I'm looking at a new stock rear wheel (molded) that was apparently balanced at the factory. The dot is at the stem, but there are 14 weights on it. This seems like a lot. Does anybody know if this is common, or if this could indicate a manufacturing problem? Thanks.

 

I'd take off ALL the weights and ride it. If it acts out-of-balance, I take it in to be balanced. If it really needs 14 weights to balance it, I'd suspect that the tire is FUBAR. Of course, more weights me be needed in this modern era where a substance other than lead is used for wheel weights. I have changed dozens of bike tires over many many years and have NEVER balanced one and have never had a problem with out-of-balance tires. I know you'll get some responses contradicting this, but that has been my experience.

 

If you look closely at a weight, you will see that they ARE 1/8GR, ( I THINK) harley says up to 3 1/2ounces are ok as per manual. very light weight means a lot of units.

 

that sounds like a lot of weight.. usually 4-5 weights will balance it unless there is a bad tire or rim..i worked at a bike shop, at least once every to weeks we sent a brand new tire back because it wouldn't balance.

 

dgoodbmw, if you are right about the 3.5 oz. being OK, then I'm golden. The weights say 5 grams (.18 oz). So 14 only add up to 2.5 oz., well within spec. I'm gonna quit sweatin this and ride em.

Thanks to all of you who responded.

 

but weights are butt ugly, try using dyna beads

 

Agreed. I have dynabeads on my softail and they work great. Weights aren't really noticeable on the rear of the bagger though, so they'll stay where they are.

 

We have used Dyna Beads to balance our tires for quite some time now and have had great success with them - definitely recommend them over weights.