Problems arising from not getting wheels balanced

[Renton]

What sort of problems can occur if you don’t get your wheels balanced following fitment of new tyres?

Not me, but someone I know.

It’s a classic bike so it won’t be going fast (500 single), or going out that far/often. Despite this, I still advised against it - am I wrong?
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This is my motorcycle. There are many others like it, but this one is mine.
Without me, my motorcycle is useless. Without my motorcycle, I am useless.

[Nobby the Bastard]

You only really need to balance the wheels if you are getting excessing movemernt as a result. A lot of people who fit their own tyres don't bother with balancing with no obvious ill effects.
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Triumph Sprint ST 1050

[Bhud]

Cast wheels on a road-going 500 single? No need to bother getting the wheels balanced IMO. Just make sure the new tyres are correctly seated. You say it's a classic bike. If the original tyre width specified for your bike is in imperial measurements (e.g. 3.50-18, 3.25-17 etc.), then it may be better to fit tyres that are supplied in imperial measurements (which will restrict your choice of available tyres), rather than the closest, modern, substitute. The important thing is to make sure the tyres are correctly seated and the bead is equidistant around the rim, and that the speed rating is correct.

[P.]

Never balanced a wheel in my life.

[blurredman]

Never balanced mine.
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CBT: 12/06/10, Theory: 22/09/10, Module 1: 09/11/10, Module 2: 19/01/11
Past: 1991 Honda CG125BR-J, 1992 (1980) Honda XL125S, 1996 Kawasaki GPZ500S, 1979 MZ TS150.
Current: 1973 MZ ES250/2 - 18k, 1979 Suzuki TS185ER - 10k, 1981 Honda CX500B - 91k, 1987 MZ ETZ250 (295cc) - 40k, 1989 MZ ETZ251 - 51k.

[Easy-X]

Static balancing is piss easy and results are not far off what an expensive spiny-spiny machine could do. A set of stick on weights are a few quid from eBay.
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Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[MCN]

Theres absolutely no need to balance motorbike wheels.
Thats why manufacturers waste all that time and effort fitting balanced wheels to their products.

Mostly balancing improves comfort.
Occasionally it can improve handling if there is a heavy bias on a wheel/wheels.
It can help prevent uneven tyre wear too.

Usually front wheel out-of-balance is most noticeable.

I always ask for wheels to be balanced.
Tyre fitters do it reflexively as it is not stupid to do so and it adds some qualities.

Unless you ride on farm tracks.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[Bloggsy]

when I rode classic bikes I always fitted my own tyres and never needed to balance them
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If It Aint broke Don't Fix It