Changing Tires Tips?
Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 610
Likes: 62
From: White Bear Lake, MN
http://www.clarity.net/~adam/tire-changing.html
This link will take you to a treasure trove of DIY motorcycle tire changing resources. I started rolling my own by researching this link over 10 years ago, and have been using the wisdom therein ever since.
Using a few select tools that cost some money (Aerostich bead breaker, Marc Parnes static balancer), the bulk of my setup is homemade (following advice in the link), and stows away easily and completely when not in use.
All the best,
Shane
This link will take you to a treasure trove of DIY motorcycle tire changing resources. I started rolling my own by researching this link over 10 years ago, and have been using the wisdom therein ever since.
Using a few select tools that cost some money (Aerostich bead breaker, Marc Parnes static balancer), the bulk of my setup is homemade (following advice in the link), and stows away easily and completely when not in use.
All the best,
Shane
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 943
Likes: 41
Just ordered a set of Dunlop American Elites 2nd Gen. for my 2010 street glide for $317. shipped to my door. 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? Its such a pain checking rear tire pressure, but then again I dont want to take a chance of a long angled stem breaking while Im cruising down the road at highway speeds. 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? Its such a pain checking rear tire pressure, but then again I dont want to take a chance of a long angled stem breaking while Im cruising down the road at highway speeds. Was also thinking of trying that ride-on balancer stuff. ??
Appreciate any feedback. TIA
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 16
From: Texas
Thanks everyone for all the feedback and info. I ordered my tires from jakewilson.com last Thursday and they came in Sat. Ride on balancer treatment should be in today, so I might hit harbor freight tonight and see about getting the tire changer.
As far as an air compressor goes, what do you guys use? Im obviously on a budget, so do you think a 100psi portable compressor would seat the bead?
I was looking at this one from harbour freight.
8 gal. 2 HP 125 PSI Oil Lube Air Compressor
4.5 CFM @ 90 PSI, 5.5 CFM @ 40 PSI
$89 Craftsman 3 Gallon oil lube 135PSI portable air compressor 1 HP, 3 Gallon, 3.7 scfm @40 psi,
2.4 scfm @90 psi
$129 Craftsman AirBoss™ 1.2 Gallon Oil-less 135psi Air Compressor
3/4 HP, 5 amps, 2.6 scfm @40 psi, 1.8 scfm @90 psi,
Thanks again for your help.
As far as an air compressor goes, what do you guys use? Im obviously on a budget, so do you think a 100psi portable compressor would seat the bead?
I was looking at this one from harbour freight.
8 gal. 2 HP 125 PSI Oil Lube Air Compressor
4.5 CFM @ 90 PSI, 5.5 CFM @ 40 PSI
$89 Craftsman 3 Gallon oil lube 135PSI portable air compressor 1 HP, 3 Gallon, 3.7 scfm @40 psi,
2.4 scfm @90 psi
$129 Craftsman AirBoss™ 1.2 Gallon Oil-less 135psi Air Compressor
3/4 HP, 5 amps, 2.6 scfm @40 psi, 1.8 scfm @90 psi,
Thanks again for your help.
Last edited by SmittyFXDL; Nov 17, 2014 at 09:42 AM.
Here's the setup I use on mine...Now this was on a 2000 Ultra wheels and I just traded for a 2012 limited so I haven't changed those yet but it should work. I like the Dyna Beads for balancing and as far as a compressor, I use a 26 gal sears which works ok...I worked for my dad at a service station changing tires and we used a deal with a cable to put around the tires if they were hard to seat on the rim.. You can use a ratchet strap and do the same thing. A large strap works better because it puts more pressure around the whole tread instead of just the middle tread. Just use 3 tire spoons to remove the tire from the rim and to replace.... didn't show it in the pic but there is a piece of 3/4 pvc pipe and a small wooden block i use to hold the wheel down while I remove the tire. Also have the old car wheel bolted to the workbench with lag bolts..easy to remove with the impact wrench when through....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,096
Likes: 4,673
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
I had a cheap compressor for several years, often had to wait till the pressure came back up, and almost useless for seating the bead on stubborn tires; it only went up to about 110 psi. Finally the cheap shutoff switch melted, and I used that as an excuse to move up, got this one:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-15...specifications
Heavy duty American made, vertical tank takes up a lot less room, have never run out of air using air tools, and that 200 psi really seats the tires easy - most of the time, some tires are just going to be a problem no matter what you have. I use a compressor many times a year, and have never regretted this one, something I sure can't say about a couple previous cheaper ones. Occasionally they're on sale cheaper than this, too; mine was. I think hp ratings are misleading, and cfm claims on most imported compressors are wildly optimistic; the numbers on mine aren't much more than a cheap HF compressor, but performance is. The underwhelming compressor I had previous was rated at more hp, but had far less output. You'll probably have your compressor for several years, and find uses for it you didn't anticipate; if you can spend a little more for quality now, I'd be surprised if you regretted it.
Another thing that helps when putting on new tires - put them in the house, or someplace as warm as possible, and put something like plastic bottles or pieces of wood in them to expand them. Mail order tires are often wrapped in plastic that holds the inner edges together, and they take a set that way; warming them up (if cool weather) and spreading them for a day or two has made a big difference for me.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-15...specifications
Heavy duty American made, vertical tank takes up a lot less room, have never run out of air using air tools, and that 200 psi really seats the tires easy - most of the time, some tires are just going to be a problem no matter what you have. I use a compressor many times a year, and have never regretted this one, something I sure can't say about a couple previous cheaper ones. Occasionally they're on sale cheaper than this, too; mine was. I think hp ratings are misleading, and cfm claims on most imported compressors are wildly optimistic; the numbers on mine aren't much more than a cheap HF compressor, but performance is. The underwhelming compressor I had previous was rated at more hp, but had far less output. You'll probably have your compressor for several years, and find uses for it you didn't anticipate; if you can spend a little more for quality now, I'd be surprised if you regretted it.
Another thing that helps when putting on new tires - put them in the house, or someplace as warm as possible, and put something like plastic bottles or pieces of wood in them to expand them. Mail order tires are often wrapped in plastic that holds the inner edges together, and they take a set that way; warming them up (if cool weather) and spreading them for a day or two has made a big difference for me.
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 16
From: Texas
Well I got just about everything in that I need with exception of rim protectors. Thought for sure my auto parts store would have it but they had no idea what I was even talking about. Ill check with dealer today and if that fails I guess I can always cut up an old garden hose?
Tried removing the rear axle nut late last night with large adjustable wrench and rubber mallet to no effect. Then I read theres a tool in stock kit that fits that perfectly so Ill try that tonight as well.
Tried removing the rear axle nut late last night with large adjustable wrench and rubber mallet to no effect. Then I read theres a tool in stock kit that fits that perfectly so Ill try that tonight as well.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 194
Likes: 165
From: Kerrville, Texas
None of the tires I've used the past few years had a dot. I just rotate the tire around the rim on a static balancer till I find the spot with the least out of balance, then seat the bead there. Can make an ounce or more difference in out of balance before weights, if you use those. I use stick on weights temporarily to find out how much it really needs, then I'll use a bit more than that of Dynabeads. I suspect the folks that say they don't work didn't use enough, some wheel/tire combinations can be off substantially more than the Dynabead figures for various tire sizes.
I mount and static balance my own tires as well. It never occurred to me to check the balance before seating the bead. Thanks for that tip!
--------------------
Last edited by JONAS1969; Nov 19, 2014 at 12:38 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
