I have been changeing my motorcycle tires for years. Home made a device to break them down, and bought some good tire irons. NO PROBLEM!

 

What do you recommend for tire irons?

Thanks,
Rick

 

I have a freind that has a HF tire machine & we did my Suzuki tire on it, worked great. I could do it by hand, that is what I used to do, but my hands are getting weaker. I am a master tech, so doing it is not problem. I also have equipment in my garage that if I need to modify it so it works netter, thats not a problem. For that matter I could build one, but for the 100.00 I feel there is a good starting point. As for balanceing the tire, that is no problem. Thanks for the input.

Toby

 

I use a couple of welding C clamps for bead breakers. Work great. Lay Harley wheel and tire on top of car tire instead of carpet on floor. That way the disc on one side and pulley on the other is suspending in the air, and not subject to damage.

 

I decided to try it myself. I bought a no-mar demount bar online for $99, and a tire balancing setup off ebay for $60. I made a jig to hold the tire on an old rugged table, and also a crude unit for breaking the bead. I changed my first tire a few weeks ago; it really went well and I'm glad I did it. All I have to do is change a couple tires and the parts have paid for themself; and I get the satisfaction of doing it myself, which for me is the most important part.

 

The best way to support the wheel that I have found it to use a old 25 gallon drum / garbage can. This way no matter what side you lay the wheel on it will have room for the rotor or pulley so it lays flat. The top rim of the can I wrap in old inner tubes to protect the wheel. I have found that working off the can like this, its at the perfect height.....your not working on the ground that way.

I have changed many MC tires by hand over the years..tube type and tubeless. I have a good old set of tire irons (never part with them) and rim protectors. I even static balanced the wheels on a truing stand, but these days things are more precise than ever. The aspect ratio on some of the sport bike tires is so small its a serious PIA to change a rear.
If I have to farm out a tire change & wheel balance or three every once in a while its no biggie. It costs me all of $25....the wheels come out perfect, and my hands never get dirty!

 

I disagree. Four years ago I and three friends collectively bought a HF tire changer, MC adapter, tire balancer, and all the minor stuff required to do the job properly. The total cost was $220 and it works very well. Here are some links:

Tutorial

HF Tire changer

MC adapter

Balancer

Mojolever

Some notes: The tire changer goes on sale frequently. The Mojolever is not necessary to do the job, but the nylon tips protect the rim from damage.

 

Thanks for the input. The Mojo bar looks like good product.

Toby

 

and always remember there are those that think if you dont have big $ invested then the tools are never going to work. the key is the inginuity of the the person holding the tools not the tools themselves!