - comes as a kit, reasonably priced, and makes it easy to balance your own, as long as you can get the tire on and off. Even I (myself no mechanic) could do it, if I had the equipment.

Tire beads, at this point, would be a real pain in the ass, as you not only have to take the wheel off the bike, but you also have to break the tire from the wheel. I am in the camp that beads don't work anyway (not to stir that controversy - there are those that believe and those that don't - if you believe, by all means, go for it!).

Having said all of that, it is just plain stupid for a buyer (or seller) to walk away from a bike over this - negotiate a lower (SLIGHTLY) price and do the deal. If the buyer won't do it, it isn't because of a wheel balance issue. Around here (even without my buddy nearby), I would be stunned if I couldn't get someone to balance this tire for me for less than $50. Just not enough to matter when buying a bike, unless it is just the straw that breaks the camel's back because he's already loaded up with issues.

Link and excellent resource for learning more about this:

http://www.marcparnes.com

edited to add link
 

SteveADV

Active member
Even though he asked if the tires were balanced, he may have had other thoughts re: the front end. As our favorite Okie said...

......Just not enough to matter when buying a bike, unless it is just the straw that breaks the camel's back because he's already loaded up with issues......

My guess is you've done your homework and have a reasonable price on what is one of the really great scooters. It may not be a Beemer, but there should be a pretty large number of folks looking for something a little smaller. Maybe it just needs a little more time.
 

Skutorr

Active member
try installing "Ride On". it balances the wheels incredibly well without the need for external weights. It's the only thing my local dealer uses, and it seals punctures anf nail holes. Even sealed up an 8mm BOLT that I picked up in my rear tire and got me home safely!

http://www.ride-on.com/
53-1700.jpg
 

Snowdog

New member
BTW, Silverwings came with a wheel balancer , it's called the front axle. A couple of jack stands under the axle ends and you can do a pretty good job. The rear tire, I turned a 30MM shaft on the lathe for it, and would put a couple of old bearings on the ends. Balancing is very simple, just put weight on opposite the side that goes to the bottom until you can turn the tire to any location and it won't turn. If you have a problem tire, dynamic balancers can help, but, most tires are good with simple balancing. In aircraft school we learned to balance propellers with a shaft through the hub on two knife edges.
 
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