Riding a motorcycle is one of the best adventures in life. The independence, adrenaline rush, and the surroundings are all that it takes to experience that one perfect ride. In short, motorcycle riding is the bond between you and your favorite bike and the countless memories created throughout the journey.
Thus, in order to achieve this beautiful moment, a rider must be cautious and careful when it comes to the selection and maintenance of your bike and equipment. Often, during a journey, bikers tend to experience wiggly tires, which hinder the experience.
Therefore, to avoid any inconveniences caused to the rider, it is important to learn how to balance a motorcycle tire, for a picturesque and memorable journey.
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Effects Of An Unbalanced Tire
Before understanding the simple steps to fix your unbalanced wheel, it is important to first take a look and analyze whether your wheel is actually unbalanced. Below are a few signs that any rider can feel and notice to determine whether their wheel is unbalanced.
Firstly, the biggest sight is vibrations. If your wheel is out of proportion, then the major impact would be felt through vibrations. Try driving at a moderate speed, and see if you can notice a loose, wobbly turning. A rule of thumb is that the louder the vibrations, the more unbalanced the wheel is.
Many people often wonder what the significance of having balanced tires on your bike is. Well, an unbalanced tire leads to an excess amount of vibrations, which may damage other parts of the bike. A classic example is that due to the rigorous vibrations, the nuts and bolts of certain areas of the bike may loosen, causing damage to your motorcycle.
Static Balancer Technique
To learn how to balance a motorcycle tire, it is crucial to understand the functions of a static balancer. The main advantage of static balancers is that they are portable, meaning bikers can align their wheels anywhere and everywhere. Further, they are inexpensive, which in turn allows them to ignore the professional tire changers, saving extra costs.
Steps To Balance A Motorcycle Tire
In order to learn how to balance a motorcycle tire, try following these simple tips and tricks to ensure your wheel is perfectly fitted without any barriers.
Step 1. Detach The Original Weights Of The Tire
The first step to learn how to balance a motorcycle tire is to remove or detach any existing weights from the actual tire. After this, you will be left with the tire. A helpful hack to remove the weight is to use a flat screwdriver, and gently pull it apart. In case of any leftover residue or grease, use a motorcycle cleaner to remove it from the tire.
Step 2. Emplace Your Wheel On Your Wheel Balancer
The next step for learning how to balance a motorcycle tire is to mount your wheel onto your static wheel balancer. Moreover, to achieve this, you must first dismantle one of the many center cones present in the wheel axle. Then, put the axle through the middle of your wheel. Next, fasten the center cone back on to the wheel, and ensure that it is fitted properly and leveled.
Step 3. Spin The Wheel
Now that your wheel is positioned on the balancer, the next step is for you to rotate the wheel moderately and gently. A rule of thumb is to apply an ample amount of force so that the wheel can spin a total of 3 to 4 revolutions. In case you apply too much force, apply a little pressure with your fingers to slow it down.
Step 4. Mark The First Position
After you spin the wheel, wait for it to stop completely. Then, take a fragment of chalk and make an impression near the heaviest part of the tire. An easier way to identify this is to search for the lowest or bottom part of the wheel. Name this point as A or 1. This is used as an indicator.
Step 5. Insert Weight
Once you have marked your point A, mark the lightest point, and label it as Point B or 2. Now, purchase a 10-gram weight from any bike or car mechanic, and insert it on the flat surface of the tire at the second point marked, i.e, Point B. Adhere it with tape, as you may require it be removed, or add additional weights.
Step 6. Proper Positioning
Now that you have inserted your weight at the marked Point B, the following step is to position your wheel at a 3 o’clock position. In simpler terms, identify point A, and set it horizontally. Then, let go of the wheel. If you notice that the point B is at the top, this is an indicator for you to increase your weight. A helpful tip is to add one more 10-gram weight and repeat this process.
On the contrary, if the marked point B faces the bottom, then this is a sign for you to decrease the inserted weight. Overall, your main goal is to create an equilibrium in terms of weight.
Step 7. Aim For A Perfect Balance
In order to balance your motorcycle tire, take a look at the 3 o’clock set position of Point A, and ensure it does not shift. Afterward, rotate the wheel for a maximum of 2 to 3 revolutions.
Once the wheel stops, the major difference is that point A is positioned at a different point as compared to the original, marked point.
Step 8. Add The Original Weight
The last and final step of learning how to balance your motorcycle tire is to detach the weights and attach the original weights. However, it is important to remove and clean point B to ensure no external residue is present. Then, using a strong adhesive, secure the wheel’s original weight using a hammer for a sturdy fix.
Conclusion
Overall, follow these simple 8 steps to master the skill of how to balance a motorcycle tire anywhere and everywhere. Through this, you are assured of a comfortable, mesmerizing ride.