I noticed that my RK is about half way through her rear tire (D402) and was wondering if anybody changes their own tires. I know I can buy them way cheaper than the dealership but the labor for installation is what kills me.[:@] The other side is that they may find something else while they are going over it that I might not see. DECISIONS, DECISIONS! What about balance? Is a MC tire that sensitive? Just kicking it around.
Thanks,
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If I have to understand, don't bother to explain it!
tire changes are a snap if you have a jack and a couple of tire spoons. Just line up the yellow dot on the tire with the valve stem, get some soap ( I use W-D 40 ) and slip it on. I always take it to get balanced, some people don't you decided. It is also a good time to polish the wheel.
If you are going to do your own tires you will need a couple of tools. You need a torque wrench good to 105 lbs. and a 36mm socket for the touring bike rear. You will also need a belt tension gauge that is available at your local HD dealer. Make sure you specify that the gauge is for the newer bikes, and not the older ones.
The gauge for the older ones has a different head on it and it will not work properly with the new bikes with narrow belts.
You should also have a HD shop manual for you application.
I just noticed that you havd a 2002 model. That being the case, you might not have the 36mm nut on the axle, or the narrow drive belt.
I don't consider myself a Wrench, but I don't think it is a waste of my time to do the things I can, and learn as much about my bike as I can. I save a ton of money that can be applied to riding this great country, and at the same time I develop a relationship with the bike.
This relationship is part of the reason I ride and hang out with other people that ride.
I agree with your logic Bill and usually encourage folks to be as 1 with their bike when possible.That being said when I see people asking questions about certain jobs,I would be lacking in fellowship if I didnt say what your about to experience is something better left to a wrench.Assuming you have not changed a tire with irons,I will say that its 10-1 your rim/rims will be lucky to seal when your done and will look a little rough around the edges.Not a BIG thing,but something someone would attempt who had no biker friends to set him on the right track.Can you change out mufflers?Do a gut and jet?A 5K service?Sure,how about base gaskets?Mainshaft seal leak?095 recall?See what I'm saying?Only a fool would try to do it all,and they are legion in motorcycle world.You can tell by looking at their bikes and listening to their rap.So how does a guy decide what to do and not to do?Obviously a personal thing for all of us everyday on all levels.When I visit this site,I try to do what has been taught to me and just relay it unvarnished.I consider myself a rookie even after school and a few dealerships.To me that job is a tough nut to crack IMHO.Good luck,Bob
Its a lot of work, you'll need tools, you'll get hot & swetty, you'll roll around on the floor like a monkey trying to screw a football.
And most likely have to take the thing off becouse you'll find you put it on running in the wrong direction.
I speek from experance.
But I too usually try and encourage people to do what they can.
Sometimes it is cheeper to pay the shop.
Lots of luck no mater what you decided to do.
8-UP
I just did this, and it was the first time I ever did anything like it. I did not change the tire off the rim, I took it to an Indy and had them do the tire itself. $25 for the service...that was worth it.
I did everything else, simple enough job...follow the manual and it will come right apart and go right back together.
Thats it Pilot,the best 25 you ever spent.As long as your not changing the tire,its kind of fun really.If its not Sturgis time or there just not busy,they'll do it while you wait,30 min sometimes.Nice to know its balanced,if you ever develop vibration/handling issues,you dont have to wonder....Bob
DIY Tire change
