Folks,
How do we do this ourselves, if you do?
Couldn't find in the search function.
Lots of references to this and that....but nothing that I could find that gives specifics after getting the wheels off.
Links/thoughts appreciated.
Thanks,
Jim...

JimK wrote:Folks,
How do we do this ourselves, if you do?
Couldn't find in the search function.
Lot's of references to this and that....but nothing that I could find that gives specifics after getting the wheels off.
Links/thoughts appreciated.
Thanks,
Jim...

Jim,

Have you seen This post?

CF

That's a great way to slip a tyre onto a bare rim after you've gotten the old tyre off, of course. There are various beadbreakers on offer and Harbor Freight in the US sell a manual changer that bolts or pins to the garage floor, and one that slides into a square receiver on a ute or pickup's trailer hitch for rigidity.

Here's a cool device from Marc Parnes for balancing BMW wheels which I'll be shipping home next year for my own tyre balancing.

http://www.marcparnes.com/BMW_Motorcycle_Wheel_Balancer.htm

Hi Jim,

It's almost impossible to change tyres on painted rims at home without taking chunks of paint off the wheels. Standard ally wheels are easy enough but it would be a shame to mess up your white wheels. I've tried plastic rim protectors in the past, but the lever pressure still damaged the paint.

Paul.

I have a view....let tyres to tyre people, gnerally wheels, be it car or bike, get damaged by home efforts unless you have the professional equipment. I get quoted no more than €15-20 to fit a tyre and balance a wheel and it does represent good value. Take wheels off yourself and get tyred done professionally is a cheap option.

92KK K100LT 193214 wrote:I have a view....let tyres to tyre people, gnerally wheels, be it car or bike, get damaged by home efforts unless you have the professional equipment. I get quoted no more than €15-20 to fit a tyre and balance a wheel and it does represent good value. Take wheels off yourself and get tyred done professionally is a cheap option.

+1

I don't know how many times I've seen hamfisted 'professionals' at dealerships damage customer's wheels in the process of simply replacing a tyre. With the right equipment, be it hand/mechanical or electronic, and a bit of care and concern, it should be easy, but at the pace of most shops, and the fact that not a lot of money is made on labour replacing tyres in the biz, often means the lowliest ranking member gets the job.

I say, like any other item we choose to do for ourselves, better leave it to someone who actually gives a rat's arse about the wheels and the proper balance. That would be me. The last set of Bridgestones I wore out on my RT were so far out of balance...someone else fit them up. When I replaced them with Michelins I fit them with the help of a mate in Albuquerque. I bought and walked out of a shop with them in hand. We dismounted, mounted and balanced the pair in under an hour without a nick on the rims, and they're as smooth as silk over the road.

It's not difficult with a few basic tools and a bit of care.

I have been changing my own tires for ever. I made a bead breaker years ago, imagine a 6ft long nut cracker- that is the basis of it.
Then its just CAREFULL use of a couple of tire levers to remove tire.
The only tool I use to fit the tire is a rubber mallett, and a splash of soapy water.

Thanks, everyone, for all the fine and expert advice on the subject!
Got good info...which is always what ya get with this crew.

Local temps (60F/15C)...
It's messing with my little pea brain not having that little $)&*^$ key.

So much depends on so little sometimes.

Whatever.. .
Jim

Came across this, 92KK has a good point regarding the paintwork!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QrLKp9kalA

GMcQ