Anyone change their own tires?

Kruzzin5

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 14, 2019
Messages
415
Location
Newmarket, Ontario
Looking for tips and secrets and how to change a very stiff tire. I attempted to change my rear tire to a Dunlop Trailmax Mission. The original plan was for me to take the Mitas E07 off the rim myself. I couldn’t do it. Just breaking the bead was a major event. Are used a C clamp all around the tire to break the bead and even then, the tire was very closely held to the rim. That tire is so stiff, I couldn’t even get a spoon underneath the tire bead. I finally took the C clamp and squeezed the crap out of the tire, so I could get the spoon underneath the bead. I then removed the C clamp, and applied a considerable amount of force before I backed off, as I thought I would bend the rim. I found a shop that would take the tire off and put the new Dunlop on for $20. Problem solved.

So the question, anyone that changes their own tires and what are your secrets?
 

patrickg450

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 20, 2012
Messages
2,070
Location
Memphis TN

RCinNC

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 30, 2014
Messages
2,816
Location
North Carolina
I've been doing my own tires for a few years now. This video is a good tutorial for how to get started.


I use fairly standard hand tools. Three Motion Pro tire levers, six Motion Pro rim protectors, a longer tire spoon to help lever the tire all the way off the rim, and a Motion Pro Bead Popper to break the bead. These aren't available any more, but Motion Pro also makes a set of tire levers that also function as bead breakers.

I've never needed anything more substantial to set the bead on a tire than a standard 12 volt compressor.

Use a lot of tire lube when you change tires. I use RuGlyde, which is available at places like NAPA auto.

I think at last count, I've changed about 25 tires, all using pretty much the method shown in that video I attached. And that includes allegedly hard to mount thick walled bias ply tires.
 

WJBertrand

Ventura Highway
Joined
Jun 20, 2015
Messages
4,516
Location
Ventura, CA
Always change my own tires, have for years. The key technique to remember is to keep the bead opposite of where you’re working down into the drop center of the wheel. In your case you would apply your clamp 180 degrees from the point where you’re trying to insert your lever. You constantly have to monitor that opposite bead as you work around to make sure it stays down off the rim and remains in the drop center area.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 

magic

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 6, 2015
Messages
743
Location
WISCONSIN
I have always changed my own too. There are lots of good DIY videos out there to show you the proper technique and some tricks to make it easier. Here's a good one to start with.

 

jrusell

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 23, 2017
Messages
460
Location
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
I always change and balance my own tires. 3-Long tire irons, an old trans fluid drum sets the tire at a perfect working height and a homemade bead breaker do the trick. I had a homemade balancer for 15 or so years, but broke down and picked up a decent static balancer from princess Auto when they were on sale. There is no need for any expensive change machines to do the job. Although as I get older I do like the look of the No Mar and other manual machines that are available.

Practice , keeping the opposite bead in the dropcenter and a little lube is the key.
 

Attachments

RCinNC

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 30, 2014
Messages
2,816
Location
North Carolina
That's a nice bead breaker, jrusell. If I could weld, I think I'd put together something like that. Maybe I'll try that design using mechanical fasteners. Any chance you could post some additional photos of it with the dimensions?

This, plus a dead blow hammer, is how I've been breaking the beads on my tires:



It works really well, though it takes some effort to use it. I don't know why Motion Pro stopped making it; it comes in handy, and you could even carry it with you and use it on the road (provided you carried a hammer, or could find a rock to hit it with).

RuGlyde is the best lubricant I've used for changing tires, since that's what it was designed for. Safe for aluminum rims. And at 16 bucks for a gallon of it, it's probably cheaper by volume than dish soap. Over several years of changing motorcycle tires, I haven't even finished my original gallon of it.

My snootiest tire changing tool is a Marc Parnes static balancer, but you could buy the one from Harbor Freight for forty bucks that would serve almost as well.
 

KYwoodsrider

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2014
Messages
186
Location
Lawrenceburg, KY
I've been changing my own street bike tires for about 10 years now using the Cycle Hill tire changer from No-Mar
If you follow the instructions as No-Mar has written them you can change any tubeless motorcycle tire.
I balance them with a Harbor Freight static balancer.
For dirt bike tube type tires I use the No-Mar as a stand but use tire spoons.
 

Ironhand

Member
Joined
Sep 20, 2012
Messages
312
Location
VT, USA
Some good posts above. I have changed mine in the shop with a machine, on the floor with irons, and out in the woods during a race (not a good time ;)). Must haves in my opinion, assuming that you are doing it at home are at least 3 long tire spoons, Motion Pro rim protectors, some quality tire lube, and a static balancer. And warm the tires in the sun if you can, it makes a huge difference. Changing tires isn't complicated once you get the technique down.
 

Cycledude

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2016
Messages
3,998
Location
Rib lake wi
I’ve changed hundreds of Goldwing tires for myself and friends with my homemade tire changer and bead breaker, yes if you start with a warm tire it’s much easier.
i worry about possibly damaging a Tenere spoke With the homemade changer so I’ve always just taken the wheels and tires to my local dealer and they have always been happy to do them for me for what I consider a very reasonable price.
 

Ronzo

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2020
Messages
234
Location
Ontario, Canada
Great comments and tips in this thread.:)

We expect a full review of those sneakers Kruzzin5.;)

I have changed my own tires in the past but they were mostly tube tires on dirt bikes. A lot easier imho.

Now, I don't even bother taking the tires off and taking them to the shop. I order tires from shop, they call when they are in and we set up a time. They are installed while I wait and I shoot the shit with like minded people. Met a lot of very unique individuals this way. I have stories and pics to back it up. :cool:

Shops appreciate the business especially in todays uncertain times. And to be completely honest, between work, family and other interest, i just do not have the time. To those that do....all the power to ya.
 
B

ballisticexchris

Guest
I have almost always done my own. A few times I would have them changed when mounting was free with purchase of the tire. One thing you will find is there are hundreds if not thousands of different techniques to do it. I'm even guilty of trying different ways of removing/mounting tires and tubes.

Changing a tire on a Super Tenere can be compared to a bicycle tire. Yes it is that easy. It just takes longer with a few more steps. No special machines or stands needed. I have a dirt bike tire stand that works fine or you can drop it on top of another tire on the ground. You can even do it on the tailgate of the truck. 3ea of 8" tire irons and something to get the bead in the drop center of the rim is all that is needed. Lube is optional but not needed. I use the Yamalube tire spray.
 
B

ballisticexchris

Guest
Almost forgot, bead breaker!! I use the Motion Pro and EastBound ones. But a few tire irons will work just fine. Just get under the bead and work your way around and it will pop off. Guys who are using the kickstands of the bike and other odd ways are simply not doing it right. If you get in a hurry it will frustrate you. Patience is the key.
 

Dons 1911

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2020
Messages
266
Location
Rathdrum, Idaho
I've changed my own for a while now. Got tires of getting up off the floor and bought a used Rabaconda Changer. I really like it and my back likes it even better!
 
Top