Rabaconda Tire Changer
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,816
Likes: 1,320
From: Good roads, cold beer
Originally it was designed for off road bikes and not for touring/cruisers.
Then they stated they were going to make a model for HDs and the like. I may wait for the 2nd generation design though so they work out any bugs. Want to see how it plays out.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 417
From: Outer Banks, NC
The Rabaconda disassembles into a smallish bag, so doesn't take up much room.
One way to reduce the cost would be if you have a bunch of biker friends who would "go in" on the cost. Everybody has each others phone #. The last one to use it stores it until the next guy needs it. If everybody was honest it could work.
One way to reduce the cost would be if you have a bunch of biker friends who would "go in" on the cost. Everybody has each others phone #. The last one to use it stores it until the next guy needs it. If everybody was honest it could work.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,173
From: Oxford, Nc
I'm looking at it for next summer (won't need it before them.) I see that it'offers free shipping from TN. I also note that some of the extra accessories might be a good idea above and beyond the $600 starter kit so I'll be looking at around $800 (plus the cost of a basic balancer.)
I've been paying $30 to $40 for a Japanese dealership tire change but the last time, the nearest HD Indy shop nailed me for $75 (each!) I'll not darken their doors again but I have to assume that something closer to $50 will be the norm around here in the near future.
Time to get serious about this...
I've been paying $30 to $40 for a Japanese dealership tire change but the last time, the nearest HD Indy shop nailed me for $75 (each!) I'll not darken their doors again but I have to assume that something closer to $50 will be the norm around here in the near future.
Time to get serious about this...
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 965
From: Eastern NC
You will notice that the tire in the video is not a bias ply tire. I take my tires to the local shop and witness the amount of force it takes for a pnuematic machine to get a bias ply tire on the rim. That light weight device doesn't look like it is up for the task.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 7,145
From: Las Vegas
I'm looking at it for next summer (won't need it before them.) I see that it'offers free shipping from TN. I also note that some of the extra accessories might be a good idea above and beyond the $600 starter kit so I'll be looking at around $800 (plus the cost of a basic balancer.)
I've been paying $30 to $40 for a Japanese dealership tire change but the last time, the nearest HD Indy shop nailed me for $75 (each!) I'll not darken their doors again but I have to assume that something closer to $50 will be the norm around here in the near future.
Time to get serious about this...
I've been paying $30 to $40 for a Japanese dealership tire change but the last time, the nearest HD Indy shop nailed me for $75 (each!) I'll not darken their doors again but I have to assume that something closer to $50 will be the norm around here in the near future.
Time to get serious about this...
You will notice that the tire in the video is not a bias ply tire. I take my tires to the local shop and witness the amount of force it takes for a pnuematic machine to get a bias ply tire on the rim. That light weight device doesn't look like it is up for the task.
Novice
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 20
Likes: 11
From: Lisle IL
I've used balance beads for years. They have always worked well in all of my sport and touring bikes. I came to HD from a Honda Goldwing, and the beads worked well on those rigid-wall touring tires.
No wobbles and even tire wear. Easy to use.
No wobbles and even tire wear. Easy to use.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 1,902
From: East Coast, USA
Anyone have this machine from Rabaconda for your touring bikes? I like that it can be broken down for storage, but am wondering how well it really works.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZx5...nnel=Rabaconda
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZx5...nnel=Rabaconda
2. Can it change a HD front tire with both brake discs attached?
3. Can you point me to a video whereby this tool is used to change a HD tire?
