Topic: DIY tire balancing question regarding ease of tire spinning

[Kurt V]

Trying to figure out why my front end pogo's from 25-45 mph. Research indicates the tire is out of balance. So yesterday I pull the front tire to try and do a home balance. I have a wheel stand to put it on. But here is the problem. You are supposed to spin the tire, mark the top of the tire where it stops and spin again to see if stops in the same place. However, the tire, while easy to spin, doesn't freely spin like say a bicycle wheel and seems to have too much resistance to give an accurate representation of imbalance. For example, I can put an ounce of weight on a spoke at the 9 o'clock position and the wheel just hangs there.

Would loosening up the wheel bearings help with this? Thanks!

[ofreen]

You didn't mention if you removed the speedometer drive.  If not, it has to come off.  Any spacers need to be out, too.  Plus the bearings have to be in good shape.  If they are not, you can usually feel vibration in the stand while the wheel is spinning.  Another good indication of the bearing condition is that the wheel shouldn't just stop. It should rock back in the other direction.  If they are really good, it will oscillate a couple of times.  Also the bearings will turn more freely in warmer temperatures.

[ofreen]

Also, the pogoing you describe can be caused by improper fork action, namely too much stiction and lack of compliance.  This can be caused by misalignment upon reassembly.  Too heavy a fork fluid or too high a fluid level can do it too. 

[MCRider]

Most true tire balancing stands, which are often a combo with a truing stand, do not rely on the motorcycle wheel bearings, as in my mind you'll never get it done with them.

A balancing stand has high quality low resistance bearings that you set the axle on. There is no spinning required, the wheel just roates on its own.  Such stands are relatively cheap, $99 or so.

But to your problem, I agree it is usually not tire balance but an unresponsive fork. Forks become sticky with lack of maintenace (decrepit old oil, etc) and cause pogoing.

Though you have to resolve the balance issue.

[Kurt V]

Thanks guys! I left the speedometer drive on. I will remove that and see if it spins easier. I will also change out the fork oil as I suspect it has been decades since it has been changed.

[MCRider]

Thanks guys! I left the speedometer drive on. I will remove that and see if it spins easier. I will also change out the fork oil as I suspect it has been decades since it has been changed.

if its the original Japanese fish oil save it. Its very valuable to the K0 type restoration people. I've seen it go for $50 per 500cc on eBay.   

[tlbranth]

I'll go with MCrider on the balance stand observation. Wheel bearings never seem to run freely enough to pull off an accurate balance. If you're handy you can make a decent balance stand with 4 skate bearings and some 2x4's & bits of plywood.
Another pogo cause not mentioned is a possible pinched tube under the tire bead causing the tire to not seat properly.

[ofreen]

I'll go with MCrider on the balance stand observation. Wheel bearings never seem to run freely enough to pull off an accurate balance.

A completely adequate job can be done with the wheel bearings in good shape.

[Kurt V]

Well I loosened up the axle spacer nut and pulled off the speedometer drive. Put it back on the stand and wow did the wheel spin freely! Would even rotate back the other way when slowing down. Thanks for the good advice!

[ofreen]

Sounds good.

[CoachDoc]

Make it simple and easy- Dyna beads!!

[ChuckG750f1]

Make it simple and easy- Dyna beads!!

+1 They work.  Make sure you line up the "balance dot" on the tire with the stem.