Dumb question, removing wheels
Thread Starter
|
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 100
From: Pasadena TX
Dumb question, removing wheels
It's time for me to change tires, but I've never done it before. I talked to a couple of local indy's and long story short it's cheaper for me to remove the wheels than for them to do it. If the bike is on the jack and the weight of the wheel is removed will it tip the bike off the jack? Is there a 'correct' procedure?
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 619
Likes: 0
From: Northeast U.S.
I went through the trouble of removing my own wheels and took them to the dealer to change the tires. At the end I asked how much I had saved by bringing them in myself, I was told $20 per rim. So I had a $40 dollar lesson, let them do it next time. The process went smooth, with only the rear brake giving me a little trouble upon re-assembly.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 130
From: Now Western TN
Make sure you strap the front end and back end down to the jack. I usually do a rachet strap from the engine guard frame tab down, and then use either the passenger foot bracket or saddlebag bracket down to the jack.
I went through the trouble of removing my own wheels and took them to the dealer to change the tires. At the end I asked how much I had saved by bringing them in myself, I was told $20 per rim. So I had a $40 dollar lesson, let them do it next time. The process went smooth, with only the rear brake giving me a little trouble upon re-assembly.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,019
Likes: 3
From: St.Pete Beach
Taking it to an Indy is best...I am a penny pincher but its worth the extra $20 to end the aggrivation for yourself...So you can get on with the best part of it...RIDING..
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
It's time for me to change tires, but I've never done it before. I talked to a couple of local indy's and long story short it's cheaper for me to remove the wheels than for them to do it. If the bike is on the jack and the weight of the wheel is removed will it tip the bike off the jack? Is there a 'correct' procedure?
In my area it is definitely cheaper to do it yourself. Especially if you buy your tires someplace besides the dealer. I am getting ready to do a friends RoadKing and we got the Commander II tires and tubes for 307.00, and it will cost 20.00 each to have them mounted and balanced. At the dealer he was quoted 500 +.
Bill
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
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 212
Likes: 1
From: Florida Space Coast
I haven't seen it yet in this post but, OP a manual for your year bike is priceless.
It will give you the tools required, the proper torques and the best; how to do it.
You should always strap the bike down for safety reasons. The wheel and tire assemblies do have some weight so when removed, the bike will want to dip towards the heavier end.
I used to do the whole job including changing the tires. I have now found an Indy that has all of the proper tooling to do the tire changes and only charges $25 for the work. This also includes the fee for the tire disposal.
I still do the R&R, this gives me the chance to do maintenance and give the bike a good look over while on the jack.
Take your time. In the end you will have a great sense of accomplishment.
It will give you the tools required, the proper torques and the best; how to do it.
You should always strap the bike down for safety reasons. The wheel and tire assemblies do have some weight so when removed, the bike will want to dip towards the heavier end.
I used to do the whole job including changing the tires. I have now found an Indy that has all of the proper tooling to do the tire changes and only charges $25 for the work. This also includes the fee for the tire disposal.
I still do the R&R, this gives me the chance to do maintenance and give the bike a good look over while on the jack.
Take your time. In the end you will have a great sense of accomplishment.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 49
From: Northern California
I prefer to do as much myself even when my pockets were deep.
Removal and installation is as simple as it gets. It never hurts to take pictures before and during the process so you have something to refer to if needed.Digital crap makes it all so easy.
When I remove wheels I place a clean rag on both sides of the bike near where I am working, I will place the items in order the way they came off. Axle nut,lock washer,flat washer, spacer you get the idea. The first time or two it helps you put it back together correctly.
Also it gives you the opportunity to not only learn your bike a little better but lets you look over the area you are working on. Clean and inspect the belt, check swingarm for correct tightness, lube things,check fasteners, stuff like that. You can also clean the caliper pistons so it all works properly.
But having a "pro" give the bike a once over might not be a bad thing for some either.
To me the 40 bucks or whatever saved means more GAS MONEY !! And that is never a bad thing.
Removal and installation is as simple as it gets. It never hurts to take pictures before and during the process so you have something to refer to if needed.Digital crap makes it all so easy.
When I remove wheels I place a clean rag on both sides of the bike near where I am working, I will place the items in order the way they came off. Axle nut,lock washer,flat washer, spacer you get the idea. The first time or two it helps you put it back together correctly.
Also it gives you the opportunity to not only learn your bike a little better but lets you look over the area you are working on. Clean and inspect the belt, check swingarm for correct tightness, lube things,check fasteners, stuff like that. You can also clean the caliper pistons so it all works properly.
But having a "pro" give the bike a once over might not be a bad thing for some either.
To me the 40 bucks or whatever saved means more GAS MONEY !! And that is never a bad thing.