Do it yourself tire equipment

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May 30, 2020 | 12:43 PM

#101

Pantera99

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2018

Posts: 2,235

Likes: 1,210

From: AZ

So read my service manual along with watching a few videos about removing the front wheel. Seemed straightforward enough. Well go out to look at it & realize its an aftermarket flush mount front axle. Both sides are flush with countersink end caps with 7/32" allen heads. Couldn't get them broken loose with basic Allen keys so off to harbor freight for standard size Allen head sockets to get some leverage. Definitely looks nice & sleek but no nut or sticking a screwdriver thru the other side of the axle. 21" front wheel, PO spared no expense with this Ultra Classic.

May 30, 2020 | 12:54 PM

#102

LQQK_OUT

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 5,895

Likes: 1,908

From: East Coast, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by skratch

just because you did it yourself, doesn't mean it was done correctly.

True. But if one follows the procedures in a factory service manual, the odds are it will be done correctly. If I scratch a rim or strip a bolt, it's on me.

Last edited by LQQK_OUT; May 30, 2020 at 12:58 PM.

May 31, 2020 | 09:25 AM

#103

Ragtop

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 7,101

Likes: 1,013

In Exeter NH, there is a place called Breaker Bikes that does tire change and balance for $20 a tire.
At that price I would never attempt to do it myself!

https://www.facebook.com/breakerbikes

May 31, 2020 | 09:33 AM

#104

Super Glidester

Thread Starter

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2014

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From: 40.2444° N, 75.6419° W

I pulled my wheels on my Sportster and Super Glide, from my experience I figure a shop should charge 3 hours labor to drop both the wheels mount and balance and reinstall. So, at 100 an hour $300 sounds right plus cost of rubber. Plus tax and fees of course.Or should I say if I was a mechanic or shop owner thats how I would charge it out.

May 31, 2020 | 10:50 AM

#105

Bluraven

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 3,973

Likes: 912

From: Omaha

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ragtop

In Exeter NH, there is a place called Breaker Bikes that does tire change and balance for $20 a tire.
At that price I would never attempt to do it myself!

Well it’s a hell of a ride from Omaha to Exeter.
I’m not sure it would be worth the trip for a $20 tire change.

Saving money is not the only reason for mounting tires yourself.
Some of us just like doing the work ourselves when we want too and how we want too, saving a few $$ is just a bonus.

Last edited by Bluraven; May 31, 2020 at 12:01 PM.

May 31, 2020 | 08:31 PM

#106

dawg

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 28,559

Likes: 3,955

From: Vermont

Working on a 2011 Softail Heritage now and putting a new front tire on using my Cycle Hill/Nomar changer. The damn rim on this bike doesn’t seem to fit in the posi-clamps of the tire changer as there isn’t really a lip for the clamps to grab into. It keeps popping up when I try to use the demount tool. Anyone change a laced softail wheel with the Nomar changer with posi-clamps? Might just have to run it down to Exeter!!