Tire Repair - Tools
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 435
Likes: 2
From: Alberta, Canada
Tire Repair - Tools
I've recently had the front tire replaced on my bike and I feel used. I hate paying for something I can do myself. I generally do all my own work but when it comes to tire changing, I don't have the tools and it pains me to pay a shop to replace my tires. I'm a firm believer that "He who dies with the most tools/toys wins!" so I have a well stocked shop, but tire irons, bead breakers, and balancers... I don't have. My back tire will need to be replaced again by the end of the season and I really don't want to pay to have it done. What are you guys using for tire levers, bead breakers, balancers? If you can suggest a link to some quality tools I would appreciate it.
Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Best bang for your buck....
http://www.cyclehilltirechanger.com/
I've got a No Mar machine (same company) and it could't be easier!
http://www.cyclehilltirechanger.com/
I've got a No Mar machine (same company) and it could't be easier!
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 318
Likes: 1
I did my own tires and bought everything including the tires from Jakewilson.com Link is below
http://www.jakewilson.com/search.do?...#vehicleSelect
You'll need the following:
1. Tire irons
2. Rim savers
3. Dyna beads (for balancing unless you take them to a Indy and have them balanced)
It really is an easy job if you have mechanical knowledge. a H-D service manual for your model, and a cycle lift or jack.
I saved enough money doing my own one time, to buy the tools to do it.
As for the bead breaker, you can use two 2 x 4 's and it gets the job done really easy. The setup I used is in the picture below.
Just be sure and block up the tire and wheel so your rotor or pully is not touching the floor. Step your right foot on the ouside of the tire/rim while pushing down on the 2 x 4 and POW, the tire pops off the bead. If you want a video on it go to YouTube and search for "Redneck Bead Breaker"
http://www.jakewilson.com/search.do?...#vehicleSelect
You'll need the following:
1. Tire irons
2. Rim savers
3. Dyna beads (for balancing unless you take them to a Indy and have them balanced)
It really is an easy job if you have mechanical knowledge. a H-D service manual for your model, and a cycle lift or jack.
I saved enough money doing my own one time, to buy the tools to do it.
As for the bead breaker, you can use two 2 x 4 's and it gets the job done really easy. The setup I used is in the picture below.
Just be sure and block up the tire and wheel so your rotor or pully is not touching the floor. Step your right foot on the ouside of the tire/rim while pushing down on the 2 x 4 and POW, the tire pops off the bead. If you want a video on it go to YouTube and search for "Redneck Bead Breaker"
Last edited by Bikerdad61; Sep 6, 2009 at 09:04 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 1
From: Brookfield,Il.
Hard to believe for the 20.00 or 25.00 it wouldn't be easy, less chance of damaging a rim, not balancing it correctly and just take it to a Dealer or Indy? As far as balancing a tire and rim combination you can do it with a home mad stand and a pipe. It's a form of static balancing. You find the balance point and thats where the weight goes.Search the internet, it does work just fine. Learned it from a road racer. Most of them can't afford balancers and that's how they do it. (Amature class)
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 170
Likes: 1
From: Richmond ,Ohio
spend the money and buy a nomar tire changer.......you won't regret it.
http://nomartirechanger.com/
http://nomartirechanger.com/
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 502
From: Northern WV
Marc Parnes (he's here on the forum) makes a nice balancer.
http://www.marcparnes.com/Harley_Mot...l_Balancer.htm
Along with that get 4 nice 12" tire irons, 4 rim protectors, a lever handle bead breaker (not the wrench operated C clamp type) a sheet of 1/4 oz stick-on weights. I use soapy water as a lube for removing and a spray tire lube for mounting.
FWIW I know a number instances where 2-3 riders go together to buy a balancer and tire changing machine, which makes sense.
http://www.marcparnes.com/Harley_Mot...l_Balancer.htm
Along with that get 4 nice 12" tire irons, 4 rim protectors, a lever handle bead breaker (not the wrench operated C clamp type) a sheet of 1/4 oz stick-on weights. I use soapy water as a lube for removing and a spray tire lube for mounting.
FWIW I know a number instances where 2-3 riders go together to buy a balancer and tire changing machine, which makes sense.
Last edited by Ridewva; Sep 11, 2009 at 07:10 AM.
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 860
Likes: 28
From: southbury connecticut
the e3`s and all the tools from jake wilsons for $350, then i bought the cyclehill tire changer for $365 and still saved $100 bucks now i change my own!
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Once a rim is balanced you shouldn't need to rebalance every time you change a tire. Remove old tire, leave any weights on the rim, and line up the dot on the new tire with the stem. Or you could use Dyna Beads and remove the old weights. Either way a balancer is not needed.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 412
Likes: 1
Once a rim is balanced you shouldn't need to rebalance every time you change a tire. Remove old tire, leave any weights on the rim, and line up the dot on the new tire with the stem. Or you could use Dyna Beads and remove the old weights. Either way a balancer is not needed.
I know that the last set of tires I mounted for my Ultra (Dunlop E3's) balanced differently than the D402's that I replaced. It wasnt much of a difference. If I remember right I had about 1/4 oz less weight on both front and rear and had the position change by about 3 or 4 inches on the rear wheel.
Yes, the tire placement is very important. Will 1/4 oz make a difference?? Doubtful, but If I am going to do it, I am gonna do it right. JMO
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