switching tires
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 91
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
It's easy to get the wheels off the bike but taking the tires off the rims without a tire machine is a pain. Can be done but I haven't heard of too many doing it these days with tire irons. I put the bike on a jack, take the wheel or wheels off and just take them to my tire guy who does the mounting and balancing for 25$ per wheel.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,968
Likes: 34
From: Lockport Township, IL
I do my own and do not have a tire machine. J&P sells a neat little tool for breaking the bead and then it is a simple task to get the tire off using tire irons. Putting the new tire on is also simple with a couple tire irons and a little dish detergent to lubricate the tire/wheel.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I changed all my tyres when they were tubed and smaller in section than my current Harleys, so I've gone into retirement on that one! I do the same as SmokinRK and take my wheels to a local dealer and get them to supply and fit. I get a coffee and a chat while I wait!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,033
Likes: 29
I do my own by hand. I break the bead with the bead breaker on a cheapo Harbor Freight tire changer. I do the changing down on my knees on a piece of heavy carpet using motorcycle tire irons and a couple of rim protectors. I have about 75 bucks in all of my equipment....The main thing is to learn the right technique.
Skip the dish detergent for lube. It can be corrosive on the wheels. I use Murphy's Oil soap.
Skip the dish detergent for lube. It can be corrosive on the wheels. I use Murphy's Oil soap.
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