Bubble balancers

[36654]

Assuming none of us has an actual spin balancer, as found in an auto/truck garage, does anyone use a bubble type balancer?  In theory, it's a static (single plane) balance that should offer the same results as the truing stand options.

[dravnx]

I've always used a truing stand style balancer. As I own an automatic tire changer, I have a lot of friends and change a lot of tires. Never had an issue.

[36654]

I've always used a truing stand style balancer.  As I own an automatic tire changer, I have a lot of friends and change a lot of tires. Never had an issue.

What's an automatic tire changer?

I'm not challenging the truing stand style.  I just recall the bubble balances being really simple and fast to use for single plane balancing.

[Duccrazydave]

I imagine dravnx is referring to a powered Coats style changer, like you would find in a dealership. The static balancers are very accurate, easy to use and reasonably affordable. The rear wheel on the RS requires an adapter. I have a Marc Parnes brand, but there are possibly other options. Here's a link to a balancer: https://smile.amazon.com/Goplus-Motorcyc...Y2s9dHJ1ZQ== 
I should add that the Marc Parnes balancer can be used with a couple of jack stands, cinder blocks, etc.

[Lee]

I had a bubble balancer in the 80s. I didn't like it.
The Marc Parnes type is better.

[36654]

I imagine dravnx is referring to a powered Coats style changer, like you would find in a dealership. The static balancers are very accurate, easy to use and reasonably affordable. The rear wheel on the RS requires an adapter. I have a Marc Parnes brand, but there are possibly other options. Here's a link to a balancer: https://smile.amazon.com/Goplus-Motorcyc...Y2s9dHJ1ZQ== 
I should add that the Marc Parnes balancer can be used with a couple of jack stands, cinder blocks, etc.

The Marc Parnes product is high grade but model specific.  The NoMar balance might be less accurate due to the Acme thread rod, but the mating large cones work for a wide range of bikes.

Back in the day, the local Honda shop had a spin balancer and the guys in the shop at work made me an adapter cone for the rear wheel of my K75.  Sadly, that shop went out of business and the cone is long gone.

[dravnx]

My tire changer is a Coats knock off. Works really well. I found it on Craigslist for $850. Sold my NoMar Classic, which I bought used for $400, for $450 to subsidize my new changer.
My balancer is a Harbour Freight and I have some NoMar threaded rod and cones to do single side arm wheels. The balancer was given to me and the previous owner upgraded to some real nice running bearings.