Motorcycle Wheel Balancing

Static balancing of motorcycle wheels must be done after tire fitting. When fitting tires, it's advisable to check the rim for damage and runout. If the rim is damaged or deformed, it must be repaired before balancing. For balancing, the wheel must be suspended on a horizontal, freely rotating axle. A special stand is convenient for this. Wheels are balanced with the tire inflated and the brake discs fitted. The rear wheel is sometimes also balanced with the sprocket if it is rigidly attached to the wheel (see the manual for your specific motorcycle model for exact information).

Static balancing

1) Spin the wheel. When it stops, the heaviest point of the wheel will be at the bottom (point X1).

2) Turn the wheel 90 degrees and let go. Make sure point X1 is in the same place. If it has shifted, repeat the operation several times to find the average position.

3) Fit a weight opposite the heaviest point X1. It's better to start with the smallest one and not stick it on fully, so it's easier to remove.

4) Turn the wheel 90 degrees and let go. If the weight goes back up, point X1 outweighs it, and you need to add weight. Add weights until the wheel stops moving when turned 90 degrees.

5) If the wheel stays still in various positions, remove the test weights and stick on new ones, degreasing the surface first. Ideally use weights for the center rib of the rim (for spoked wheels, spoke weights), but such weights aren't sold everywhere. It's best to stick the weights symmetrically on both sides of the rim.

6) If the wheel doesn't stay still in some positions, it's recommended to redo the balancing from scratch. The reasons may be that the wheel isn't fixed rigidly enough on the axle; the rim or tire is deformed; the tire is mounted off-center relative to the valve; the bearings are badly worn; or, if the wheel is spoked, it may have dynamic runout due to poorly tensioned spokes.

The video shows the process more clearly! The front wheel from a BMW K1100LT has a small dent, but that didn't prevent static balance. The rear wheel from a 2004 R6 is balanced with the sprocket!