Sorry, I was not around this board for the previous Dyna Bead threads, but I do recall similar threads on the GL boards in the past. I bring up the GL's because that is the context in which I first heard about the beads. Those bikes are behemoths- mine is 881 lbs. - and the effects on handling and tire wear are considerable. The biggest tire related problem is cupping of the front wheels, which is often severe and can/will lead to premature replacement. Most of us have gone to the fork brace and progressive springs, but they help this situation only marginally. After replacing a Dunlop Elite III after only 9000 miles, I heard about the beads and decided to give them a try. The results were immediate and very significant: shuddering in moderate speed turns reduced tremendously,and much less tendency for wobble at any speed. After averaging probably 11,000 miles per front tire, my last set (same Dunlops) went for 18K, with cupping very mild and only discernible for the last 2500 miles or so. This was the first time I replaced a front tire because of tread wear, and not severe cupping. Talk to GL guys and you'll hear the same story over and over again. Here is a link to reviews of the Dyna Beads from Wingstuff.com, part of CycleGiant.com. 52 reviewers, and some of the most consistently high user ratings you'll see anywhere. I've seen the same on the GL boards, with the negatives coming from non-users telling you why the product is no good. Here's the link.
http://motorcycletirestore.com/pgroup_detail/28_/27738_dyna_beads_motorcycle_tire_ceramic_balancing_beads/I've also been to the Harley boards to see their take, and again the user comments are overwhelmingly positive, citing much the same effects on handling and tire wear expressed by the GL reviewers. A link to the Harley Forum:
http://www.hdforums.com/forum/general-harley-davidson-chat/400547-dyna-beads-wow.htmlWith all that success using the beads on my GL1500, when I restored my '74 550 this year I had my new tires mounted and balanced by a dealer in the conventional manner just because I erroneously thought that the beads couldn't be used in a tube tire. After about 500 miles, I didn't like the way the front end felt at high speed, and I happenend to see an online post stating that you can indeed run the beads in a tube type tire. I had some beads left over in my garage and I decided to give them a shot in the 550- 1 oz. in the front and 2 oz. in the rear tire. I now have almost 700 miles since that installation and I am once again very pleased. Yesterday I took a 130 mile ride in the mountains east of San Diego, with lots of 2 lane twisties. The bike felt solid and very smoothe all the way. Had it up to 100mph on the freeway coming home, and it did not feel at all like a 37 year old bike. Most telling for me is this tidbit. I've owned this bike for 37 years, and NEVER have I been able to take my hands off the bars at speed. That's through many different front tires, installed and balanced by a variety of mechanics. Now, as you may have surmised, I can take my hands off the bars, which totally amazed me. Truly impressive, IMHO, and must be related to better balancing of the front wheel, because nothing else has changed.
Now will come the inevitable fusillade from the naysayers, none of whom have ever used the product. Gentlemen, take your best shot, but I'll believe the seat of my pants in real life experience over anything you can muster in theoretical negativity.
