Just wondering if it's a common practice for motorcycle tyre fitters to fit wheel weights? Reason why I'm asking is that a few months ago I had 2 new tyres fitted, after getting home I noticed that there are weights  fitted, when there were previously none fitted. This is the first time I've had tyres fitted since purchasing my bike over 2 years ago.

I've had dirt bikes before and never had wheel weights at all.

G'day 06ST,

All the bikes I have owned have needed them to balance out.

Ugly as sin, but keep the ride smooth.

Tadge

Answer to your question, Yes.

Common practice to balance tyres fitted to road bikes and chook chasers,

maybe not so for dirt squirts cause it's rough enough already.

Balance is not only for smoothness of ride, but also very important as far as tyre wear and handling goes.

+1 as Rider said.
There are also different types. Ones that go over the spoke nipple, made from brass and stainless, or stick on types in an assortment of weights and colours to match your rims.
if you want to replace the dull boring looking standard ones, you can get chrome coated ones with different icons embellished into them.
I can't remember where I see them (prolly ebay). Just the heads up if you are interested that's all.

my bike has wheel weights, as in my wheels weight in the shed until I ride the bike

If you dont want ugly wheel weights on your rims get the tyre place to put dyna beads in the tyre when they change it , they use them all the time in states. I have them in my chopper wheels, seem to work well................

Ah yes, wheel weights. Always had them on my wheels, I think it's essential on a road bike at least.

Couple of points. If they are sticklers for quality, you'll find they will balance the weight evenly each side of the spokes, rather than on just one side. Don't know if you could measure any difference it might make, but I like the idea and it shows they care.

And I always remove all the old weights before I take my wheels in. I realised that one dealership I was taking my wheels to just kept adding more weights instead of taking the old weights off and starting fresh!!

Thanks guys, much appreciated.    

Oh, & happy new year to you all.