1. Remove the wheel as described in this chapter.
2. Make sure the valve stem and the valve cap are
tight.
3. Mount the wheel on a stand such as the one
shown in
Figure 47
so it can rotate freely.
4. Check the wheel runout as described in this
chapter. Do not try to balance a wheel with exces-
sive runout.
5. Remove any balance weights mounted on the
wheel.
6. Give the wheel a spin and let it coast to a stop.
Mark the tire at the highest point (12 o’clock). This
is the wheel’s lightest point.
7. Spin the wheel several more times. If the wheel
keeps coming to rest at the same point, it is out of
balance. If the wheel stops at different points each
time, the wheel is balanced.
NOTE
Adhesive test weights are available
from motorcycle dealerships. These
are adhesive backed weights that can
be cut to the desired length and at
tached directly to the rim.
8. Loosely attach a balance weight (or tape a test
weight) at the upper or light side (12 o’clock) of the
wheel.
9. Rotate the wheel 1/4 turn (3 o’clock). Release
the wheel and observe the following:
a. If the wheel does not rotate (if it stays at the 3
o’clock position), the correct balance weight
was installed. The wheel is balanced.
b. If the wheel rotates and the weighted portion
goes up, replace the weight with the next
heavier size.
c. If the wheel rotates and the weighted portion
goes down, replace the weight with the next
lighter size.
d. Repeat this step until the wheel remains at rest
after being rotated 1/4 turn. Rotate the wheel
WHEEL AND TIRES
299
10
45
46
47
RADIAL ADJUSTMENT
Tighten
(high point)
Hub
Centerline
Loosen
(low point)
Valve stem
Rim
Balance mark
Inspection
stand