New Tires and What Else???
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 259
From: Seattle
New Tires and What Else???
So I am trying to do all the maintenance and upgrades on my scooter myself. Next on the list is tires. I am guessing I will have to bring my bike to a shop for that...or possibly a tire shop for autos? I also want to have the spokes looked at and see that the wheels are true. What else should I do while I have the wheels off? Need your advice...hopefully someone will take a few and run me through the options and pros /cons....would greatly appreciate it!
Also, not in the budget for new rims, I've read about the police version tube tires that hold up if you get a flat. I ride solo so I might check those out or the elite 3 or whatever. Any other thoughts on great tires appreciated.
Also, not in the budget for new rims, I've read about the police version tube tires that hold up if you get a flat. I ride solo so I might check those out or the elite 3 or whatever. Any other thoughts on great tires appreciated.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 80
From: currently an Okie
Wheels
How many miles are on it? If you have 50k or better, I would replace the wheel bearings.
It would be worth it to buy a motorcycle jack and pull the wheel yourself.
If you have an indy you trust, have them check the spokes. But pull the wheel yourself.
If you ride quite a few miles a year, you need to do as much yourself as you can. I put 30K a year on mine. If I relied on the dealer to do my service, it would cost $4k to $5k a year. I buy my tires online, change them myself and do my own oil changes.
I have a lot more peace of mind knowing I did my own service and it was done right.
It would be worth it to buy a motorcycle jack and pull the wheel yourself.
If you have an indy you trust, have them check the spokes. But pull the wheel yourself.
If you ride quite a few miles a year, you need to do as much yourself as you can. I put 30K a year on mine. If I relied on the dealer to do my service, it would cost $4k to $5k a year. I buy my tires online, change them myself and do my own oil changes.
I have a lot more peace of mind knowing I did my own service and it was done right.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 259
From: Seattle
So it must save a good chunk to remove the wheel and then bring them in... good to know.
I'll ask around and see if I can bring in the tire too and buy online.
I don't have a tire changer.
I have 13k on the bike and haven't had to bring it to a shop yet.
I'll ask around and see if I can bring in the tire too and buy online.
I don't have a tire changer.
I have 13k on the bike and haven't had to bring it to a shop yet.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 577
Likes: 20
From: Reno
Remove the tires/rims yourself.
Remove the weights and remove the weight adhesive.
Buy 90 degree valve stems
Buy Ride-On
Indy yes... but the Indy's in my town aren't the cheapest nor the best either.
Find a sportbike independent... Found one who replaces the tires all day long for $25.00.
After you have the tires mounted onto the rims and prior to installation on the bike... dump the air, pull the stem internals, fill up with the appropriate amount of Ride-On, screw in the stem internals, air it back up. Proceed with installation.
Remove the weights and remove the weight adhesive.
Buy 90 degree valve stems
Buy Ride-On
Indy yes... but the Indy's in my town aren't the cheapest nor the best either.
Find a sportbike independent... Found one who replaces the tires all day long for $25.00.
After you have the tires mounted onto the rims and prior to installation on the bike... dump the air, pull the stem internals, fill up with the appropriate amount of Ride-On, screw in the stem internals, air it back up. Proceed with installation.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 32
Buy a MC Jack.
Buy three flat tire irons from HF. $6 each
Order tires from wherever. (I bought from Rocky Mtn ATV last time)
Remove and replace the tires yourself.
Inspect everything up close and take your time.
Clean under the fenders.
No one else will look things over as well as you would.
Clean the rims while they are off the bike.
I used Dyna beads to balance.
Use the money you save to buy other things.
Feel good that you are not dependent on others to maintain your ride.
Buy three flat tire irons from HF. $6 each
Order tires from wherever. (I bought from Rocky Mtn ATV last time)
Remove and replace the tires yourself.
Inspect everything up close and take your time.
Clean under the fenders.
No one else will look things over as well as you would.
Clean the rims while they are off the bike.
I used Dyna beads to balance.
Use the money you save to buy other things.
Feel good that you are not dependent on others to maintain your ride.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,151
Likes: 14
From: Seattle
I see you're in Seattle. I was going to buy tires at MotorcycleSuperstore.com and Ducati of Bellevue was their local installer at $25 each with wheels on the bike. They were willing to match the price so I just bought my Dunlop American Elites from them. Front and rear under $500 and they took good care of my bike.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,619
Likes: 57
From: New York
Ride on works with tubes.
Do you have a service manual? If not, order one. You can follow the checks, torques, etc.
Do you have a service manual? If not, order one. You can follow the checks, torques, etc.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: OH
This is what I do. Also almost any metric dealer will be cheaper than a HD dealer if you pull the wheels.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 259
From: Seattle
Perfect, thanks Haus. Gonna call northwest customs today and I-90 powersport but 25 bucks doesn't sound bad with Internet match.
That ride on stuff sounds awesome but hear it doesn't work real well in the tubes when you get a flat. Based on the idea of a flat rolling the tire off the rim and me not wanting to take a tumble I have been considering tubeless rims....but that's not going to happen at this tire change.
That ride on stuff sounds awesome but hear it doesn't work real well in the tubes when you get a flat. Based on the idea of a flat rolling the tire off the rim and me not wanting to take a tumble I have been considering tubeless rims....but that's not going to happen at this tire change.