Tire question

[drycell]

So, I was riding down I95 last week, motoring along around 90 mph, when the rear tire blew out. That was probably the least fun thing I've ever done in my short life. I was able to keep it all together, stand up and lean towards the front tire and apply the front brakes until I could get on the shoulder. It sort of felt like riding a mechanical bull, only knowing that if you got thrown off, it'd hurt a lot more than hitting the padding they have on the floor.
Anyway, I was able to limp it home the next half a mile or so (it only took me an hour) and I got it there without damaging the wheel. Then I threw on a new tire, using the tire spoons or whatever they're called. Should I try and balance the wheel now? I've been in cars where the wheels were unbalanced and once we hit 55 or so it felt like the thing was gonna fall apart, but I had the bike up to 80 yesterday and didn't feel a thing. I read somewhere on the internet that you don't really have to balance motorcycle wheels, but I don't know if I believe that.

Thanks in advance,
Bob

[Nessism]

If you have a couple of jack stands you can do a basic balance job by supporting the axle on the stands and then slowly spinning the wheel and looking for a heavy spot. Install tire weights until there is no noticeable heavy spot. Probably not the most accurate method, but it works well enough for many of us.

[Steve]

You may find the occasional tire that needs no weights, but they should ALL be checked for balance.


On the other hand, if 'the Internet' said you don't have to, you can certainly believe that.

.

[propflux01]

Try These:

http://www.innovativebalancing.com/motorcycle.htm

[hikermikem]

Try These:

http://www.innovativebalancing.com/motorcycle.htm

Have you used these?? One of my take-offs had these inside - do they work well?? Seems like a good idea.

[propflux01]

Yes, I have used them and currently do as well with new tire. They seem to work, as the last set wore well and didnt have any vibration issues.