On Tue, 16 Aug 2016 08:08:22 -0500, "Terry Coombs"
wrote:

May be detrimantal to ongoing political discussions ...

Damned tootin, it is. grumble,grumble


Today , since it's raining it's ass off and I can't work on the house
construction , I think I'll build a wheel balancing shaft and cones for the
motorcycles . I have a nice straight piece of half inch SS round stock and a
pair of ball bearings , both bought for this purpose some time ago . The
plan is to machine a pair of conical aluminum pieces that are a tight slip
fit on the rod , with set screws to retain them in tight contact with the
wheel bearings . Cones will be machined round behind the taper so they'll
slip into the seals , which will also help keep the wheel from rotating on
the rod . For support stands , I will be using a pair of jack stands set up
on a level surface .

Cool! Use sewing machine oil or silicone/dry lube (instead of grease)
on the bearings for less stiction.


A lot of people see no need to balance motorcycle wheels , but I have
found that my bike just seems to ride smoother if I do.

Absolutely, and especially so at highway+ speeds.


Last tire change I
tried using the balance beads , and they seem to work , but are difficult to
"install" and costly . While I'm not sure they're to blame , I got less than
3500 miles on that rear tire . Tire is a Conti Milestone , touted as a "high
mileage tire for heavy touring motorcycles" . I have contacted Continental
tire and they want to see the tire ... new rubber is a Dunlop Elite III ,
which I've had good mileage from in the past .

I hope Conti doesn't void the warranty because of them.
They look like they'd always imbalance the wheel after the tire hits
any rut whatsoever. shrug Stickons and spoke wraps both work
pretty permanently. Well, until the tire decides to go OOR or find a
flat spot after a skid. My recent experience is with friends with
bikes. I haven't owned one since 1969.

What's with the idiots on YouTube who burn all the tread off their
superbike's rear tire while straddling it, holding the front brake on?
Damn, that'd get expensive in a hurry.

--
I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the
freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachment of
those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.
--James Madison