You can get a more precise balance doing it by hand. A computerized balancer can only get it down to a quarter ounce whereas you can get it down to an eighth or less by hand pretty easily.

 

My spin balancer will balance down to 1/10 of an ounce.

 

Funny, my indy said that when he puts new tires on he won't balance them either... told me if the rim is true and it is a good tire then it won't need balancing. hmmm. I thought BS, but now am starting to think maybe not... he has been doing business local for like 20 years.

 

That's total B/S. I have been balancing my own tires and wheels for the past 30 years. All tires have heavy and light spots.
Even with a true balanced rim, the tire will be out. This will cause vibrations above 50 MPH. It all depends on how bad the tire is out.
On average motorcycle tires are out from 1/4 to 3/4 ounce at best.

 

BS my FIL was in tire biz for 40 yrs. There is no p[erfect tire, they all need to be balanced. Surprisingly good question Anubisss. Thought everyone already knew this.

 

hey, whats a little more vibes on a harley

 

I had a local indy mount my new tires last year. He does not have a power balancer, he uses a stand and static balances. I did a thousand mile trip right after having the new tires installed. It felt like I was on a pogo stick instead of a motorcycle. When I got back home, I took the wheels off and took them into an HD shop where I had them balanced on a power balancer. Both wheels were way off.After having them re-balanced, I put them back on the bike....smooth as silk. So for me...no static balancing ever again.