Rabaconda Tire Changer
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5,474
Likes: 6,345
From: pacific northwest
I have a No-Mar, and once I started using a strap to hold the wheel in place and another to hold the "Yellow" thing in place changing, tires on our Limited's were fairly easy.
Last month I went out to change the rear on my 2021 Road Glide and I fought to just get the old tire off. Then I failed to get the new tire on. Was able to take my rims it to a friend's shop and he mounted both for free.
Hated to do that since I didn't but the tires from him, but he wouldn't let me pay.
Looks like I need to start letting the shop do my tire work or find a better machine. Has anyone used a Rabaconda on a late model RG?
Last month I went out to change the rear on my 2021 Road Glide and I fought to just get the old tire off. Then I failed to get the new tire on. Was able to take my rims it to a friend's shop and he mounted both for free.
Hated to do that since I didn't but the tires from him, but he wouldn't let me pay.
Looks like I need to start letting the shop do my tire work or find a better machine. Has anyone used a Rabaconda on a late model RG?
Last edited by MRFREEZE57; Jul 11, 2024 at 10:32 PM.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 7,147
From: Las Vegas
I received one good one, and one where the threaded handle shank didn't line up properly. I fixed it with by drilling the hole so it lines up properly. Yes it's annoying, but I'm overall satisfied with the tool.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 11,254
From: San Diego, CA
Well, at least Rabaconda makes a good effort....
I emailed them about mine. I told them it was less than 1 yr old, used only once, and totally dissatisfied...
I gave them my purchase date & order number, and I offered to "trade" the blocks I got with it for the new version.
The replied within 24 hrs, said they would send me a set of the block extensions for free..
I am waiting now to see what comes...
I'll need a new rear tire on my '16 Low Rider shortly. We shall see how that goes with the block extensions. I don't want to remove the drive pulley or brake rotor....
I'll give the Rabaconda another try, but I'm still saving for a pneumatic tire changer. I think I even found a spot I can put it...
I emailed them about mine. I told them it was less than 1 yr old, used only once, and totally dissatisfied...
I gave them my purchase date & order number, and I offered to "trade" the blocks I got with it for the new version.
The replied within 24 hrs, said they would send me a set of the block extensions for free..
I am waiting now to see what comes...
I'll need a new rear tire on my '16 Low Rider shortly. We shall see how that goes with the block extensions. I don't want to remove the drive pulley or brake rotor....
I'll give the Rabaconda another try, but I'm still saving for a pneumatic tire changer. I think I even found a spot I can put it...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 11,254
From: San Diego, CA
Just got the block spacers today from Rabaconda... can't complain about their customer service....
I'll have to get that rear tire for my Low Rider and give the Rabaconda another try.
It'll have to wait, as I have a 2 week bike trip at the end of the month...
Riding still takes priority over wrenching....
I'll have to get that rear tire for my Low Rider and give the Rabaconda another try.
It'll have to wait, as I have a 2 week bike trip at the end of the month...
Riding still takes priority over wrenching....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,015
Likes: 6,909
From: NC
Yep! I had exactly the same thought. I've even communicated this to No-Mar. They don't want to copy what another company has done and the "duck head" is a patented design. No-Mar is a stand-up American company. I haven't had the time to experiment, but I'm guessing that I could get the Rabaconda ratcheting duckhead to work on a No-Mar machine.
I like my No-Mar also. It does work, but it's never as easy for me as what I see in the videos and I do understand about keeping the tire in the drop-center, making room, so one can get the bead over the rim.
It's worth the effort to me. I change tires whenever I want, purchase the tires online at a discount and I'm not paying someone to scratch my rims. Plus I get to help out my friends. Win-Win!
I like my No-Mar also. It does work, but it's never as easy for me as what I see in the videos and I do understand about keeping the tire in the drop-center, making room, so one can get the bead over the rim.
It's worth the effort to me. I change tires whenever I want, purchase the tires online at a discount and I'm not paying someone to scratch my rims. Plus I get to help out my friends. Win-Win!
I imagine warming the tires would also help the Rabaconda machine.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21,768
Likes: 22,987
From: North Carolina
First tire I did with the No-Mar was a real painful learning experience. Then I was reminded to warm the tires first. I am going to buy an electric blanket, or something similar, to do just that. The real tire warmers are too expensive for my needs.
I imagine warming the tires would also help the Rabaconda machine.
I imagine warming the tires would also help the Rabaconda machine.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,258
Likes: 4,947
From: England
Have you all been back to ask if the blind man is still welding the nuts on poorly?
I don't get how the QC can be so poor on such a simple thing.
I don't get how the QC can be so poor on such a simple thing.
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Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,102
Likes: 2,108
From: NoVA
First tire I did with the No-Mar was a real painful learning experience. Then I was reminded to warm the tires first. I am going to buy an electric blanket, or something similar, to do just that. The real tire warmers are too expensive for my needs.
I imagine warming the tires would also help the Rabaconda machine.
I imagine warming the tires would also help the Rabaconda machine.
when tried to pull the edge over it in the winter. Recently did rear tire which was warm and plenty of lube - didnt even break a sweat