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Message started by John C on 09/04/12 at 14:52:38

Title: Changing the rear tire
Post by John C on 09/04/12 at 14:52:38

I've seen an instance or two where the clymer's manual has been off, according to folks. I don't have an air ratchet, or anyway of setting my amount of torque (I have basic tools). A friend of mine has most everything to fix a bike and has said that I can use his shop anytime I want. So, here's the question: for a noob....is it possible to change out your own tire....or is it better to have a pro do it? I can change my oil, swap out front brake pads, did the seat mod and changed handlebars. I'm thinking I can do it, but messing with tires makes me nervous. Any one got a solid understanding of how to do it and give me advice? '07 model.

Thank you in advance.

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by Nutters on 09/04/12 at 15:22:08

There are some great tire change resources on the web, most on you tube. Do you have the owners manual for the bike? It shows just how easy it is to remove the wheel from the bike and reinstall. As for the actual tire changing, I haven't done that yet. I will be ordering the new tires, tubes, etc in about a week. Definitely take up the friends offer on the place to work and tools to borrow. I googled "changing a motorcycle tire" and found enough info in video form to make me confident enough to try. Best of luck, and ride happily.

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by verslagen1 on 09/04/12 at 15:57:25

noob, 1st time, someone else's shop... receipy for a weekend w/o the bike.

You can take tire off... with some effort uncoached, but changing a tire, no way.

Take it off, if your friend will change for a beer, cheers. [smiley=beer.gif]
otherwise run it down to a shop that'll change it for you.

If you really want to do it, get a coach, a couple extra tubes and have fun. :-/

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/04/12 at 16:19:21

The rear tire is s booger. Front one, not so bad, but Ill never try that rear one again,,I did it, but its just not worth it,
Pull the wheel, haul it to someone who has the equipment & pay them.

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by Charon on 09/04/12 at 18:45:33

First time, I managed to do it with great difficulty, using the OEM IRC tire. Second time, I got the IRC tire off, but was unable to get the Metzler tire on. Took it to a dealership, and it was well worth the money to have them do the job. Besides that, getting the wheel off and back on is no picnic. Believe me, it isn't something you are going to do beside the road. If you do it successfully by the roadside, and let me watch, I'll buy the pitcher of beer.

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by MiCTLaN on 09/04/12 at 19:10:31

I recently attempted to do the rear myself and decided to give up when the sweat was running in a steady stream off of the end of my nose... getting the wheel off the bike was easy, and I managed to break the bead on both sides, but there was no way in hell I was going to get the tire off of the rim. It was worth the $35 at the dealership.

I had a hell of a time getting the wheel back on the bike though, I had a lot of trouble juggling all seven pieces that have to go together. After getting it all the way together for the third time (missed the slot for the rear bake the first two times), I discovered that I had one of the adjusters on backwards. I left it that way, since I'm not using the marks anyway.

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by Charon on 09/04/12 at 19:23:33

I must say, changing tires on motorcycles makes me long for the days of my old Vespa. Four lug nuts, just like a car. Then six bolts to split the rim, and no problem prying beads over rims. And the needed tools were in the supplied tool kit.

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by runwyrlph on 09/04/12 at 20:14:37

quote:
I've seen an instance or two where the clymer's manual has been off, according to folks. I don't have an air ratchet, or anyway of setting my amount of torque (I have basic tools). A friend of mine has most everything to fix a bike and has said that I can use his shop anytime I want. So, here's the question: for a noob....is it possible to change out your own tire....or is it better to have a pro do it? I can change my oil, swap out front brake pads, did the seat mod and changed handlebars. I'm thinking I can do it, but messing with tires makes me nervous. Any one got a solid understanding of how to do it and give me advice? '07 model.

I say you can do it yourself.

I just like to try to do things myself. You have to decide whether you want to or not. It's not expensive enough to get it done that you NEED to do it yourself especially since the first try will take all afternoon. (I think i've done 2 fronts and 3 rears and i still would need a couple hours set aside to do the job.) The best thing about it is that you can DIY it at 9:30 PM or whenever you need to when the tire shop is closed.

Changing the tire is not that bad - the first time is pretty rough but you can definitely do it. (I'm no mechanic and I can do it)
Get some rounded "tire spoons", though. Screwdrivers will not work to pry the tire! A spare tube might be good for your first time,( it's a little hard to learn not to pinch the tube)

find instructions online, youtube or something. if you want i can try to figure out what i do more or less step by step

(breaking bead: i use a bumper jack between car and top of the tire, press it right next to rim until it breaks off)

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/04/12 at 21:23:02

2 each 8' long 2X4's, a short piece of 4X4 & a rope to tie the 2X4's together. Bead breaker. Stand the 2X4's on edge.

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by SALB on 09/05/12 at 09:01:53

Do you guys balance your tires? I usually have the shop change the tire for the simple reason that I'm taking it there anyway to be balanced.

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by Dave on 09/05/12 at 09:29:01

John C.

Changing a rear tire is no big deal......if you have someone show you the first time....and have the right tools. You need to have the proper wrenches to get the rear wheel off. And if you care about the rim, you need nylon rim protectors and proper tire spoons. It is also important that you know how to put the new tire on, how to get the tube in straight, how to get the beads seated properly.

If you are only doing this on occasion - take the rear wheel off and haul it to the dealer and let them change it. If you are going to own bikes and work on them.....it is time to learn. You need to find someone to help you change the first one.

Post where you live in your CP......maybe a local rider/mechanic from this site will come over and help you.

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by runwyrlph on 09/05/12 at 10:51:11

66797F7865625363536B79753E0C0 wrote:

2 each 8' long 2X4's, a short piece of 4X4 & a rope to tie the 2X4's together. Bead breaker. Stand the 2X4's on edge.

yeah, thats a better idea!

as far as balancing ... i align the valve stem with the painted dot - seems to work (i.e. no excessive vibration or other issues)

i think oldfeller had a picture of a homemade balancer he used - maybe on the old "oversize tire" thread (?) in technical documents

I just remembered there was a questionn about setting torque. You can get a 1/2" drive torque wrench for not too much $$ - be worth adding to the toolbox

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by RidgeRunner13 on 09/05/12 at 10:55:08

3F2026213C3B0A3A0A32202C67550 wrote:

2 each 8' long 2X4's, a short piece of 4X4 & a rope to tie the 2X4's together. Bead breaker. Stand the 2X4's on edge.

Dang, JOG, I just use a C-clamp, your way sounds like much more fun! :o 8-)

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by ralfyguy on 09/05/12 at 15:47:20

I had a flat rear last weekend with a population rivet stuck in it I caught on the way home from work. Took it to the local bike shop. 82 bucks for the new tube and labor.

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by markbacon on 09/05/12 at 16:13:28

The small diameter of the rear means the bead has to stretch more, proportionately, to get over the rim (rim height is bigger in proportion to circumference). You can do it yourself, but get rim protectors and long tyre levers. I managed it with some old 9" ones, but it was at least a week before my hands recovered. Once the bead's sort of half over, lay the wheel down on some 2x4s and stand on the tyre to help the tyre levers. The last bit will be too tight to get any levers in - you'll have to do that entirely by standing on it. Use lots of very soapy water to lubricate.

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by runwyrlph on 09/05/12 at 16:53:18

6C7F727867796B671E0 wrote:

I had a flat rear last weekend with a population rivet stuck in it I caught on the way home from work. Took it to the local bike shop. 82 bucks for the new tube and labor.

well, i'm way to cheap to spend $82 on it! ( did spellcheck make that a "population" rivet? ;D

didn't somebody else get it done for $35? - maybe that was taking the wheel off and hauling it in, while $82 was for the whole job?

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by Spamy on 09/05/12 at 17:13:51

I thought Cycle gear will change if for 25 bucks, 20 if you buy the tire from them.

Depending on the type of tire it can be difficult or easy. Its mostly dependent on the height of the sidewall. On low profile tires you dont have very much to work with when you need to pry and move it.

I dont bother doing it on my sportbike tires, but on dirt bikes and tall tires like I have on my Savage I do it myself. There are definitely tricks for doing it correctly.

Here are some pretty good instructionals,

Removal = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVKzoaL8qaI

Install = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMYQ6L2jKKQ&feature=channel&list=UL

Pretty much exactly how I do it.

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by Charon on 09/05/12 at 17:23:06

I don't remember the date, but it would have been 2005 or 2006. I picked up a piece of wire in the rear tire of my KLR650. The tire, of course, went flat. When it did so, it came off the rim and spun, tearing the valve stem out of the tube. I called my emergency road service, and about two hours later the pickup and trailer appeared to take me and the bike to the motorcycle shop. I don't remember the exact amount, but it was about $65 for labor and a new tube. The mechanic told me he could not find anything in the tire. I was suspicious, but what could I do?

About a third of the way home the tire went flat again, again coming off the rim and tearing out the valve stem. This time I was nearer home, so called my wife to come get me with our pickup. When I got home I took off the wheel and tire, and located the wire. Next day, I took tire, wheel, and tube back to the dealership and politely explained to them that they had the choice of fixing it again at no additional cost to me, or having me call my credit card company to dispute the repair charge. Even though no mechanic was on duty (it was Sunday) they managed to fix it again using another new tube. I showed them where the wire was, too.

For what it might be worth, the KLR650 is easier than the LS650.

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by ralfyguy on 09/05/12 at 17:41:05

Well the dilemma in my case was that I discovered in the morning as I was gonna ride to work that the tire was flat. So i had to take the cage.
In my corrupt town there is only one place to got to and the neighbor towns have no such places at all. So the know that and rip you off royally accordingly. The regular tire places in town won't touch a motorcycle wheel. I have two bad elbows and no suitable tools to do it myself. And I also have no experience to try. The tube cost 30 bux just to buy it here, so I would be afraid to tear it up trying, especially since I heard from others that it is apparently no easy task. It was the weekend and I had to get the bike running again. I always get my new tire mounted there and they are pretty stupid there in terms of using a tube with an angled valve stem and always point it towards the pulley, even though they ask me every time what bike if goes on. That is pretty much retarded. I complained the first time and they just shrug their shoulders. I learned to cope with it by fabbing my own adapter to check the air, so not a big deal anymore. Riding a bike around here is tough when it comes to repairs. I could go on about them, but it's all I got.

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by verslagen1 on 09/05/12 at 17:56:02

54474A405F41535F260 wrote:

I had a flat rear last weekend with a population rivet stuck in it I caught on the way home from work. Took it to the local bike shop. 82 bucks for the new tube and labor.

I tell you ralphy, if that was my choice, I'd buy the machine that does it for you and put my number in the paper so other bikers could have a choice. might be a nice little side line. give any biker a huge discount if they go over there and moon the base turds. http://www.getsmileyface.com/sm/obscene/eck13.gif

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by lacon on 09/06/12 at 02:40:42

Thanks for those videos Spamy.
I like the tip on removal to remove the bead towards the outside for each side, then just pull the rim out of the middle. Makes good sense when I think about it.

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by Digger on 09/08/12 at 19:29:26

I change all of my own tires, using no tools more cosmic than tire irons. This includes the rear tire on my GL1800.....the most feared tire in all of motorcycledom.....

My secret weapon is a heat gun. Judicious use of this can turn an otherwise impossible job into one that's almost trivial. And, I hate to sound flippant, but I consider the IRC tires on my Savage to be quite easy to change.

If you want to learn how to change your own motorcycle tires, I suggest you practice first on a few bicycle tires. Then, try the front tire on your Savage. Finally, try the rear tire.

Just remember this: If you're working too hard, you're doing it wrong. Stop, take a few slugs off of your beer, and think about it. Technique is more important than strength. I'm only 155 lbs butt naked, old, and not particularly strong, and, like I said above, I can change my GL1800's rear tires using just tire irons.....

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/09/12 at 07:39:13

I can change a tire on a 10 speed without any tools. Pinch the bead, take a shoe off, hang a spoke next to the big toe, reach Waaaay down there by your toe on both sides of the tire, pinch & pull the slack to you. the tire will just roll off the rim,

But Digger seems to have the motorcycle tire changing thing down..& thats a different matter, IMO.

I think one of the hard parts for me was holding the wheel down while I wrangled the rubber. Do you have any tips there or IF the rims moving, youre working too hard?

Heat gun,, Ive always wanted me one of those,,

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by Charon on 09/09/12 at 07:46:17

Digger's heat gun makes me wonder whether the secret might lie in just leaving the tire and wheel out in the sun for an hour or two on a warm day. The rubber does get more flexible when warm.

Both times I changed the tire on my S40 were in chilly weather in an unheated garage. The KLR 650 was done during the summer. That just could be the difference.

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by ralfyguy on 09/09/12 at 17:07:19

I just changed my front tire. What a pain in the azz...despite watching that video prior.
That tire that dude used in the video was way more flexible than the one on my bike. He pried it off and on seemingly effortless, and not because of the lack of lube or anything. I lubed mine as well. Trying to pry mine off was so hard, I could not believe it. I'm not the strongest guy, but not the weakest either. I even put an old leather glove between the iron and the rim and still put nicks and scratches in it. The dude in the video had the rim just laying on a stand. I had to lay mine on the ground and kneel on it to get the required leverage. So either I did something wrong, or it really IS harder than in that video.

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/09/12 at 22:38:10

I was wrangling the rear tire. I had 3 spoons in it, one was held down because I had jammed it against the vise. Somehow, in all the sweating & grunting, I allowed it to move away from the vise Juuust enough for that tire iron to get away. I saw it move, I looked Straight at it, just in time for it to FLY outta there & Smack me rite between the eyes.. & it cut me, & I bled,, and I Laughed & laughed & laughed.. I just think stuff like that is funny..even if it happens to me,

Digger, I salute you. YOu have the Absolute cleanest garage Ive seen & you change all your own tires, And, youre a year round rider, not in Florida, nope, in Colorado.. where it gets some kinda cold..

I dont know where the Big Thumbs UP emoticon is,,or Id do it,

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by Digger on 09/10/12 at 20:17:35

253A3C3B2621102010283A367D4F0 wrote:

Hi Jus,

My point concerning practicing on a bicycle tire was that, if you use tire irons to do the job, the basics are the same as changing motorcycle tires. When removing a tire, small bites when starting out, progressively bigger bites as you go. When mounting a tire, big bites to start with, smaller as you go. Also, with a bicycle tire, you can experiment with the concept of getting and keeping the opposite sides beads in the rim well...this buys you more slack on the operating side of the tire.

Back in the day, when my back was younger and more flexible, I used to lay the wheel on the ground and use both knees to hold it down (and to hold the opposite beads in the rim well). Nowadays, I have a stand bolted into my garage floor that holds the wheel up off of the ground....much easier on this old back.

I can remember, back in the 70's, being able to patch a rear inner tube on one of my 750's in 20 minutes - on the road....and that was from the time I stopped the bike to starting off again. An angry girlfriend watching the whole thing seemed to speed things up a bit.....

At least the tire was usually quite warm and soft, from riding.....

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by ralfyguy on 09/11/12 at 10:43:15

How do you guys keep the rim from getting nicked and scratched when prying to get the bead off and on?

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by MiCTLaN on 09/11/12 at 17:50:07

564548425D43515D240 wrote:

How do you guys keep the rim from getting nicked and scratched when prying to get the bead off and on?

I've seen a few videos of people using patches cut out of the side of plastic milk jug/orange juice containers, looked like a sound idea to me.

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by Digger on 09/11/12 at 21:21:48

Here is what I used to lay the wheel on when changing tires before I got my tire changing stand:

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee201/Digger109/Garage/LawnmowerOilChangeRackE.jpg

I used it to keep the disk brake rotor off of the ground.

Look at all the "battle scars" on this thing:

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee201/Digger109/Garage/LawnmowerOilChangeRack1E.jpg

That thing was the scene of many epic battles and the genesis of some new swears....

Yes, I know that changing your own tire is not always the smartest thing to do......check out the label on my box of tire changin' tools:

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee201/Digger109/Garage/ToolsofIgnoranceE.jpg

FYI, the big carpenter's vice on top of the box is used for squeezing stiff tires down into the rim well.

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/12/12 at 00:08:00

Re: Changing the rear tire
Reply #29 - Today at 05:21:48 Alert Board Moderator about this Post! Quote
Here is what I used to lay the wheel on when changing tires before I got my tire changing stand:

I used it to keep the disk brake rotor off of the ground.

Look at all the "battle scars" on this thing:

Yea,, those are battle scars, allrite,,& theres more of them on that than there are on my forehead, but, the one on my forehead just seems more important to me, for some odd reason,,

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by Gyrobob on 09/12/12 at 03:50:35

Digger speaks truth. Knowing how to do it is the largest factor. I like his statement about taking a mental break and figuring out what you are doing wrong when it seems too hard to do.

I have always changed my own tires,.. since the late 1950s. The toughest one was on a Goldwing along the side of the road at night in the rain when a nail did me in. It took a couple of hours altogether,... even with some help from a really good guy with a coleman lantern, some tools, and an umbrella.

Curiously, I am just too lazy to do this kind of thing on the big bikes like my FJR-1300 anymore. I'd probably still be doing my own work on that, but I found a guy here in the ATL area who is a real craftsman with tires, and will install and balance for $25 if you buy the tire from him, or $35 otherwise. These days my time is worth more than $25 for that amount of work.

I did do all the tire-changing and wheel straightening on the Double RYCA build.
-- Taking off four tires took about an hour.
-- Straightening the wheels took a couple of evenings.
-- Installing the tires took another hour.

The Savage tires and wheels are child's play compared to a 'Wing, but, again, as Digger relates, if you know the relatively simple techniques, changing Savage tires is more a matter of tedium than difficulty.

I carry a couple of small aluminum tire spoons with me in the toolkit. For the FJR, I don't do that anymore. I carry a tubeless tire plug kit, and a very small pump,.. the idea being to get me on the road temporarily so I can get to a bike shop. I haven't ever had to use that option.

Anyway, read up on it, study those videos, and use Digger's advice. Tire take-off and install will be only a chore, not a nightmare.

P.S. -- the trash bag thing does not work on motorcycle wheels/tires.

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by Dave on 09/12/12 at 04:55:11

3A29242E312F3D31480 wrote:

How do you guys keep the rim from getting nicked and scratched when prying to get the bead off and on?

I lay the rib down on a piece of carpet on the floor - disc side up. I have 4 of these rim protectors - but generally only 3 are needed.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/4/22/276/4448/ITEM/K-L-Nylon-Rim-Saver.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch
They work well - but occasionally one will slip inside and it hard to retrieve.

I think I am going to buy these and give them a try:
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/65/36693/ITEM/Motion-Pro-Rim-Shields.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch
Since posting this I read the reviews.....and these aren't reported to be very durable.

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by Dave on 09/13/12 at 09:30:23

745957575542300 wrote:

When I read you heat gun trick.....it didn't come to my mind immediately.......but I can relate that it does help.

My uncle wanted to mount some really big stiff tires on one of his 1912 era cars. He called up his funeral home friend......and they put his tires in the crematorium oven for a bit to warm then up before they mounted them! ;D

Title: Re: Changing the rear tire
Post by Gyrobob on 09/13/12 at 10:04:21

02393423323E252338303D22510 wrote:

The refuse collection company here uses really large black plastic garbage cans. I use the heat trick as well,... I set the can out in the sun, and put the tire in the can for 30 minutes or so. It gets the tire up to about 120 degrees. Very helpful.

.