Having just purchased a new set of tyres, levers and rim protectors I plan to have a go and swap over both tyres myself. I think its a good idea to get a little experience "just in case" I need to do this whilst out and about.

That said when it comes to balancing what are your thoughts on this? Do I fit them and not balance, just balance the front etc etc? I guess in an emergency then yes you refit and get back on your way. What about when its not an emergency?

From memory although I asked last time (at the tyre fitters) I think they did not balance mine on my X (had a problem with their machine if I recall) and it had zero effect on it.

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I bought a set of these,

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/universal-moto...item25574f9034

They are a quality piece of engineering, and not that big either. I rest mine between the panniers and it takes a couple of minutes to balance the wheel. I got them for the TTR as I change tyres far too often, but they work on any bike.

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

That is an amazing bit of kit. Looks simple to use as well.

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It is, just stick it through your wheel, fasten it together and rest the ends on your cases/boxes/axle stands/bottles/wife/dogs - whatever and away you go.

let the wheel rotate until it stops and mark it at the bottom turn it and let it rest again, then again each time marking it - you will find the heaviest point. Then add some weights to the opposite side!

You get some plastic weights with it, I broke these up and tape them with masking tape, when I've found the right weight I get a nice new metal one (you can buy these in strips from evilbay) and fix them as per the instructions (clean wheel with cellulose thinners, dry and stick).

It's a piece of cake, and the craftmanship in the build is top notch.

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

You can balance the wheels on the bike if you have a center stand, just push the brakes pads inside the calipers, or take the calipers out.

BTW, most tyres have a mark usually in yellow painting that is the heavier part of the tyre, assembly them with the painted mark opposite to the valve, it will easier to balance.

have fun,

j.

I usually only have the front balanced, never bother with the rear as you don't really notice on the rear anyway.

If you do want to balance the rear, make sure to do it with the sprocket in place. There's not much point to it otherwise imho.