Motorcycle Tire changer

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I have to buy one, sick of what people are charging these days. Want to keep it under $1000, and electric or manual, not air. Last concern is how to mount it to the floor.
 
With a $1,000 budget, you probably aren't looking for my advice, but here's what I do:

I bought a set of 3 15" curved tire irons and use two pieces of 2x4 hinged on the wall as a bead breaker. I used a diluted soapy solution in a spray bottle as lube. It's a little manual, but very doable. I've replaced 5 motorcycle tires so far with this method (I think I could do it in about half an hour now). I don't do anything to balance them, but I'd consider using using Ride-On as a dynamic balancer if I felt any vibrations (I haven't so far). $35 bucks for the irons and they've paid for themselves many times over.

Same with you, I didn't want to spend the money at a garage getting them changed.
 
Why not call around and ask? It's around $50 as I understand it, way more than a car.

I did my virago's rear tire with my HF *car* tire changer and some 2x4s to keep the brake drum part of the rim off my concrete floor.
 
Originally Posted By: CT8
What do they charge for a tire change and does that include a balance?


$56....but this was after they wanted to charge me $110. I told them to give me my d--- wheel back. Wanted to charge me same as wheel off the bike as wheel on, $264 for a tire I found for $109, and have to drop it off, and pick up later. Some places won't install tires not purchased from them.
 
WRONG, you need a motorcycle tire iron and EXTRA LARGE ZIP TIES TO GET TIRE OFF/ON EASY! INEXPENSIVE. REUSE ZIP TIES...
 
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Originally Posted By: montero1
Originally Posted By: CT8
What do they charge for a tire change and does that include a balance?


$56....but this was after they wanted to charge me $110. I told them to give me my d--- wheel back. Wanted to charge me same as wheel off the bike as wheel on, $264 for a tire I found for $109, and have to drop it off, and pick up later. Some places won't install tires not purchased from them.
that is quite a rip off.
 
I hate getting tires for my bikes as well. I usually wait for a sale, take the tires off myself and drop them off to save the installation fee. The last 2 tires I got for my Ultra Classic I let the HD dealer do it all because the sale included free installation so that was great. I hate messing with tires.
 
Originally Posted By: Vern_in_IL
WRONG, you need a motorcycle tire iron and EXTRA LARGE ZIP TIES TO GET TIRE OFF/ON EASY! INEXPENSIVE. REUSE ZIP TIES...



What do you use for a bead breaker?
 
I really like my No-mar.
I bought it used off of CL.
tire%20change%20004-XL.jpg


You still need to know your way around tire changing but it sure does make things easier. The built in bead breaker helps too.
tire%20change%20007-XL.jpg
 
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Red Head anchor bolts. The last time I put a front tire on a Harley, I soaped it up and slammed it on hard enough by hand that both beads went over the rim and the first bead went off the other side of the wheel. Tires are all about technique. I like to use a 5 gal. bucket for a wheel stand.
 
Originally Posted By: montero1
How did you get it mounted to the floor?


Anchor bolts.

However, since my garage space is limited I have removed it and plan on using a pallet-like moveable platform in the future.
 
If we're just talking about drilling into concrete, I can handle that, but not sure how the threads are held down, and how deep. I guess I could always call No Mar.

shocked.gif


Originally Posted By: George7941
Any capable handyman can install it, it does not need specialised skills.
 
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