DynaBead question

Hi all, need some input from DynaBead users. This spring I installed a new set of BT-023 tires. I decided to try out the DynaBead option for balancing seeing as the shop that did my tires didn't have a setup for the VFR rear wheel. I also did some mods to my forks, new hi-flow compression pistons and compression/rebound shim stacks. After I got everything put back together I first went for a ride with just the rear tire installed. No problems, smooth drive but not sure of the upper speed I attained during this ride. Ok, back to install the front tire. On the ride everything seemed to go fine until I went over 120 kph. It was a rather cool day, probably 5-6 degrees Celcius. Then I noticed some low frequency vibrations. Anybody that uses DynaBeads notice this???

I purchased and tried using the Dyna Beads product in my '98 Triumph Speed Triple's wheels in a attempt to cure an imbalance after I had a fresh set of Dunlops mounted and static balanced. After adding the recommended volume of dyna beads to both wheels failed to cure the issues, I experimented with adding more beads, restoring the original amount of lead weights back on the the wheels in the original position, etc..I couldn't sense much (if any) difference and In the end concluded Dyna Beads did not appear to be effective.

One thing I noticed is that  while riding on rough roads the sensation of imbalance would come and go almost constantly. I assumed bumps can cause the beads to shift position, causing an imbalance condition until they would change position inside the wheel and tire assembly. When this was going on the bumpy sensation you normally feel while riding on rough surfaces seems amplified. Not good.....  

I seem to recall reading that MCN (Motorcycle Consumer News) tested the product a while back and that they also concluded that Dyna Beads were not nearly as effective at solving imbalance issues as a carefully done "traditional" static balance.

Still, from what I've read some people swear by the effectiveness of wheels balanced solely by Dyna Beads. Of course there are also some who swear about the effectiveness of STP and Teflon-based motor oil additives too.

FWIW I have used dynabeads & another similar product for the past 30k+ on my vfr & 8k on my cx, I have had zero issues with balance, and have ridden to the end of the tires life. In theory it makes sense, but since I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer I do not understand why it wouldn't :huh:   So I just use the product :tour:   My 4th gen has a little over 85K on her and when I do not have my hands on the bars.... :squid: she is very balanced at all speeds, stable & solid.

I have Dynabeads front & rear on my '02. The only vibration I notice comes after hitting a pothole or something like that. I guess it throws the beads off and they have to settle back in where they want to be. I am satisfied with the product, but wouldnt swear that its any better/worse than a good static balance.

I can't offer any facts or opinions from actual use but I would like to strongly suggest that you warn your tire changer.  It's no fun to have those little suckers scatter across your garage floor when you pull a tire off.

Well, guess I stand corrected.

Since I've only tried Dyna Beads in one set of Dunlops I realize it's possible there's could be another issue besides wheel imbalance that may have prevented the beads from eliminating the issue.

For example, I realize that one or both of the brake rotors mounted to my Speed Triple's front wheel are slightly warped and could be contributing to the imbalance issues I've felt. I  probably should purchase replacement rotors but the cost, fairly mild nature of the warping and the bike's relatively low mileage (~13k) have so far prevented me from doing so.

I may try to find and re-read the issue of MCN where they reviewed/tested Dyna Beads when I get home after work today.