Harbor Freight Tire changer

holligl

Find the road less traveled...
Joined
Nov 13, 2015
Messages
2,212
Location
IL/AZ
Doing a search I only found one old thread on this. Is anyone using the HF setup, and what mods are needed to get the job done without tearing up the rims? I don't have much trouble wrestling the rear on and off, breaking the bead with the side stand, and with tire irons and rim protectors, but I find the front more challenging.
 

holligl

Find the road less traveled...
Joined
Nov 13, 2015
Messages
2,212
Location
IL/AZ
So you have both the base and mc attachment?

I was thinking maybe rubber blocks or liners for the holder.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
 

Cycledude

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2016
Messages
3,998
Location
Rib lake wi
I have the NoMar lever and really don’t like it.

So I later bought a Mojolever and have changed over 200 motorcycle tires with it trouble free. because of the spokes on a Tenere and my homemade tire changer I have never attempted to change a Tenere tire, so far I have just taken the Tenere wheel and new tire to my local dealer and pay the $20 to have them install the new tire on their automatic tire changing machine.
https://www.mojotiretools.com/mojoweb.htm
 

Checkswrecks

Ungenear to broked stuff
Staff member
Global Moderator
2011 Site Supporter
Joined
Mar 7, 2011
Messages
11,489
Location
Damascus, MD
I've got the HF stand and M/C attachment, with a mojo lever. What I'll add is that I drilled four holes in the garage floor for concrete anchor lags. When not in use the changer is in the back of the shed rather than taking up garage space, and the holes in the floor are covered with duct tape.
 
R

RonH

Guest
I've never used the harbor freight setup, but also recommend the mojolever as a great tire tool, the yellow thing bead holder is also great. Somewhere I've read of the mojo-blocks I believe, made by the same guy to replace the mounts on the Harbor freight tool to hold the wheel better and safer.
 

SkunkWorks

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 13, 2018
Messages
1,733
Location
Colorado
I've got the HF stand and M/C attachment, with a mojo lever. What I'll add is that I drilled four holes in the garage floor for concrete anchor lags. When not in use the changer is in the back of the shed rather than taking up garage space, and the holes in the floor are covered with duct tape.

That is exactly what I did with mine, except I used the anchors that you pound-in with the setting tool.

I use rim-protectors, the yello-thing buddy-hand, and a couple tire levers and pry-bars. Never have any issues.
I bought a gallon of RU-Glyde from Napa for tire lube.
I made my own Mojo-Blocks out of an old Oak Door, with rim-lip holders.
I use the bead-breaker that came on it, just lay a piece of carpet across the base.

I have also used it to change my own Jeep tires. It was easier than I expected.

When I'm doing front fork work on my bikes, I use the anchors in the floor to strap the rear of the bike to the floor while on the center-stand.
It is kinda handy since I don't have room for a Motorcycle-lift.
 

holligl

Find the road less traveled...
Joined
Nov 13, 2015
Messages
2,212
Location
IL/AZ
I have the NoMar lever and really don’t like it.

I have never attempted to change a Tenere tire, so far I have just taken the Tenere wheel and new tire to my local dealer and pay the $20 to have them install the new tire on their automatic tire changing machine.
https://www.mojotiretools.com/mojoweb.htm
You consider selling the NoMar lever?

Cheapest quote I have gotten in my area is $50 (wheel off bike). I would gladly pay $20 and avoid the effort. 2 of the 3 Yamaha dealers in my area have closed.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
 

Cycledude

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2016
Messages
3,998
Location
Rib lake wi
The NoMar tool tips aren’t strong enough for Goldwing Tire’s, the bead and sidewalls on Goldwing Tire’s are a lot more heavy duty than Tenere tires . I have successfully used the Mojo Lever on over 200 Goldwing tires.
Yes my homemade tire changer has been anchored to the cement floor for about 15 years, i also have a home made bead breaker, the more tires you change the easier it gets.
i have been to motorcycle shows where NoMar was demonstrating their tools and they make it look incredibly easy but some folks claim they are demonstrating using incredibly soft tires, I really don’t know if that’s true but after seeing a demonstration I suspect it is true.
 
Last edited:

Cycledude

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2016
Messages
3,998
Location
Rib lake wi
You consider selling the NoMar lever?

Cheapest quote I have gotten in my area is $50 (wheel off bike). I would gladly pay $20 and avoid the effort. 2 of the 3 Yamaha dealers in my area have closed.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
yes I definitely would be willing to sell it, I did break a tip but believe the tip was replaced, I will have to take a look at to make sure There is no broken tip. It was only used a few times before I bought the Mojo Lever, it’s been just hanging on my shop wall ever since.
where in Illinois do you live ? Maybe we could meet somewhere to save shipping. It would be very easy to haul on the Goldwing or Tenere, just wrap it in a towel with some Duck Tape and strap it to the passenger grab handles.
 
Last edited:
R

RonH

Guest
I don't have the nomar lever, but would bet it would not work as well as the mojolever, or the coats 220 tool. If it did work, they would not recommend using standard tire irons on GL1800 rear wheel. No way in this world I pay $$$ for any tire changer, and they say don't use the centerpost, pry on tires like you did in 1962.
 

Cycledude

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2016
Messages
3,998
Location
Rib lake wi
I am actually very surprised no one has come out with a tool that’s waaay better than either the Mojo Lever or the NoMar tool
 

Tombstone

Stir the oil Baby!
Joined
Apr 22, 2018
Messages
506
Location
Utah
I bought the HF unit probably 18 years ago with the MC adapter because I couldn't get anyone to change my DS tires.
I guess-T-mate I've changed well over 100 tires with it.
The changer is bolted to the cement floor in a room under my garage. I have the two cheapy spoons, the big red bar that came with the set and one nicer spoon.

Utilizing a lot of self discipline I've trained my stomach to stick out a 'bit' and I can hold the non-business end of a spoon under my belt (the other end between the tire and rim) and it kind-a functions as a third hand; It works most of the time.....

I use a ratchet strap to hold the tire on the changer, and learned the hard way to NOT put the strap across the brake rotor....especially on an ABS bike. I've also learned that vasoline is much easier and more effective than a soapy mixture.

The biggest problem with a tire changer is disposing of the tires... My brother used to own an auto shop and would take them for me for a buck each, but he sold the shop a year ago and now I'm in a pinch. A few years ago I made a Christmas tree using motorcycle tires and donated it to the local Festival of Trees. That was fun, but a LOT of work...and I ruined a carbide blade cutting the tires up.
 

Tenman

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 7, 2013
Messages
2,102
Location
Natchez Ms USA
I get mine changed for $25 at a independent Harley shop. Hasn't scratch a rim yet. He said he's got to do it cheap cause a shop about 2 miles from him is doing it too. It smells kinda like weed their sometimes. Hard to imagine at a Harley shop.
 
B

ballisticexchris

Guest
I also use spoons. Simple, quick, and easy tire replacement. I have a stomach high stand I lay my wheel on when in the garage. There are thousands of different ways to change a tire. The Super Tenere is the easier than a bicycle tire.

C31CCC88-6FDB-44C3-B01F-FEC8AC580981.jpegB27A8585-4596-4ED5-8C30-A91943A2FE4D.jpeg4810B2C8-B82A-4437-99DE-523A878317FC_1_201_a.jpeg
 

EricV

Riding, farkling, riding...
2011 Site Supporter
2012 Site Supporter
2013 Site Supporter
2014 Site Supporter
Joined
May 22, 2011
Messages
8,227
Location
Tupelo, MS
I've been using a bench mounted bead breaker to do tires. Spoons and Ruglyde, with some zip ties when its cold. The zip ties really help keep the beads in the center with cold, stiff tires.

For those who made their own blocks to hold the bead down in the center of the wheel, what did you use, or what size? I was thinking I should just go pick up a length of 1" dowel to make some up, but what works for you?
 

EricV

Riding, farkling, riding...
2011 Site Supporter
2012 Site Supporter
2013 Site Supporter
2014 Site Supporter
Joined
May 22, 2011
Messages
8,227
Location
Tupelo, MS
Been wanting to try that method. Creative big time. I pack zip ties for road trips.
Long, heavy duty ones seem to work best. Lube is still your friend! But it's worked well for me. Mostly hands to put the new tire on. First side all hands either with or w/o zip ties. But with 5-6 zip ties pinching the tire together as much as possible, even a stiff, cold rear tire goes on with minimal effort and just a couple of spoon applications for the final bit.
 
B

ballisticexchris

Guest
I've been using a bench mounted bead breaker to do tires. Spoons and Ruglyde, with some zip ties when its cold. The zip ties really help keep the beads in the center with cold, stiff tires.

For those who made their own blocks to hold the bead down in the center of the wheel, what did you use, or what size? I was thinking I should just go pick up a length of 1" dowel to make some up, but what works for you?
I think I'm using the 1/2" dowel to keep my tire in the drop center. I have found that at least 4" long is best. I ended up mounting that knobby you see above and dropping a few of the shorter ones inside. That kind of sucked!!

Never tried the zip tie trick. That sounds like a great idea.
 

EricV

Riding, farkling, riding...
2011 Site Supporter
2012 Site Supporter
2013 Site Supporter
2014 Site Supporter
Joined
May 22, 2011
Messages
8,227
Location
Tupelo, MS
You use zip ties to remove a tire?
Err, no. I don't have much trouble removing tires from the wheel. Ru-Glyde sprayed liberally and they come off pretty easy with minimal spoon use and hands. My bead breaker clamps the wheel to the body of it, which is bolted to the bench.
 
Top