Howdy folks! It's the rainy season here in NW Oregon, and I'm finding it's time to swap out my tires. I have them on order, but I dont have the tools or stands needed to change them.

Would any of you other Oregon members be able to recommend a reliable mechanic who's maybe at least a little familiar with the Savage model?

Thank you much!

Anyone know a good mechanic ?

That's a never ending joke at our shop !

I have a Clymers manual and have done plenty of work on the bike including disassembling the head to take care of that annoying plug leak that seems to be so common. I've replaced the speedo cluster, sorted wiring and electrical issues, do my own general maintenance, and fixed the engine when it seized after the last mechanic I took it to reassembled the motor incorrectly.

The real issue is that I don't have the space to store chocks or a lift. I just need the work done and was hoping another member in the area would know of a competent mechanic familiar with the LS650 model.

usually with a fair amount of struggle.

Ha! I've changed the frame on two pickups, been a roughneck, dug ditches, and overhauled big pumps.

I'm Paying someone to mount the rear tire.
Front one, not so bad, but dadgummitt,, the rear one was way harder than the savings was worth.

And the online videos of welding didn't fix my welds, either.

Tires are a G I G A N T I C pain in the butt. I can get 'em off the rim with no problem. When I put them back on there's a 50:50 chance that the rims will no longer look as nice as they did prior to me changing the rubber. I've tried all of the tricks; wide spoons, soapy water, WD-40...

If the rims already have some scuffs, I do the work. If they are nice and I want them to remain that way...off to my favorite shop.

I don't understand all the fuss.  Two tire irons, a little soapy water and some elbow grease is all it took to mount my tires.  About 10 minutes per tire.  I guess it's just experience???

I do the same as Ruttly....except I do mine on the floor so I can used my knees to hold the tire in place while I lever it on.  I also have some plastic guards (4) that protect the rim from scratches.

If you have never changed a tire - it would be hard to figure it out on your own......maybe there are YouTube videos to help.  It is not all that hard once you have done a few (unless it is an 8 ply desert Knobby).....however some tire brands are stiffer than others and put up a good fight.

A few tips
If rear sprocket can't be removed easily make sure to put sprocket side down unless you like smashing your knuckles on it and bleeding a lot , that goes for rotors too

As Dave said use rim protectors , I have 4 too

Levers I have 4 , 2 long , 2 short , but I only have 2 arms

When using levers don't go much more than 90 degrees to avoid pinching a hole in tube

Always replace inner tubes & rim strips

Put just barely enough air in tube to make it take shape

I use corn starch or baby powder on inside of tire & all over tube,it keeps tube from sticking to tire so tube can grow when aired

When airing tire use wd40 soap whatever's slimey on both beads so they seat,air to max check both beads are seated,release air this lets tube straighten itself air to max again

Let it sit awhile recheck pressure before installing

Hope this helps