MC Tested: Reusable Weights for Spoke Wheels

It's no joke—an out-of-balance wheel can add a disturbing level vibration to an otherwise enjoyable ride. Many (if not all) large adventure bikes are outfitted with bulky tires with aggressive knobs as well as heavy duty inner tubes, and after miles of aggressive terrain, those well-intentioned stick-on rim weights that were keeping the whole assembly balanced are now nowhere to be found.

Luckily a gentleman by the name of Jim Novelli has your answer: spoke weights. CNC machined from solid brass, these weights feature stainless steel set screws and optional nickel plating for those that prefer a shiny finish. All the weights are made with the same 5/16 (8mm) slotted hole to fit over many standard spoke nipples, and are sold in packs containing various amounts and weights. The smallest and most affordable kit sells for $22 and include one ¼-, ½-, ¾-, and 1-ounce weights. You’ll likely want two of the $22 kits (or one of the $34 eight-piece sets) per bike.

Installation is simple: Just apply some medium-strength thread-locking agent to the setscrews, tighten the weights against the spoke nipples using the included hex wrench, and you're on your way. You'll have to properly balance your wheel just as you would with stick-on weights, so be prepared to remove your wheels entirely and enlist the aid of a balancing stand. Alternatively, prop the targeted end of the motorcycle up so that the wheel can spin freely, making sure that there is no brake drag or other forces that might affect the natural rotation of the wheel and have at it.

Miles and miles of freeway riding, grating single-track, unforgiving fire roads, and even the occasional motocross track—the weights on my Yamaha W650 have seen it all. I've caught myself glancing down at stoplights, eager to see if the most recent torment has indeed caused these weights to abandon ship, but every time I find them persistently hanging on like little metal barnacles.

Staying put is one thing, but what’s especially appealing about Jim’s wheel weights is that they’re infinitely reusable. So while the price of entry might be high (compared to stick-on wheel weights), you’re bound to use them for years to come.

REUSABLE WEIGHTS FOR SPOKE WHEELS
PRICE: $22 and up
CONTACT: jnovelli@centurytel.net

MC GRADE: A
A great alternative to stick-on weights and a perfect solution for spoke-wheeled bikes.