tyre removal

aceaceca said:

Boy oh Boy, yesterday must have been tire changing day. I did the front tire on my BMW and ache all over today. I did however go for an early morning ride to check out the new skin. I used to do tires and tubes myself with no trouble, however, no I am an old fart and seem to really struggle. It is really best to have another set of hands as the tire irons are continually escaping. I found glycerin mixed with water in a spray bottle provided the best glide. The problem doing it solo is getting the beads into the drop center of the rim. I tried to make a couple of wooden arcs to go in the vise to squeeze the beads together but it did not work. I have the rear tire to do on the Norton so I am definitely going to get the package tie straps from h/f for the next attempt. What a great idea.

Click to expand...

I actually used six 24" cable ties instead of straps and they worked great, a pack of 8 was $5 and FWIW they can be reused as it is easy to release the locking tab with a small screwdriver....first time I've done it this way but am completely sold on the idea. I kneeled on the tire as I put each tie on and it was easy to force the beads together that way and cinch the cable tie up nice and tight, removing them once the tire was on the rim was easy too.

I have changed them on the K1200LT and the Norton without a tire machine.
Used straps but not in the same manner. You can use them strapping around the rim to help hold the beads collapsed into the far side of the tire while you work the near side. They help coming off and and going on when you don't have enough hands to keep the beads into the well, just loosen and move around the wheel as necessary. That and I use a big harbor freight dead blow hammer to work the beads into the well, as well as massage the beads back on (with plenty of lube).

My big learning was the tube pinching on the Norton. Third times a charm (pinched two tubes) before I got it right (the talc, partial inflation helps)

I had large Harbor Freight tire irons, but ended up buying smaller ones that worked much better (to avoid tube pinch), with a smaller "hooked" end.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/65/4465/ITEM/Motion-Pro-11-Tire-Iron.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch

My tires had a date code from the last century, so were a bit stiff. I managed to pry the bead up away from the rim and cut it with a dremel tool cut-off wheel with about a 1.5" slit up the side wall. If you are not wanting to reuse the tires, it may be an option.

I got the spoon type. And I use a plastic bottle parts for protection against the rim. But the ties are a great idea.



Dave

mounted another one today...

using zip ties and that worked great again, this tire was closer to a Norton size at 120/70 and an Avon Roadrider at that

I just measured the required length of zip ties. They need to be 20-24 inches long. Eager to put my new Michelin rear tire on the Norton but I still ache too much. I am wondering now if I didn't get too big a tire . I got a 110/90 Michelin old stock. I only get 3000 or so miles on the rear and it is due. I thought this might last a bit longer but boy does it look big. Did I screw up again?