I have been changing all my own tires for years with ever better tools, eventually a harbor freight machine, but still struggled, UNTIL......

I finally broke down and 1) Lag bolted the machine to the garage floor, and 2) Buying REAL tire change lube.

I always used dishsoap water or murphy's oil soap. If you even think of changing your own tires, get the good stuff!

It was only 8 clams for a gallon at autozone so pays for itself but saved me major trauma and crushed fingers.


I just cant stomach spending a day getting to a stealership to pay them to do it. Plus I hate anyone touching my vehicles.

 

+1 one the hating other people touching my vehicles. no one cares about my bike as much as i do, plus with all the mods now, it gets a little confusing...

i save a bunch of bones by just bringing in the wheels. its stupid expensive to bring the bike in for a tire change.

i finally broke down and bought a spare set of wheels for track and street.

ive seen guys change tires using big heavy zip strips. pretty cool although idk if its good for the tires...

 

This winter gave me enuff flats to buy a 2nd rear rim and new tire. I had a tube in the old one but tore the tube taking it off the rim. Now the holes are properly patched from inside with mushroom plugs.

 

+1 on the tire lube. I found a gallon (life time supply for me) at NAPA. The stuff works great.
Yeah, having someone else touch my bike and do something so simple as a tire change just rubs me the wrong way

I have used the zip tie method a couple of times and don't think that method does any harm, but would like to know as well.

 

Joe, is this the harbor freight tire changer you have?

Portable Tire Changer

How well does it work? I see it says up to a 16 inch wheel but I figured there was probably a little cushion in that number. I have been doing mine with a couple of 11" tire irons and was thinking of trying this one.

 

Yes, thats it, but to do motorcycle tires you need the add-on unit. And then you need to mod it to not scratch the rim.

I used delrin blocks from mcmaster-carr. Actually bars cut to cubes then hand machined to shape.

I dont think they make the moto attachment anymore so I craiglisted it & drove 1.5 hrs to pick it up.

Worth it though.

 

Excellent now I know where to get my tires changed in the future

Thanks Joe

 

Heck yeah, anyone in riding/driving distance is welcome to stop by. LIE exit 19 (8 min from Ma-ha-en).

 

It's back....
Motorcycle Tire Changer Attachment

 

Whose "tire irons" do you use; NoMar Makes a neat "bar" and clamps?

 

I use the no mar bar and HF big tire irons.

That is awesome news for bikers that its back. Any home wrench should own one. It pays for itself in like 2 changes.

BUT you gotta fix the wheel holding points. They are painted steel and will trash your wheel.

And you dont need the giant armature thing. Just the steel rod in the center is plenty for leverage. I think they just added more steel so you feel like you are getting what you paid for.

 

U da MAN!

But I have newish PR2s, so I hoping that will be next season at the earliest.

Maybe we can drag race around the Isle one day.

Just need to stay away from Range Rovers

 

Are these what you are talking about?

Tire Iron - 24" General Purpose Tire Iron

 

Ya thats them. They are dirt cheap so get 2 or 3. I have 2 plus like 3 or 4 smaller ones. Sometimes you need to walk them around.

Get a couple pairs of these while you shopping. Saves headaches later.