Rabaconda Tire Changer

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#21

11-20-2022, 03:03 PM

LQQK_OUT

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Quote:

Originally Posted by skratch

why wouldn't you remove the rear sprocket on your tire? it's not even bolted on. you're other 2 questions are valid though.

There are some Harley models where the rear sprocket is bolted to the wheel. My 1993 fatboy is one of them.

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#22

11-20-2022, 05:19 PM

702

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Quote:

Originally Posted by LQQK_OUT

1. Can it change a HD rear tire with the rear sprocket attached?
2. Can it change a HD front tire with both brake discs attached?
3. Can you point me to a video whereby this tool is used to change a HD tire?

I'm not aware of any video, but reading the instructions (attached) it looks to me like the answer to your questions 1 & 2 is yes.

Attached Files

Rabaconda Street Bike Tire Changer User Manual 2022.pdf (15.32 MB, 90 views)

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#23

11-20-2022, 05:22 PM

702

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Quote:

Originally Posted by LoneBone

That's not a tire machine in the video...

This is a tire machine......

Definitely the best way to go, maybe in my next life I'll have one. Too late for this life.

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#24

11-20-2022, 07:08 PM

LQQK_OUT

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 702

I'm not aware of any video, but reading the instructions (attached) it looks to me like the answer to your questions 1 & 2 is yes.

Unless the wheel support blocks are thick enough, I don't see how you could change a rear tire with the sprocket attached. If you can easily remove your rear sprocket, this shouldn't be an issue. If your rear sprocket is bolted to your wheel, I wouldn't want to remove it.

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#25

11-20-2022, 07:30 PM

F150HD

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Stiggy

...I've been paying $30 to $40 for a Japanese dealership tire change but the last time, the nearest HD Indy shop nailed me for $75 (each!) I'll not darken their doors again but I have to assume that something closer to $50 will be the norm around here in the near future...

its gotten to $50 per tire (I bring in tire and rim) at local places that will actually do it. Used to be about $20ish not long back.

There is a tire dealer (for cars/trucks) that does it for $25/tire. I often head there if I have the time, takes an afternoon to get there, wait, get home but they def know what they're doing and the price is fair.

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#26

11-20-2022, 10:28 PM

MRFREEZE57

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Quote:

Originally Posted by LQQK_OUT

There are some Harley models where the rear sprocket is bolted to the wheel. My 1993 fatboy is one of them.

Same on my 2014 FXDL.

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#27

11-21-2022, 07:19 AM

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They responded to my email this morning. They have no videos of HD tire changes, but offered answers to other questions. On question #1 below, when I receive mine I'll measure the depth of the support blocks and post that number here so you guys can decide if it will work for you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rabaconda

1. Can it change a HD rear tire with the rear sprocket attached?

This depends how far out the pulley goes. If the pulley is too far out to the side, it will touch the frame of the tire changer before the rim rests on the rim support blocks. If the rim remains in the air, then you will bend the axle when breaking the bead. It needs to rest against the rim support blocks.

2. Can it change a HD front tire with both brake discs attached?

Yes, you can slide the plastic rim support blocks under the rim as wide or narrow as you prefer, to accommodate any size of disc. They are attached with magnets.

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#28

11-21-2022, 08:55 AM

skratch

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Quote:

Originally Posted by LQQK_OUT

There are some Harley models where the rear sprocket is bolted to the wheel. My 1993 fatboy is one of them.

yes, but we are in the 'touring' forum.... where the sprocket has been removable since 2008 or 2009.

Last edited by skratch; 11-21-2022 at 08:58 AM.

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#29

11-21-2022, 10:14 AM

LQQK_OUT

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Quote:

Originally Posted by skratch

yes, but we are in the 'touring' forum.... where the sprocket has been removable since 2008 or 2009.

True, but when you spend a fair amount of money for a particular tool, especially when there is other choices available, I'd think you would want to know any limitations of the tool before purchasing it. Plus, when people purchase a tire changer tool, they likely have friends that ride that also may want to take advantage of this tool, if the owner is amenable to that.
Obviously in this particular case, there may indeed be an issue working on a HD rear tire with the pulley attached and this information was nowhere to be found on either the website or the instruction manual.

Last edited by LQQK_OUT; 11-21-2022 at 10:16 AM.

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