K11 Owners Group

[Flying Duck]

Warning: This is a long read but may be of interest to some people.

After getting several flats this year I decided to break down and finally start doing my own tire changes. One thing I looked into was balancing.

When I first read up on Dynabeads I got the impression they were snake oil because it's somewhat counterintuitive to think that throwing some magic beads inside your tire will balance it.

So I decided to poke around and read numerous posts about Dynabeads in all sorts of forums. Just about everyone who has actually tried either reports good results and extended, more even tire wear or, worst case, no change but the vast majority of users of them are believers. There's also quite a few shops out there that recommend (and of course sell) them.

There are, of course, naysayers with arguments like "If they're so great then why don't manufacturers use them?" "I've been a mechanic for 20 years and the way we've always done it is fine." "It's physically impossible because /insert reason here./" Interestingly, none of these people seemed to have actually tried an automatic dynamic balancing(ADB) product like Dynabeads or Ride-On.

After reading so many positive reviews I came to the conclusion that there's some real physics to ADB because quite a few users reported noticeable vibrations going away when using Dynabeads and it's hard to write off testimonials like that to a placebo effect.

My next objective was to get a physical understanding of what was going on to satisfy the engineer in me. I found a couple of YouTube clips that show ADB in action.

Here's a demonstration of a truck wheel balancing product that conceptually applies the same physics:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-XHfrIGvoI

Here's a demo of Dynabeads in a plastic bottle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq263AYgyYg

In addition to how ADB is used in a variety of different trucking tire applications (like Equal and XactBalance) I found that it's used in other applications as well:

- Tires on US Air Force jets.

- Keeping industrial fans balanced between cleanings. The fan blades pick up dirt and get out of balance between cleanings so ADB is used to keep the fan assembly in balance as it collects dirt. There's some other industrial applications as well.

- Most modern washing machines have a ring of liquid around the tub to compensate for unbalanced loads.

Anyhow, the bottom line for me is that ADB is not some form of snake oil.

If you want to get deep into the math and physics of it:
http://rsta.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/366/1866/705.full.pdf

So, now that I've decided that ADB is real, what product to use? Here's the options I've found:

- The cheapest way to get ADB is to add antifreeze to your tires and I saw several mentions of that on car forums. Antifreeze is good because it doesn't freeze and doesn't break down. BUT, this is NOT suited to motorcycle use because if you get a puncture then you're pissing slippery liquid on your tire tread. But I thought I'd mention it anyhow though because it's another implementation of ADB in vehicle tires.

- Dynabeads: Little ceramic beads that roll around in your tires.
http://www.innovativebalancing.com/motorcycle.htm

- Ride-On Tire Protection System: This is a liquid which also serves an as automatic sealant for punctures.
http://www.ride-on.com/motorcycle-formula-mot.html

- Several guys over on ADV have had good luck using 0.12 gram Airsoft pellets.

I think all of these have some common pros:

1) You don't need a static or dynamic balancer and those damned wheel weights that leave adhesive crap on your wheels.

2) Dynamic balancing for the life of the tire as opposed to using wheel weights which only truly balance the wheel/tire assembly when it's mounted. Aside from the fact that ADB products keep your tires in balance as they wear this should also improve (reduce) tire wear for longer tire life.

3) Easy for the DIYer.

They all have some common cons too:

1) Some tire manufacturers will void your warranty if you use these products. I'm not sure why other than it's another out for them financially. I've seen no posts where anyone claimed that an ADB product ruined their tire. Personally, given the level of quality of tires today this isn't a big concern to me. Also note that Dynabeads or Airsoft pellets can be poured out and leave no trace and Ride-On simply washes out with water so how would they know anyhow?

Specific pros and cons:

Dynabeads

Pros:

1) Can be re-used if you're careful unmounting your ties.

Cons:

1) A little pricey for what you get IMO.

2) I suppose it could get messy if you're not careful revmoing the tire.

3) It's pretty rare but these are small enough to get caught in the end of the valve core when you're refilling and leave the valve stuck open so your tire completely deflates.


(Image borrowed from MOA forum.)

This isn't the end of the world but it'd probably be a good idea to have a valve core remover in your tool kit just in case to rectify the situation. The company that makes Dynabeads also sells "filtered" valve cores that eliminate the risk of this occurring.

4) Since they're little balls rolling around they will come to rest at the bottom of the tire at every stop and your wheel isn't actually balanced again until the wheel gets spun up but at lower speeds balancing isn't that critical and most tire wear occurs at higher speeds anyhow. It's only 1 ounce in the front and 2 in the back and none of the reviews I read indicated they felt anything off at lower speeds.

5) If the air from a compressor has a high degree of humidity, these can supposedly bunch up. Not sure how much of an issue that really is though.


Airsoft 0.12 gram pellets: (most of the posts I read guys were using 1 ounce in the front and 2oz in the rear - similar to Dynabeads)

Pros:

1) Readily available and inexpensive. (I bought 1000 (about 4 ounces - there's 236/ounce) for $4.75 shipped on eBay.)

Cons:

1) Unlike Ride-On and Dynabeads which can be added by removing the valve core, these are larger so you need to install them prior to setting the bead.


Ride-On TPS:

Pros:

1) Easy to install. You just remove the valve core and squirt it in.

2) Seals punctures up to 1/4" diameter. (Only in the middle third of the tire since it's a liquid.)

3) Fairly clean. It's a "green" liquid that washes out with water.

4) Not as "dynamic" as Dynabeads so doesn't collect at the bottom of the tire on every stop. (Though I'm not conivnced that's really an issue with Dynabeads for reasons already discussed.)

5) Since it's also a sealant it reduces the little bit of air you lose over time.


Cons:

1) The most expensive alternative.

2) If the bike sits for an extended period then you need to ride 3-5 miles to get it properly redistributed when the tire warms up. (You also need to do this when it's initially installed.)

Conclusion

Since I generally ride my RS and LT on longer rides and had 3 flat tires on the LT last year, I plan to try Ride-On on those bikes. Since I use my K75 for running errands and around town stuff I plan to try some Airsoft pellets on that bike.

JMHO.

YMMV.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

[whyoldbill]

Excellent info, Duck. Thanks for posting it.
Now you've got my curiosity aroused. I'm wondering about that Ride-On TPS goo and cold weather riding.
I do a lot of riding in cooler to cold weather. I'm thinking that wouldn't be the best option for those conditions as the tires probably don't warm up enough to allow the goo to redistribute.
Does anyone have any real experience with this stuff in cold weather?
_________________
'02 - GL1800


The desired effect is what you get when you improve your interplanetary funksmanship - George Clinton

[Flying Duck]

Why not email them and ask?
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

[Jim]

Once the Ride On is in the tire, it tends to stay put. I don't know exactly how long it takes it to ooze back to the bottom of the tire - or if it does. It seems to sort of stay in place - at least a couple of months.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

[drikko]

Have been using steel airgun pellets in my tyres for a while now FD. I have to get the tyre repair people to put them back in every time!

BTW before balancing tyres become fairly easy ie in the early 1900's this was how they balanced tyres all the time.
_________________
K1100RS '97
Laverda RGS 1000 '84
Jim Young Trailer Sailer 5.7M WB

DISCLAIMER:- Anything I say may have been when I was drunk so please don't take it personally.

'Bigamy is having one wife/husband too many. Monogamy is the same.'
Oscar Wilde

[lee richter]

For what ever it is worth, I have 4256 mile on Dyna Beads. Military aircraft have been using similar product since the late 60s. Not new technology. I had an issue with the front tire on the K1100Lt in that at just over 45 and up to about 60 I had what felt like a vibration. I had this tire Balanced by the "Pros" four times and tried it myself more times than I can remember. For me this was a range that I did a lot of riding. After I installed these little balls in my front tire the difference was imediate. I woud like to try one of the sealing liquides. But I really hate to screw with something that works. The cost, in my opinion is not the big issue, what is the cost of premature tire failure.
_________________
Lee Richter
Orlando, FL
I like flying, HIGH or low, Wings or Not
182 Texas Tail Dragger
'39 J3 Cub
2000 HD Soft Tail Sold
2002 R1150R
1994 K1100LT

[Stoked Steve]

I've been using Dyna Beads for about 8 months now, since I mounted a new RP2 front tire. Previously I have not been able to "balance" my tires having them mounted by independent shops that don't have the special BMW adaptor for thier machines. I put Dyna beads in both tires, the rear already having about 4k on it.

I noticed a definite improvement in smoothness in running, although the previously "unbalanced" tires rode just fine enough.

Just yesterday I was humming along the freeway at about 65 mph and was able to take both hands off the grips (briefly) and she was smooth as silk.

I'm sold on them and will continue to use them in the future.
_________________
Steve
Virginia Beach, VA
93 K1100RS Mystic Red SOLD
12 Suzuki DL650A VStrom

[RAL88]

have you seen this video?

http://www.evolutioncycles.com/dynabeads.htm
_________________
Rich

"If it ain't broke, take it apart and make it work better"
*************
'96' K1100LT-SE
'97' R850GS-R

[RAL88]

Take a look at this.

http://wingstuff.com/pgroup_detail/29204_Centramatic_GL1800_Wheel_Balancers_click_to_see
_________________
Rich

"If it ain't broke, take it apart and make it work better"
*************
'96' K1100LT-SE
'97' R850GS-R

[Jim]

[Jim]

Just don't try to use Dynabeads and RideOn together...
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

[drikko]

[rkildu]

I've been running DynaBeads for a few years and really like them. They may be a bit expensive, as someone mentioned, by they are reusable so the expense goes down over time.

Another plus, I had two punctures on my back tire. Two seperate occasions. I was able to plug with my Stop-N-Go plugger and continue on. The first time I had the tire internally pluggged/patched. The second time I replaced the tire. At no time did the DynaBeads cause any problem with the plugs or patches. I was just short of 10K miles on the tires when I replaced them and still had a fair amount of tread remaining.
_________________
Rod Kilduff
97 K1100LT HighLine
82 R100Lufty