[VTX]

Hi guys. I ride a Honda VTX and I do not race. I have a question for you pro's though. I belong to another Forum where there is a debate going on about using balancing beads in the tires. Some say they are great. Some say they are a waste of time. I figured if you pro racers use them, then I would trust your opinions on them rather then anyone elses. I would assume that a well balanced wheel would be important in your profession. After that said, I'm also guessing that the wheels and tires you guys buy these day's and run for racing have such tight tolerances that maybe balancing is a non issue and you don't even balance them

Thanks for any input.

[longbreakdown]

Heard that they are a joke from a buddy that had them installed....he went back a week later and had a traditional balance done.

[sheepofblue]

The theory is OK but I am skeptical of how well they would move within the tire. Everyone I know uses gravity balancers on track bikes (including at the AMA races). For your VTX a well balanced tire might give you a bit smoother ride, be easier on suspension and decrease tire wear. None of those would be huge IF they installed your tire correctly. There is a balance dot on the tire, it should be at the valve stem if it is not then the tire could be way out of balance (the dot indicates the light spot and not all brands have it) Personally I would recommend gravity balance with stick on weights for spokeless rims and the spoke weight for spokes. This would at worst cause no harm and at best give the improvements above.