The Marc Parnes Static Wheel Balancer

[Warchild]

It was approximately 5 years ago that I came across the Marc Parnes Wheel Balancer. It is an extraordinary tool that dose a fantastic job of balancing your wheels after you mount up new tires.

However, these last 4-ish years, having had ready access to a Coats tire machine & Snap-On Wheel Balancer at the shop, I've been a little lazy and forgoing the static balance routine. My Marc Parnes Wheel Balancer has been collecting dust these last few years.

But not anymore.....

It turns out that the Hayabusa rear wheel is so big, it just doesn't quite fit on the Snap-On electronic wheel balancer (another set of adapters is needed). So when mounting up fresh Avon Storms for the 2nd LD Recon run this upcoming weekend, I had to break out the Marc Parnes Wheel Balancer for the first time in a loooooong time.

Took only 14 grams to balance this beast perfectly.... not too shabby!

This is a seriously high-quality product. Even if you have a shop do the actually tire mounting job, you can use a Marc Parnes Wheel Balancer and save some coin and balance them yourself (and you'll know it's done right!)

Linky ==> https://www.marcparnes.com/Yamaha_Motorcycl...el_Balancer.htm

 

[dcarver]

WC,

I'm going to STOP reading anything you post. It cost me money.

I know the Parne's balance is the cats meow.. but I've had very good luck just sticking a chunk of all-thread through the wheel and using the wheel bearings. If on a budget, does one *really* need the MP balancer?

 

[RenoJohn]

Sure like mine, and IMO is does a better job than the fancy dynamic one at my local shop.

If on a budget, does one *really* need the MP balancer?

I think it is like do you need a set of open end / box wrenches when one crescent wrench will do the job??? Just a faster, more efficient way. I've balanced with the axle on jack stands and using the wheel bearings when in a pinch, but the bearings on the Parnes are soo good, that it makes the process so much easier and quicker ...and you have much more confidence in the result.
Just my 1/4oz worth

 

[Bluestreek]

I have found that the stock bearings do not turn free enough. The MP balancer is the dogs dangles

 

[Geezer]

That busa wheel doesn't leave much space on the balancer shaft. If anyone is thinking about buying a Parness balancer for your FJR, get the FZB shaft rather than the UNIV shaft. The FZB is longer. The busa my local dealer had was sold last week so I had to sit on a GSXR instead while my kids looked at mid-size bikes.

 

[Warchild]

The busa my local dealer had was sold last week so I had to sit on a GSXR instead while my kids looked at mid-size bikes.

I think because we've had such a FUCKED UP winter this year (31-degrees riding into work this morning - it's goddamn late April, jeeze!), that's the only reason that Desert Valley Powersports still has 2 of the new 2008 Busa's on the showroom floor (a black/orange, and the deep blue with gold wheels).

Bet they don't remain very much longer, tho... every time I walk into the store, there are always 2-3 people drooling over these last 2 new K8's.

 

[Bounce]

+1 on the Parnes stuff. Dash Dye and I went in together on the stuff needed to mount and balance tires. The Parnes gear has been great ever since.

 

[Checkswrecks]

I know the Parne's balance is the cats meow.. but I've had very good luck just sticking a chunk of all-thread through the wheel and using the wheel bearings.

I've been doing the same for years and it's worked fine. The wheel doesn't turn as freely as on cones, but give it the slightest movement in each direction and it'll stop with the heavy part down.