Tire balancer modification?

[bobknowlton]

When I came back to BMW after years on other bikes, one thing I hated to give up was my wheel balancer. I got this on the Internet years ago and discovered I could balance a wheel much more accurately than the dealer can. It's sensitive to, like, a gram.

Trouble is, you have to have an axle to ride on the two bearings. That means it won't work with the rear wheel of the 1150RT.

Has anyone figured out an adapter or a fix for this? I guess I'm looking for a way to affix a temporary axle to the back wheel long enough to balance it.

Happy Summer Solstice, by the way.

[Djstephens]

See if these guys will sell you just the cones and rod.
No Mar (http://www.nomartirechanger.com/product/show/9)
I just bought one of their tire changers, and have bought several items from them in the past. They have always given me a good deal.

[bobknowlton]

I've just sent Seth an email asking him exactly that. Thanks!

[bmwnewviews]

Have you considered these guys? info@innovativebalancing.com

They sell bags of tiny ceramic beads that you insert into the tire cavity and they then balance the tire as you ride. I have tried them in my front tire this year and to date have no problems or vibrations.
my 2 cents

Patrick

[GSAddict]

I made my own adaptor to do the job -1/2" hardened shaft goes thru the middle.
Work great.

[bobknowlton]

GSAddict, you da man! This is what I've missed while I was in exile riding Harleys. Harley people use hammers and welding torches to make stuff. It looks like you used a CNC lathe. God, I love this forum.

I did get a response from the No-Mar guy, saying their large cone set ($64) would do the job nicely.

Your jig has waaaay better street cred, though.

[bobknowlton]

You know, I've been reading about these beads. Years ago some riders were putting cans of goo in their tires that supposedly balanced the wheels automatically. Now beads seem to have the field.

I just can't see how anything that moves around inside the tire can possibly be stable enough to accurately balance the wheel.

When I started playing around with static balancers a few years ago I was amazed at how inaccurate the dealer balancing was. When I got a new tire on one of the bikes I'd bring it home to see how well the dealer had balanced it, and found they were consistently at least a quarter-ounce off. That's easily enough to cause vibration at speed.

When I went totally OCD and balanced my wheels perfectly, the difference was immediately apparent on the road.

[JimVonBaden1]

www.marcparnes.com has an excellent adapter and balancer set-up that works with all R1100/1150/1200 wheels, and nearly any other BMW except the F650CS.

Jim :brow

[bmwmoose]

www.marcparnes.com has an excellent adapter and balancer set-up that works with all R1100/1150/1200 wheels, and nearly any other BMW except the F650CS.

Jim :brow

Hi Jim,

I like the looks of the Marc Parnes Balancer. I was wondering how much it matters how level the shaft is? I think the bearings that are used makes it a more accurate set up than the No-Mar one. Quality is very different between the M-P and the No Mar. The cost is the same, but matters if you don't have a set of jack stands. I'm planning on getting a M-P balancer in the future, that's the reason for the question about level.

[cb75076]

I bought Marc Parnes' balancer and the different cones needed, to balance wheels for a 1996 BMW R1100RT and for a 1999 Honda Nighthawk. I set them up on a set of car jacks and they work beautifully and make the job a snap. My dad always told me to use the right tool for the job, and for once, I feel like I'm doing it. I have no affiliation with Marc Parnes - I just appreciate the tool.

Jerry
NJ

[PAGoldsby]

Hi Jim,

I like the looks of the Marc Parnes Balancer. I was wondering how much it matters how level the shaft is? I think the bearings that are used makes it a more accurate set up than the No-Mar one. Quality is very different between the M-P and the No Mar. The cost is the same, but matters if you don't have a set of jack stands. I'm planning on getting a M-P balancer in the future, that's the reason for the question about level.You don't really need jack stands. Any two objects of the same height with sufficient strength and rigidity will do - a couple of milk crates, a couple of wooden chairs ... you name it. Check for level across the supports with a 4' carpenter's level (or a water level) and you're all set. A friend of mine has a Marc Parnes Wheel Balancer, and I must say that it is simply elegant in its simplicity.

[JimVonBaden1]

Hi Jim,

I like the looks of the Marc Parnes Balancer. I was wondering how much it matters how level the shaft is? I think the bearings that are used makes it a more accurate set up than the No-Mar one. Quality is very different between the M-P and the No Mar. The cost is the same, but matters if you don't have a set of jack stands. I'm planning on getting a M-P balancer in the future, that's the reason for the question about level.


A couple of degrees off wont significantly effect the ability to balance accurately.

Jim :brow

[bmwmoose]

Thanks all.