Motorcycle wheel balancing – when is it necessary and how should a motorcycle be prepared for service?
Changing a motorcycle tyre is not the end of the job. The wheel still needs to be properly balanced, because even a small difference can show up while riding – through handlebar vibrations, wheel wobble, or faster tyre wear.
In this article, you will learn, among other things, when motorcycle wheel balancing is needed, how to spot a poorly balanced wheel, and what to check when inspecting a motorcycle tyre.
But first, let us answer one question…
What are the signs of a poorly balanced motorcycle wheel?
A poorly balanced wheel usually makes itself known quite quickly. The most common signs are:
- Handlebar vibrations
Especially at a certain speed. The motorcycle starts to feel unsteady in your hands, and the ride becomes less confident.
- Uneven wheel operation at higher speed
The wheel does not spin as smoothly as it should. You may feel slight bouncing or vibrations.
- Faster tyre wear
The tyre may wear unevenly because the wheel is not working evenly on the road. The result? The tyre needs replacing sooner.
But the points above are not the only reason to balance a wheel. So let us consider…
When should a motorcycle wheel be balanced?
It is worth balancing a motorcycle wheel whenever any work has been done on it or when the motorcycle starts behaving differently on the road.
When exactly?
- After changing the tyre
A new tyre has a different weight and often sits differently on the rim. On a motorcycle, you notice these things faster than in a car – especially at higher speeds.
- After a tyre repair
It is also worth checking the balance after repairing a tyre. A patch, plug, removal, and refitting can slightly change how the wheel behaves.
- When the motorcycle starts vibrating
The customer says that “something is wobbling,” “the handlebars are shaking,” or the motorcycle does not ride as smoothly as before? Start with the wheel. It is worth checking the tyre, rim, valve, and the balance itself before you start looking deeper for the problem.
- After a hard impact
After a hard hit into a pothole or curb, it is not enough to check whether the tyre is holding air.
It is worth inspecting the tyre, rim, and balance. Sometimes the problem only shows up while riding, when the wheel starts working under load.
Now we know when and why balancing is worth doing. What comes next?
Prepare the motorcycle for wheel balancing!
With a motorcycle, there is no room for “it is standing somehow” – especially when you are loosening the axle or taking the load off the wheel.
Position the motorcycle securely before you start
Place the motorcycle on a flat, hard surface. It needs to stand firmly, so you do not end up trying to catch it halfway through the job.
Lift the front or rear wheel
Lift the wheel you are working on. For the rear wheel, a rear motorcycle stand will come in handy, and for the front wheel – a front motorcycle stand.
If, apart from the wheel, you are also working on the chain, underbody, or simply want easier access to the motorcycle, you can use the REDATS LS-520 motorcycle lift. For heavier motorcycles, scooters, or quads, the REDATS LS-570 motorcycle and ATV lift will be a better choice.
Check the condition of the tyre, rim, and valve
Before balancing, check the basics:
- whether the tyre has any cracks, bulges, or embedded objects,
- whether the rim is bent or damaged,
- whether the valve is holding air.
Alright, but what is the actual difference between a stand and a lift? Let us explain.
Motorcycle stand or motorcycle lift – what should you use when working on wheels?
We already mentioned this when talking about preparing the motorcycle for balancing. But it is worth expanding on, because the choice between a stand and a lift depends on exactly what kind of work you are doing on the bike.
| Situation | What to choose? | Why? |
| You want to remove the front or rear wheel | Motorcycle stand | It is enough for typical work on one wheel. You can position the motorcycle quickly and get access to the axle and the wheel. |
| You are doing basic tyre service | Motorcycle stand | A good option when you do not need to lift the whole motorcycle, only take the load off a specific wheel. |
| You are working on the chain | Motorcycle stand or lift | For chain service alone, a stand is often enough. If you want more space around the motorcycle, a lift will be more convenient. |
| You are doing broader service work on the motorcycle | Motorcycle lift | It works better when, apart from the wheel, you are also working on the underside of the motorcycle, the frame, or other parts. |
| You are working on a heavier motorcycle, scooter, or ATV | Motorcycle lift | It gives you more secure support and more comfortable work with heavier machines. |
| You want better access from several sides | Motorcycle lift | The motorcycle stands higher, so it is easier to get to from different sides. |
What does motorcycle wheel balancing look like?
Now it is time for the main part – the balancing itself. In practice, the goal is to find the “heavy spot” on the wheel and then correct that difference with wheel weights.
In short, the wheel goes onto the balancer, it spins, and the machine shows where and how much weight needs to be added. This allows the wheel to run evenly, without wobble and without unnecessary handlebar vibrations.With motorcycle wheels, proper mounting also matters. This is where a motorcycle wheel balancing adapter matched to the balancer comes in handy. It helps keep the wheel securely in place on the machine and prevents play.
In the REDATS range, you will find balancing adapters for motorcycle wheels, scooters, and other two-wheelers, designed for selected REDATS wheel balancer models.
What is worth checking on a motorcycle tyre?
Balancing is one thing, but since the motorcycle is already in your car service anyway, it is worth taking a look at the whole tyre right away. It is a simple check, and it can help catch a problem before the customer comes back with a complaint.
- Tyre pressure
Pressure that is too low or too high quickly affects how the motorcycle handles, its grip, and tyre wear. It is best to check it when the tyre is cold.
- Tread depth
If the tread is badly worn or wearing unevenly, balancing alone will not solve the problem. You need to tell the customer clearly that the tyre should be inspected or replaced.
- Tyre age
Rubber hardens over time, even if it still looks fine at first glance. It is worth checking the DOT code, especially if the motorcycle spends more time standing than riding.
- Sidewall damage and cracks
Check the sidewall of the tyre, the edge by the rim, any cuts, bulges, and signs of impact. On a motorcycle, the tyre does too important a job to ignore suspicious damage.
The most common mistakes when working on motorcycle wheels
From experience, we know that it is easiest to slip up on something obvious. These may seem like small things, but they are exactly the kind of mistakes that can end in wheel wobble or a customer complaint.
| Mistake | Why is it a problem? | What should you do instead? |
| Working on a motorcycle that is not set up securely | The motorcycle can lean over when loosening the axle, removing the wheel, or checking the tyre. | Place the motorcycle on a flat, hard surface and use a stand or lift suited to the job. |
| Skipping the valve check | The valve may be leaking air or may have deteriorated. The customer may come back with a problem even though the tyre looks fine. | Check the valve every time you work on a wheel, especially after a tyre change or repair. |
| Not balancing the wheel again after changing the tyre | A new tyre sits differently on the rim. The wheel may wobble even if it was fine before. | Always balance the wheel after changing the tyre before handing the motorcycle back to the customer. |
Summary
After changing or repairing a tyre, balance the wheel, check the valve, inspect the rim, and take a look at the condition of the tyre. And before you start, make sure the motorcycle is positioned securely on a stand or lift. It only takes a few extra minutes, and it can save you from complaints, frustration, and having to do the job again.
FAQ – the most common questions about motorcycle wheel balancing
- Do motorcycle wheels need to be balanced after every tyre change?
Yes. After changing a tyre, the wheel should be balanced because the new tyre may sit differently on the rim.
- Is an unbalanced motorcycle wheel dangerous?
It can be. It causes vibrations, worse handling, and faster tyre wear.
- Can you ride with an unbalanced wheel?
It is better not to. If the handlebars wobble or the motorcycle vibrates, the wheel should be checked right away.
- How often should you check the condition of motorcycle tyres?
Regularly: before the season, after a longer period of storage, and during every major motorcycle service.
- Do you need to remove the wheel from the motorcycle for balancing?
Most often, yes. That is why the motorcycle should be positioned securely on a stand or lift first.