Is there a manual tire changing machine suitable for HD wheels that anyone is using? I used to be able to change a front tire with hand spoons, but not these days. A big machine is out of the question. Is there anything in between?

 

I have this no-mar changer. Still requires some physical effort, but much easier than when I didn't have one. I bolted mine to floor, but I think there is a version you can temporarily mount to a trailer hitch.

 

If I did not already have the NoMar machine, I'd buy this Rabaconda Street Bike Tire Changer – Rabaconda USA https://share.google/tntuzEjmkfHcWGT6i

 

Bottom of the spectrum:
I imagine someone, somewhere is getting by with the unit from Harbor Freight

 

https://share.google/tntuzEjmkfHcWGT6i

Need a space after link so it hyperlinks.

 

The Harbor Freight motorcycle changer needs to be modified to raise the clamps about an inch. After that, my Harbor Freight motorcycle attachment worked on the M8 and earlier Harleys without removing brake disks.

 

Do you have pictures of this and the modification?

 

I will see about getting some photos. Basically it was just adding 1 inch blocks to the clamps.

 

I am leaning towards grabbing the HF machine with a few DIY modifications and the duck head attachment. If I can fab up a rig to get a tire on/off once in a while for about the cost of having my indie change two tires, I will be happy. Something to hone my fledgling welding skills on. Unbolt it from the floor when not being used and stash in a corner.

Thanks for the insight.

 

I just got myself a No-Mar like that. I don't have a concrete floor and I've been doing all the tire changing and working on the bike on a sheet of plywood for years. It was difficult to say the least, especially so because I have a messed up back from a work accident, and now my messed up leg from being T-boned 3 years ago, and the fact I'm now 64 doesn't help any either. Living on a disability check is rough, and since the bike is the only thing I can get around on that hurts the least for transportation, I have to work on the bike myself. But finally decided that I just really, really wanted to not have to change tubed rim tires ever again, or *any* tires ever again with just spoons...that's a work for a young man. I splurged and put myself into a slight debt by getting me that No-Mar tire changer thing. Since I have no concrete and my piece of plywood sits on the dirt and gravel and is on a slight incline, I put two 3/4" pieces of plywood together in the last of the three slots of the 4 slot carport I put together (it's walled on three sides, all the fourth side is open to the South), it being the flattest of the four and have bolted the first plate to them. The company didn't put all the parts I needed to put this thing together. They put 1/2" flat-top bolts instead of 1", and no nuts for them, but that's okay, I couldn't see those holding thsi thing together very well anyway, so I just went to Lowes and got the hardware I wanted. Today I'm going to try to finish putting it together. It'll be used almost immediately as I have no tread left on the back tire and won't take the chance of a blow-out on a spoked rim, especially if the OL's on it with me. The hardest part now, will be getting the rims off the bike and setting up the solid rims I got for a '95 Fatboy softail (think The Terminator). Hopefully I won't have to change a thing between those and the spoked rims and it'll all go back together just as fine. I'm just looking forward to seeing it this No-Mar thing will make it any easier on me or not. I'd sure be depressed if it isn't really any help.