How to Balance Motorcycle Tires: Techniques and Tips

For the record, in 45 plus years and hundreds of tires mounted by hand on my personal bikes, I have never balanced a tire. However, due to the nature of riding older bikes like Harley Davidsons, Guzzis, and airhead BMWs, which don't typically require precise tire balancing, the process can sometimes be bypassed. Nonetheless, understanding the process of balancing your motorcycle tires can significantly improve your driving experience, handling, and overall safety.

Understanding Wheel Balance

For those who need to balance their motorcycle tires, it's important to understand the mechanics behind wheel balance. It's not just about the tire, but the wheel assembly as a whole. When you balance a tire, you are essentially ensuring that the weight of the wheel and tire are evenly distributed, reducing vibrations and wear.

The Importance of Proper Balance

Imbalanced tires can lead to a rough ride, excessive wear and tear on the tire, and even safety concerns. If not addressed, unbalanced tires can cause wear on the brake pads and rotors, leading to reduced braking performance. Properly balanced tires can help improve fuel efficiency and extend the life of your motorcycle.

Basic Techniques for Balancing Motorcycle Tires

In most cases, you need to take the whole wheel assembly off the motorcycle to balance the tire. For this, you will need a balancing stand, which typically consists of two uprights with two roller bearings at the top. A spindle is inserted through the axle hole and tightened using conical sliders to ensure the center of the axle hole aligns with the center of the spindle. Once the spindle is in place, the wheel is placed on the bearings and spun to identify the heaviest point.

Once the heavy spot is identified, you can add wheel weights to balance it out. These weights are placed opposite the heavy side of the wheel and remain there until the wheel stops rotating from any starting position. Then, the weights are removed from the tape and attached directly to the wheel where you originally placed them.

Practical Advice for Balancing Your Motorcycle Tires

Performing this process correctly is crucial. It's not a one-and-done task; regular checks are necessary to ensure your tires remain balanced. Many experienced mechanics recommend performing a tire balance check every 5,000 miles or sooner if you notice any unusual vibrations while riding. This ensures that your tire is always in optimal condition, providing both performance and longevity.

Conclusion

While balancing a motorcycle tire is a bit more complex than simply balancing a car tire, following the steps outlined above can help you achieve a balanced ride. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a beginner, taking the time to ensure your tires are balanced is an important part of maintaining your motorcycle's performance and safety.

If you are unsure about the process, or if your motorcycle is more sensitive to balance issues, consider taking your motorcycle to a professional mechanic. They can provide the necessary expertise and equipment to ensure your tires are balanced perfectly.