Rear tire?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
Harbor Frieght has a motorcycle tire changing station for $100. I've thought about checking it out, but I have a guy close to me that will mount and balance a tire for $15. So, I just keep going to him.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 282
Likes: 42
From: Pennsylvania
Your going to need a service manual for your bike. I have a harbor frieght lift, a torque wrench and 6 point socket that fit the axle nuts. Also need a belt tension gauge and make a rod to measure distance for your rear wheel, a can of antiseize for the axle. The first time I did this it took about two hours to get it apart.
Ive never taken the tire off of the rim myself, I just removed wheels to switch out and have new tires put on by a local indy.
Ive never taken the tire off of the rim myself, I just removed wheels to switch out and have new tires put on by a local indy.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,688
Likes: 4
From: Crisfield, MD
Pretty much as mentioned with the manual, jack and assorted tools (just need a coat hanger bent open or straight rod for measuring axle distance and alignment). Fisrt time removing the axle is an issue for most since the factory fails to put enough if any anti-sieze/lube on it so they stick severely.
For the tire change you'll need some tire irons for certain ans some patience. Here's a couple tutotrials I had savede on changing tires: http://www.clarity.net/~adam/tire-changing-doc.html#3 ,
http://reviews.ebay.com/HOW-TO-CHANGE-AND-BALANCE-TIRES-ON-YOUR-MOTORCYCLE_W0QQugidZ10000000003224358
I've had my wheels off a lot and change my own tires (in fact the rear wheel is off now while I paint the rear pulley and polish the brake rotor). While not difficult its not super easy either (the tire part).
My problems with indys and dealers is that many now don't install tires that you did not buy from them and if you buy from them the price can be quite high or they also charge an install fee. Round here the install fee is free to around $15-20 per if you buy the tire from them and those that will do it with you bringing in a tire purchased elsewhere charge $25-50 at least per tire. So essentially if you buy online cheap and learn to do it yourself the savings can be substantial enough and the only downtime vs. taking your bike or just wheels to the shop is the amount of time it takes you to change it.
But the way, a tip for protecting your rim against the tire irons is taking a section of garden hose and slitting it open ans using it around the edge while working th ebead over with your tire iron. If you find yourself changing tires often then invest in the cheap tire changer.
For the tire change you'll need some tire irons for certain ans some patience. Here's a couple tutotrials I had savede on changing tires: http://www.clarity.net/~adam/tire-changing-doc.html#3 ,
I've had my wheels off a lot and change my own tires (in fact the rear wheel is off now while I paint the rear pulley and polish the brake rotor). While not difficult its not super easy either (the tire part).
My problems with indys and dealers is that many now don't install tires that you did not buy from them and if you buy from them the price can be quite high or they also charge an install fee. Round here the install fee is free to around $15-20 per if you buy the tire from them and those that will do it with you bringing in a tire purchased elsewhere charge $25-50 at least per tire. So essentially if you buy online cheap and learn to do it yourself the savings can be substantial enough and the only downtime vs. taking your bike or just wheels to the shop is the amount of time it takes you to change it.
But the way, a tip for protecting your rim against the tire irons is taking a section of garden hose and slitting it open ans using it around the edge while working th ebead over with your tire iron. If you find yourself changing tires often then invest in the cheap tire changer.
Last edited by capttawes; Jan 11, 2009 at 08:16 AM.
changing tires
the guys have given you some good advise and not knowing your mechanical abilities, my suggestion would be, if you have the tools and a lift already. take the tire off and take it to your local shop and let them do it. you are not going to need to do this every month so save yourself some aggravation.
JMHO
JMHO
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
My problems with indys and dealers is that many now don't install tires that you did not buy from them and if you buy from them the price can be quite high or they also charge an install fee. Round here the install fee is free to around $15-20 per if you buy the tire from them and those that will do it with you bringing in a tire purchased elsewhere charge $25-50 at least per tire. So essentially if you buy online cheap and learn to do it yourself the savings can be substantial enough and the only downtime vs. taking your bike or just wheels to the shop is the amount of time it takes you to change it.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From:
thanks guys, it doesn't sound too bad just all the tools that i dont have, i have tools mainly for working on cars (i went through auto technican schooling) so i have a pretty good idea on how stuff works, i have already changed my ignition module, primary gasket and clutch cable, next over the winter its, brakes, tire, grips and a speed sensor! sounds like i have my work cut out for me. i'll give this tire a shot and if not, i believe i know a guy who has a tire changing station in his garage. thanks a lot guys!
Tony
Tony
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,688
Likes: 4
From: Crisfield, MD
Hey Tony, I'm sure being mechanically minded and having tools there is little you'll need except for a cheap lift and some tire irons. Another tip I forgot to mention is that when inflating the tire its tough to get the bead to seat but my little pancake compressor still managed to do the trick. If your buddy has a tire changer then your set only most auto tire changers dont typically work with cycle rims unless then have the small rod hold down that will fit through the axle hole.
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