DIY wheel balancing

Rather than a blog entry it is more like a note to myself.

And so I have managed to raise the bead on the rear tire of Jill (finally!).
(my last blog entry tells the tale of how defeated I was after the first try on the rear tire)

With that out of the way, I went on to perform the wheel balancing.
It is a DIY setup and I wouldn't even try to hide the fact that this balancing might only be good just for self satisfaction rather than bringing any actual benefit.

And this was my setup.

I recorded a 40 seconds clip on the actual procedure of balancing itself.
I later learned that this is what people describe as "static balancing", meaning the balance achieved in this setting is not good enough for actual riding.
I am quite OK with it anyhow because I don't have the equipment for dynamic balancing anyway.
Beggars can't be choosers I guess. :-)

This is the link to the video on youtube.
DIY Wheel Balancing on Honda Ape100

There are some lessons learned out of this tire change.
First, know the parts before taking apart the wheel assembly. I thought I knew, but it turned out that I lost the rear wheel collar. I am positive that I lost it (not something to brag about obviously) because the whole rear drum brake assembly just thumped out onto the ground when I removed the wheel from the axle. I didn't pay attention to what came out, and the price to pay is the losing of the part.

Second, do all relevant maintenance at one time.
I thought I wouldn't put in a fresh chain in this time but I was wrong. Turned out that the chain was so stiff and rusted I would want to change it.

Lastly, always budget more time and money than anticipated.
Yes, tools are always not enough, for a sunday mechanic like me.

Cheers,
CK