Tire changing isn't my thing.

[CRMH Eagle]

After spending 2 hours to get the tires off the rims, I only succeeded with the front and halfway on the rear. And though I had rim protectors the results also include a few minor scratches which doesn't make me happy.

My bike has been out of action due several weeks waiting on GPSuspension to return the forks along with sending a new Penske rear shock. This arrived a few days ago and I want to be riding... so gonna have the dealer do the tires tomorrow.

I have a new Marc Parnes balancer, never used, which may be for sale soon at a discount. Also have 2 motion pro tire arms (used and dinged) and unused adhesive wheel weights that may be for sale.

I've read many accounts on here how the rear is a major pita and now I fully understand.

Anyone else have scratched rims?

 

[Zorlac]

"Anyone else have scratched rims?"

Scratched isn't a big deal but a gouge where the bead seats isn't a good thing.

If I could find a place that would mount and balance both wheels for $40 I'd be on it.

IMO, it takes about 5 changes to start to get proficient, unless you have a Coats machine.

I cut up an old plastic kitchen trash can for plastic rim protectors, they work well enough but I lost on inside a tire and didn't realize it till I heard something rubbing while I was balancing it. :dribble: Now I count them, like a surgeon counts his sponges.

Not that you got that far, but blocks of wood and two clamps are your friends when putting the tire on the rim, if done right I've pushed the last part of the tire on without a spoon. The blue NAPA tire lube is da bomb!

At least you broke the beads, some guys struggle with that.

 

[r1byker]

If I'm really, really careful, I don't get scratched rims. If I'm not 'cuz I don't care, I get scratches, like on my track bike.

Pm if you want to sell the weights and tire irons; rim protectors also, if you have them. I can always use extras.

Yeah, good job on breaking the bead; I've always found that to be hardest part.

 

[dustyrains]

PM sent on the balancer.

 

[Tree Doc]

:blink: Derby just shipped my MP balancer today!!! DAMN!

 

[Barry 07 FJR1300AE]

Yamaha dealer here mounts and spin balance plus new valve stems for 30 a set. Thats taking the wheels off and taking the new tires and wheels to them. Great buy in my book!!! Paducah Powersports Paducah, KY

 

[Spud]

Never tried to change a street bike tire but used to do my RM250 when I'd put a paddle tire on for sand dunes. Even that was a real bitch and I'd usually have to get help...

One thing that I found makes a BIG difference: Temp of the tire. If you have a nice hot day, leave the wheel with the old tire and the new tire both out in the sun and get them as hot as you can. We used to throw them on the black asphalt at my friends shop and then go after them and it was way easier. They are more pliable when hot.

 

[Yambone]

Sorry you threw in the towel on this procedure, you wuss! I got Harbor Frite stand with moto accessory, Mojo Lever, and MP balancer. Spent maybe $300 bucks for all things needed, made about 12 tire changes so far. A few scratches on the first change, but not serious and not much since. And none lately once I really got to know the tools and the angle of the dangle. Take some notes when you first start or get a group tire change thing going. There are associated videos that show more how to do it. Search You-tube. Fred Harmon put together a nice site that I still refer to when I do the procedure:

Harmon's set up for tire change

Once you get to know the tools, you will cruise. Especially the Mojo Lever for extracting and installing the tire. Get some Ru-Glyde juice or something similar and a Mojo Lever and you'll never need to go to dealer again for tire changes. No matter how good their deal, you have the chance to dig in to other inspections, and procedures when you DIY.

There are some frustrations involved at the beginning and some tweaking of the tools in the case of the Harbor Frite. But still worth it. Other higher quality stands will make it even easier, I guess.

 

[timk]

This tip is for REMOVAL of tires. Spray some silicone on the beads. No more fighting. They almost take themselves off. Gotta clean the rims(you should anyway) before new tire goes on. Agree with previus post on the clamp for installing. Someone posted a video of a guy mounting a tire with NO TOOLS. It involved 4 or 5 straps squeezing the tire. Couldn't find straps at a reasonable price, or would've tried it.

 

[fjrrider]

Dont give up yet! It does take a few tries and then it gets easier. You gotta break that bead and use the center drop of the wheel.

Taking the wheels off the bike and putting them back on is by far the majority of time spent.

Once you get the hang of it, taking tires off the wheels and remounting is a snap, the easy part for sure!

 

[3dogs]

For those of you that missed out on the tire balancer I have a No-Mar static tire balancer (standard model) for sale. Never used--new. Price on the No-Mar website is $99 plus shipping. You can have my balancer for $75 plus actual shipping charges to your zip (will ship Fedex Ground). Here is my real email address: [email protected] First to send me email gets the balancer.

Does not include wheel!!

Here is the link to the No-Mar Balancer on their website.