Does anyone change there own tires
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 4,230
Likes: 478
From: Southwest VA
Does anyone change there own tires
I do almost all my wrenching myself. I've watched some guys change and balance there own tires on youtube. I always changed my own tires on my motocross bikes. I've thought about ordering the stuff to do the balancing. I already have tire irons. Any thoughts or suggestions would be helpful.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,625
Likes: 1,665
From: Blairsville GA
I change all my own tires. Saves a lot of money and you know the job is done right. I use the Harbor Freight changer (just the bottom), some ATV tire irons (or tractor if you have them) and I balance with Dyna Beads or air-soft pellets. Piece of cake. But I'm only 61. If you're a lot older you may want to get an automatic machine. LOL!
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 108
Likes: 1
From: Poplarville, MS
I change mine. Use a clamp type bead breaker, homemade tire irons and dyna beads to balance...but I'm only 65. Older, maybe you could use one of them Harbor Freight machines to help with the work. It is a little strenous on the old bod...ha ha.
Good luck..........Pete
Good luck..........Pete
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 5,361
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From: auckland,new zealand
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,578
Likes: 4
From: Northern California
Used to do it on dirt bikes and road bikes with spoke rims and a tube. Not worth it to mess with alloy rims and tubeless, in my opinion. Take 'em off the bike and let someone else do it for $20.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
From: Paris, TN
I do my own and saved $140 bux. Dealer price of tire and install was just over $300. I bought a signature series Dunlop and tube for $160 and paid myself the $140 labor! That buys a lot of beer and smokes!!!!
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 88
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From: Marysville, OH
Yes, I made a long post about this a short while ago. Cruiser tires are much stiffer than motocross or sportbike tires, so it takes more muscle. I just use spoons, 2"x4"s, empty capri sun pouches (as rim protectors), and lots of lube. Balancing with weights (the way every OEM of every motor vehicle does) is ridiculously easy with a straight rod, some cheap bearings, and a couple cinder blocks. [I did use one No Mar tire spoon with its built-in polyethylene rim protector. It was awesome and provided extra protection to my powder-coated wheels.]