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I've changed tires using irons on my old dirt bikes but never on a street bike. How tough is it to do using irons?
Pretty tough but doable. Getting some long tire irons for leverage, some quality rim protectors, and keeping the tire down in the groove (watch a few youtube videos) would be my advice.
I've changed tires using irons on my old dirt bikes but never on a street bike. How tough is it to do using irons?
It can be done, did it for years. Breaking the bead is the toughest part, I used an 8 inch C clamp for that but now have a NO MAR and breaking the bead is a piece of cake with it.
Two months ago, I changed a rear garden tractor tire using motorcycle tire spoons. It really wasn't bad, until I mounted the new tire on the rim. It was so distorted from the shipping bands, it had a huge gap at the bead. Tried ratchet straps, ether, nothing worked. There was no way I was gonna seat it at home.
Quick trip over to Goodyear and one of the guys air-cannoned it in about 10 seconds. He didn't charge me, but I stuck $10 in his hand when we shook.
Two months ago, I changed a rear garden tractor tire using motorcycle tire spoons. It really wasn't bad, until I mounted the new tire on the rim. It was so distorted from the shipping bands, it had a huge gap at the bead. Tried ratchet straps, ether, nothing worked. There was no way I was gonna seat it at home.
Quick trip over to Goodyear and one of the guys air-cannoned it in about 10 seconds. He didn't charge me, but I stuck $10 in his hand when we shook.
I found tire irons or spoons a miserable job with the OEM Dunlop tire. That tire has next to no give in it, making it a horrible job.
With other tires, it's not so bad. Not that any heavy bike tire is exactly easy.
If you're so blessed as to be running tubes, it's even more "pleasant".
As for riding mower tires, I often just replace the entire assembly to avoid working on them. But if it's a bolt together rim, it's not always so bad.
I bought mine almost 5 yrs ago. It's more than paid for itself between my own bikes and friends.
I know you know this Cos, but practice makes perfect. I was fortunate enough to already have motorcycle rims with tires laying around, as well as trailer tires.
One last thing and I'll post a pic. Order a couple of rim clamps to assist. Thing can be worth it's weight in gold on a stiff sidewall. I'll post a pic......
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