Changing Tires Tips?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,578
Likes: 463
From: On a Lake, not far from the Gulf
I usually go to cycle Gear to have mine changed. Closest one to you is probably Orlando though. They charge $25 with the balance. I use Ride-On for balance/ puncture resistance.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,151
Likes: 14
From: Seattle
I can't comment on changing the wheel myself as I have a local indy who's done mine front and rear for less than $500 on the bike.
I changed to the http://www.kurveygirl.com valve stems and they are great. Also, just went with Ride-On for motorcycles and am very happy so far....nice getting rid of the wheel weights that didn't stick.
BTW, you'll like the tires.
I changed to the http://www.kurveygirl.com valve stems and they are great. Also, just went with Ride-On for motorcycles and am very happy so far....nice getting rid of the wheel weights that didn't stick.
BTW, you'll like the tires.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,059
Likes: 4
From: Florida
I plan on changing them out myself since my local Indy charges $177 with no warranty.
I just wanted to see if anyone had any tips or things to look out for.
Only problem I see so far is I want to replace the wheel bearings and dont have a tool to pull and install new ones. Would autozone have anything that can be rented that would do the job?
On the rear tire has anyone tried those angled stems?
Was also thinking of trying that ride-on balancer stuff. ??
Appreciate any feedback. TIA
I just wanted to see if anyone had any tips or things to look out for.
Only problem I see so far is I want to replace the wheel bearings and dont have a tool to pull and install new ones. Would autozone have anything that can be rented that would do the job?
On the rear tire has anyone tried those angled stems?
Was also thinking of trying that ride-on balancer stuff. ??
Appreciate any feedback. TIA
Changing tires in your garage without a changer is a PITA. You're almost guaranteed to gouge something the first time.
I use metal angled stems on the rear. No problem. I'd stay away from the rubber ones.
i don't put anything in my tires other than air. (and the occasional plug)
Autozone in FL doesn't have a bearing puller that has the right collet. If you're going to do it more than once get It's surprisingly good quality.
Good luck!
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
I've changed quite a number of motorcycle tires over the years. Nothing prepared me for the likes of the Harley tire. Zipties and such work fine on generic motorcycle tires. No way on the Harley tire. Same with small or light weight tire irons. The sidewalls on the Harley tire has all the flex of plate iron.
I did not have the back in production Harbor Freight motorcycle tire changer at the time. That is the way I will do it next time. Or at least try it next time.
Do not under estimate the sheer cussedness of the Harley tire. They are heavy and stiff.
I did not have the back in production Harbor Freight motorcycle tire changer at the time. That is the way I will do it next time. Or at least try it next time.
Do not under estimate the sheer cussedness of the Harley tire. They are heavy and stiff.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,879
Likes: 1,894
From: East Coast, USA
I purchased a No-Mar tire changer so I did not have to deal with a shop to change my tires. I don't worry about some other service worker potentially scratching my rims since I take my time and do it myself. I also like the flexibility of not having to run to a shop and either waiting or dropping off my tires and driving back to pick them up. I'm also able to help out my riding buddies with their tire changes. The device is a little on the pricey side, but I like the convenience and it should pay for itself in the long run.
They say you should also be able to change your car tires with it, but I haven't been too successful doing that. I've been able to break the bead and get the car tires off the rim, but I haven't been able to mount a car tire yet. Maybe if I had a bit of help working on a car tire it might be possible. I purchased the Jr Pro model.
http://www.nomartirechanger.com/default.asp
I'd be wary of taking a motorcycle tire to an auto tire repair center. I don't think the tire machines they use are as safe as a machine made specifically for a motorcycle tire. The good motorcycle shops near me seem to use a Coats RC-200/EX, a pretty slick machine.
http://www.ammcoats.com/coats-motorc...r-model-rc-200
They say you should also be able to change your car tires with it, but I haven't been too successful doing that. I've been able to break the bead and get the car tires off the rim, but I haven't been able to mount a car tire yet. Maybe if I had a bit of help working on a car tire it might be possible. I purchased the Jr Pro model.
http://www.nomartirechanger.com/default.asp
I'd be wary of taking a motorcycle tire to an auto tire repair center. I don't think the tire machines they use are as safe as a machine made specifically for a motorcycle tire. The good motorcycle shops near me seem to use a Coats RC-200/EX, a pretty slick machine.
http://www.ammcoats.com/coats-motorc...r-model-rc-200
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,151
Likes: 14
From: Seattle
I was thinking of changing out wheel bearings just for good measure and peace of mind being I have nearly 40k miles on her. I called up local dealer and they said rear takes 4 bearings and front takes 2 bearings at $20+ each bearing!
He asked if they needed changing and that they usually last longer than most people own the bike. So thats good news. But just so I know, how do you tell if a bearing goes bad? wobble? sound? etc?
He asked if they needed changing and that they usually last longer than most people own the bike. So thats good news. But just so I know, how do you tell if a bearing goes bad? wobble? sound? etc?
If you have ABS, you need to get 2 (one in front and one in rear) from HD, but the others are standard bearings #6205-2RS and they're about $5 or so each.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola, Fl
$177, you're getting ripped off!
Cost $33 per tire down here at Cycle World.
The indy repair shop I use for everything else but tires charges $75 per hour labor...2 tires would take 45 minutes, round up to an hour. they could change bearings, tires for less than 177. you'd save enough money to pay for 2 bearings or couple tanks of gas.
Cost $33 per tire down here at Cycle World.
The indy repair shop I use for everything else but tires charges $75 per hour labor...2 tires would take 45 minutes, round up to an hour. they could change bearings, tires for less than 177. you'd save enough money to pay for 2 bearings or couple tanks of gas.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,680
Likes: 602
From: South Florida
I was thinking of changing out wheel bearings just for good measure and peace of mind being I have nearly 40k miles on her. I called up local dealer and they said rear takes 4 bearings and front takes 2 bearings at $20+ each bearing!
He asked if they needed changing and that they usually last longer than most people own the bike. So thats good news. But just so I know, how do you tell if a bearing goes bad? wobble? sound? etc?
He asked if they needed changing and that they usually last longer than most people own the bike. So thats good news. But just so I know, how do you tell if a bearing goes bad? wobble? sound? etc?
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
Likes: 26
From: Southern Oregon
Like others have mentioned, I'd contact your indy and see what he would charge if you just brought him the wheels. Mine charged me $10.00 for the swapping out some front rubber. Might want to ask him about changing out the bearing at the same time.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 30
From: North Florida
I was thinking of changing out wheel bearings just for good measure and peace of mind being I have nearly 40k miles on her. I called up local dealer and they said rear takes 4 bearings and front takes 2 bearings at $20+ each bearing!
He asked if they needed changing and that they usually last longer than most people own the bike. So thats good news. But just so I know, how do you tell if a bearing goes bad? wobble? sound? etc?
He asked if they needed changing and that they usually last longer than most people own the bike. So thats good news. But just so I know, how do you tell if a bearing goes bad? wobble? sound? etc?
I would not replace the bearings unless you are in the bad years or have a bad bearing.
I have 165k on the one that I did not replace, (don't know if was front or rear, too long ago have 120k on the other)
I replaced the bearing on mine several years ago, and did not have the special tool that it takes.
You cannot use a regular puller because of the spacer between the two bearings. A fellow poster/tech told me to get a round rod the size of the inner race and weld the rod to the bearing and just drive it out.
Worked perfect, then just drive the other side out.
As far as changing your tires, if you have never done it before it can be a challenge, I use two 2x4 studs as a breaker bar. One stuck under my bench running out four feet, the other going between this one down to the tire, push down and pop.
Yes on the rim protectors, HD gave me a handful.
Good luck.
Last edited by Harleycruiser; Nov 14, 2014 at 05:24 PM.