Tire change...do-it-yourself ?
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,368
Likes: 2,055
From: Paradise (almost, Florida )
Tire change...do-it-yourself ?
I am handy with wrenches, so after reading all the tire threads I want to change my own tires on my 2003 FLHTI. Is there a thread I can go read about the process?
I have installed cruise,a radio/speakers, fairing mount mirrors,tour pack w/quick release and many more items. But I've never thought about tires, mainly because I thought they had to be balanced after installation, is that true?
Any one living anywhere near Smithfield, NC want to school me?
Thanks all !
I have installed cruise,a radio/speakers, fairing mount mirrors,tour pack w/quick release and many more items. But I've never thought about tires, mainly because I thought they had to be balanced after installation, is that true?
Any one living anywhere near Smithfield, NC want to school me?
Thanks all !
Banned
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere in NE PA
RE: Tire change...do-it-yourself ?
It's not worth it IMO. remove the wheels from the bike and take them somewhere to have them changed and balanced. This will save you a few bucks with the R&\\;R of the wheels.
 \\;
The low profile tires like the Metzelers are a bitch to do by hand. I have done them out of necessity. I have since purchased a tire machine and balancer from a shop that was going out of business. Now this isn't for everyone, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time, for once.
 \\;
The low profile tires like the Metzelers are a bitch to do by hand. I have done them out of necessity. I have since purchased a tire machine and balancer from a shop that was going out of business. Now this isn't for everyone, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time, for once.
RE: Tire change...do-it-yourself ?
I do mine by hand. Two good sized pry bars and some soap to lube it up gets them off. reversewhat you did to get the new one on.
I've never balanced one after putting it on either....
I've never balanced one after putting it on either....
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Frederick, MD
RE: Tire change...do-it-yourself ?
I use the Harbor frieght changer it works. Here are some instructions http://www.pbase.com/fredharmon/tirechange
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,009
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
RE: Tire change...do-it-yourself ?
I'm with Puzzled! Getting the wheel on and off isn't that hard. The shop here charges $20 to R&\\;R the tire and $5 to balance. And yes you want the tire balanced. Unbalanced tires are fine if you never hit the highway but if you crack the throttle and even at speeds as low as 60 (Depends on how severe out of balance) you can feel it. Don't be penny wise and balance foolish, you might hit 80 and go into a wobble and then what!?
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 681
Likes: 4
From: N.E. Oklahoma
RE: Tire change...do-it-yourself ?
I'm all for DIY, but it's better IMHO to take the wheels off and have the indy do it.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,368
Likes: 2,055
From: Paradise (almost, Florida )
RE: Tire change...do-it-yourself ?
Thanks a bunch guys. I'm cheap when it comes to paying for something I can do myself. I think what will work best for me is to take them off and take them to the dealer for replacement, to include balanced. This way, I save a few bucks AND I can clean them before I put them back on. It sucks to clean them when on the bike, especially the back rim.
The dealer wanted like $300.00 to install cruise. I did it myself in about 2 hours, and that was going as slow as I could and making absolute sure that everything was done perfect. I was a tool and die maker before I left that to become a high school teacher, so I'm very **** and very confident in do-it-yourself projects. All's I need is my shop manual.
The dealer wanted like $300.00 to install cruise. I did it myself in about 2 hours, and that was going as slow as I could and making absolute sure that everything was done perfect. I was a tool and die maker before I left that to become a high school teacher, so I'm very **** and very confident in do-it-yourself projects. All's I need is my shop manual.
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
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,968
Likes: 34
From: Lockport Township, IL
RE: Tire change...do-it-yourself ?
ORIGINAL: FXSTDSE2
I'm with Puzzled! Getting the wheel on and off isn't that hard. The shop here charges $20 to R&\\;\\\\\\;R the tire and $5 to balance. And yes you want the tire balanced. Unbalanced tires are fine if you never hit the highway but if you crack the throttle and even at speeds as low as 60 (Depends on how severe out of balance) you can feel it. Don't be penny wise and balance foolish, you might hit 80 and go into a wobble and then what!?
I'm with Puzzled! Getting the wheel on and off isn't that hard. The shop here charges $20 to R&\\;\\\\\\;R the tire and $5 to balance. And yes you want the tire balanced. Unbalanced tires are fine if you never hit the highway but if you crack the throttle and even at speeds as low as 60 (Depends on how severe out of balance) you can feel it. Don't be penny wise and balance foolish, you might hit 80 and go into a wobble and then what!?
I have been changing my own tires since 1972 and never had one balanced and never had any handling problems. \\; Last weekend I had the FXD up to 100 MPH and felt no vibration what-so-ever. \\; I say change them yourself and "IF YOU FEEL SOME VIBRATION" consider taking them in for balancing. \\; My bet is that you will not need the balancing.
