Need Tire Balancer Advice

[Briano]

Hey everyone,

My dad and I have decided to buy a tire changer and balancer. We got the Harbour Freight Changer, and are now looking for a Tire Balancer. I've heard nothing but good about the Marc Parnes Unit. We saw a No-Mar Balancer at a recent BMW Rally, and it looks to be a solid piece of equipment, but I don't know if it will work for both my FJR and Dad's Beemer. I've also heard about beemerbalancer.com, but their websight leaves too many unanswered questions, ie what adapters are needed...will it work for both bikes, etc. My question(s) is/are what kind of balancers do you home tire changers use?.....are you happy with it?....would you get a different one if you had to do it all over again? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I've sent emails to both No-Mar and beemerbalancer asking fittment questions, but have gotten no responces.

Thanks,

Brian

 

[Rogue]

Check out this page: https://www.largiader.com/balancer/

 

[Chrisk7]

I just use the axel through the wheel supported by two pieces of sheet metal on end screwed to a couple of saw horses.

The idea is to let the axel roll on the edge of the sheet metal or aluminum for minimum friction or bearing surface drag.

Just make sure the two pieces of metal are level. Seems to work great.

 

[FJRay]

i have a machine shop at home so i build what i need. i know that doesn't help you but it sure helps me. the marc parnes unit is good.

 

[RTSR1/FJR]

Make your own. Some drill rod, 2 precision bearings, and some 1-1/4" PVC and your in there! Served me well for 10 yrs. of racing and now the occasional tire change at home.

 

[smitty141]

I have a Nomar tire changer, and a Parn's balancer. I prefer the Parns unit. If you order one from Marc, I would get the longer axle. It might be a few bucks extra, and you will need the BMW cone. The BMW cone is I think $25. and you will have everything you need. You can use 2 jackstands or make a jig to set the balancer on. PM me If I can be of help. Smitty

 

[tsitalon1]

Make your own. Some drill rod, 2 precision bearings, and some 1-1/4" PVC and your in there! Served me well for 10 yrs. of racing and now the occasional tire change at home.

I like this alot. Where did you get the drill rod and what diameter is it?

James

 

[RTSR1/FJR]

Make your own. Some drill rod, 2 precision bearings, and some 1-1/4" PVC and your in there! Served me well for 10 yrs. of racing and now the occasional tire change at home.

I like this alot. Where did you get the drill rod and what diameter is it?

James

Any machine shop or order it online. Do a search and that should turn up something. Try this. Cut it in half and sell or save the other.

https://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMPXNO=1875701&PMT4NO=0

I've since modified mine with a cap and some 1/4" alum. angle and 2ea. 1.00" edger bearings on ea. leg for the drill rod to ride on. I might have 25-30 bucks in it.

 

[SmokeWagon]

Keep your balancer calibrated. Helps Ya, get through it. :cap:

 

[fretbender]

I just ordered the Marc Parnes balancer myself after he took the time to speak with me on his cell phone. . .nice guy. Much better service than MOUNTAIN MOTOR SPORTS in OROFINO, IDAHO who, I just found out tonight, will no longer mount tires if they aren't purchased at their shop (at about 180% fair market value) due to "internal issues". (aka ~ greed)

Ba$#ard$!!!

I told the lady on the phone that the business they would lose due to this policy would not be limited to just tire swaps, but ALL of my business. She replied that if I felt that strongly about it then they could do it for me but. . .wait for it. . .it would take a couple of weeks. . .AND they would charge me the hourly rate. . .AND she had no idea how long it would take. <_<

Can anybody say kiss my A$$?

They just made it economical for me to do this myself and charge my buddies a 6 pack of beer (or nothing if I'm in a good mood) for the pleasure of mounting their tires.

 

[jjsC6]

Years ago I did my own tire changes just using basic tire irons and rim protectors. It's been 20 years. Can this still be done with todays tires and wheels? I never even balanced them back then - any idea how critical that really is on a motorcycle?

Thanks