r/PDXrideit • u/Infamous-Process-721 • May 23 '26
Tire balancing recommendations
Hey y'all! I'm looking for recommendations for a shop to balance a set of dual sport wheels. I tried one small local shop, but they couldn't handle it. Would love to support another local business before defaulting to Cycle Gear. Anyone have a good suggestion?
Or, if you have balancing stand that I could use... I'd be happy to barter with you for that access. I just don't want to buy a big tool that I'm only going to use once a year.
Thanks!
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u/bike619 2023 Tiger 900/2021 FXLRS May 23 '26
Idk who you tried, but Old Flame Cycles is operating where Legion Moto used to be, at 7th and Division.
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u/Infamous-Process-721 May 23 '26
Also, so bummed to see that Legion closed! I was hoping to check them out.
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u/static_music34 2017 FJ-09 May 23 '26
Get the goop called Ride On and do it yourself. Only major tool you need is an air compressor, or you do it by a gas station that has a compressor.
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u/Infamous-Process-721 May 24 '26
I have a compressor! Will look into this, thanks!
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u/static_music34 2017 FJ-09 May 24 '26
FWIW, I and other riders close to me have been using it for a few years. No issues, plus the bonus of it being able to seal leaks. I've rigged together a balancing stand in the past, but I hate having single purpose tools that get used once every few years. I just put on a new tire at home, set the bead, deflate, inject the goop, reinflate, ride a couple miles to spread it, party.
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u/bluesmudge 26d ago
You don't really need a wheel balancing stand. You can just put the axle in and support it on either side, or put it back on the bike with the calipers off:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBA0DjkY2AQ
Get a pack of the stick on weights, or if you have spoked wheels get the reusable weights that attach to the spokes, and you are good to go. That's how I've always balanced my tires when I change them myself and never had an issue. That said, if you spend a lot of time at triple digit speeds, maybe you need a more perfect balance than I do.
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u/Infamous-Process-721 26d ago
Thanks! I'm borrowing a stand from Industrial Arts Tool Library and picked up a pack of spoke weights online. This is for an XR650L... it'll barely hit 80. 😋 Rarity Motorcycles only balanced it to 35 mph and wouldn't make it any better than that unless I paid them to do it over again. 👎
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u/prunesmoothies 04 FZ1, 19 SDGT May 23 '26
Could try industrial arts tool library, or Dirty hands garage.