I am thinking of changing my own back tire on my Ultra with Cast wheels. I was looking through the service manual and it stated something about a bead expander. Wanted to know if anyone uses one that does their own tire changes at home. Also do you need to put some type of lubicant on the tire when setting the bead. I have done engine work before but never a tire change and decided I needed to learn something new.

 

if you dont have a high volume compressor you can use a tie down strap around the tire to help air it up

 

I have changed several MC tires and havn't heard of a bead expander, or needed one. Like the post above says, If you cant get the bead to set put a racheting tie down strap around the tire and ratchet it tight. It will make the tire want to flatten out and help the bead set.

 

Leave the needle valve out of the valve stem when setting the bead. Use either the airhose end without a chuck or use an air gun and you will get the volume you need with most garage compressors. Soapy water works fine as lube.

 

Thanks, I think I will be making a run to Harbor Freight for some new toys now.

 

you can get a air tank. that way you can air up the tank with a low folume compresser
then have full volume out of the tank for setting the bead. You can get them at any auto parts store.

 

use dish soap and lube the snot out of it!. the more lube the easier it is. when working with low pro tires be careful not to tear the sidewall bead