Topic: is it easy to change your own tires?

[juntjoo]

I was just looking the steps over in my Clymer manual and it looks almost as easy as changing a bicycle tire. How about the rear. I don't think I saw that. That looks a bit more involved. And I didn't see any special equipment needed except a simple looking wheel holder /balancer thing I'm sure harbor freight has one that works at least the first time on sale for $24.99. Will this take more than a couple hours? is it cheap enough just to pay someone to do it? if it's less than $50 I might just do it

[juntjoo]

i don't know why I just didn't ask this in my last tire related thread. sorry. can't delete this.

[Airborne 82nd]

I was just looking the steps over in my Clymer manual and it looks almost as easy as changing a bicycle tire. How about the rear. I don't think I saw that. That looks a bit more involved. And I didn't see any special equipment needed except a simple looking wheel holder /balancer thing I'm sure harbor freight has one that works at least the first time on sale for $24.99. Will this take more than a couple hours? is it cheap enough just to pay someone to do it? if it's less than $50 I might just do it

Depends on how many tubes you pinch and if you take the wheel off.

[dave500]

no its not easy per say,just get where you buy tyres to do it,its often in the price,bicycle tyres are soft and squishy,motocycle tyres are hard and stiff,youll need a pair of long decent levers etc,just get the shop to do it if you've never done one,imagine fitting a car tyre by hand?very much the same!

[Yamahawk]

Tubes aren't expensive... until you start changing them yourself. Then , the learning process will involve pinching at least one, if not more, and having to do it all over again, when you air up the tube and find it has a hole in it from pinching the tube with the tire iron... or the long screwdriver, or Car Tire Iron lol...  I personally, would take your complete rim/tire assembly off the bike, and roll it straight to the trunk of your car, or bed of your truck, drive it to your favorite motorcycle tire shop, and let them do it. If they hole a tube, they are responsible...
Now this isn't to say that you can't do it, but your learning curve might be a bit steep. I have read your threads, and you will persevere, but it may cost you a bit. First, you need a GOOD set of motorcycle tire irons, and don't go cheap here. Get the longer ones. Then, the Astro... er, RUglyde tyre lubricant, and an area to work in. If your front tire has a disk, you want to be sure that it is held above the ground with a couple 2x4's or 4x4's to keep you from warping it on the concrete. It has happened, then you would need a new disk.
Personally, for the $20 a shop will charge you for labor, it's well worth it. Take them your new tire, and make sure they have a tube that fits it, if not, get them one.
Charlie

[pjlogue]

The difficulty depends on the brand of tire you have.  Some tires almost seem to slip themselves on the rim and others are a real fight.  I would be hesitant to have a shop mount a new tire on a new spoke wheel.  The chances of them messing up the rim are too high.  I don't know if the automatic tire mounting machines can do spoke wheels with inner tubes and a mechanic in a shop with no vested interest in your bike isn't going to take extra care not to mar up the rim.

Best advice I have is to invest in some (3-4) 18" tire irons and make sure the ends are smooth and free of barbs, nicks and have some talc powder and RU glide.  Then thought and patience is necessary. 

The harbor freight wheel balancer is a good investment provided you replace the 2 hub cones and rod.  They are junk.   I bought one and found the rod was not straight (off by 3 thou) and the hub cone bores were a few thou larger than the rod diameter.  This caused many headaches trying to balance and true my wheels.  If you replace the rod with a precision ground 1/2" rod from MSC and have a machine shop (or you can make them from aluminum if you have a lathe) make the cones to fit the rod you will easily be able to true and balance a wheel with the harbor freight unit.

Being able to repair a flat on your bike while on the road is a very worth while ability.  It can be done in 30-45 min if you know what you are doing.  The trick is knowing what you are doing and that takes practice. 

-P.

[ekpent]

 Usually its harder getting the old tire off then putting on a new one. If it is cold in your shop that makes that old rubber even harder and tougher to deal with. If your just messing around with one bike probably best to save yourself some grief and bloody knuckles and have a shop do it. By the time you buy all the right stuff you may be money ahead.

[jlh3rd]

I was just looking the steps over in my Clymer manual and it looks almost as easy as changing a bicycle tire. How about the rear. I don't think I saw that. That looks a bit more involved. And I didn't see any special equipment needed except a simple looking wheel holder /balancer thing I'm sure harbor freight has one that works at least the first time on sale for $24.99. Will this take more than a couple hours? is it cheap enough just to pay someone to do it? if it's less than $50 I might just do it

No, I wouldn’t say it’s easy and all the tips given above are right on the money.
I’m probably one of the few that actually does use the harbor freight motorcycle tire changer but that’s because years ago there was a guy who sold hard nylon replacement grips that really grabbed the rim and held the wheel........I don’t have to use a center rod through the wheel but it’s still a battle with the front disk and rear sprocket on. I have no one close to me for changing tires , but then I don’t ride my bike hardly at all.....$50’s more than I’d wanna pay, but for $25 that’d be a steal....I’m gonna try the zip tie method next time...
...it’s funny what the owner’s manual says as to using your heels to get the tire back on...bottom line, it’s not near as simple as clymer says for sure

[dave500]

ill do old chrome or dirt bike wheels,but not my nice alloy rims,ill scuff em up,the tyre price here mostly includes fitting,the machine is gentle on soft rims,i take the wheels off and hand em to the guy,theyll charge more to remove the wheels etc.

[Yamahawk]

+1 ^^^ My tire guy uses the Motion Pro type rim protectors. If your tire mechanic doesn't have them, he needs them. The chrome and aluminum rims will be unscathed when he's done.
Charlie

[DaveBarbier]

Bring them to a shop. I can change tires but I still bring them to my local motorcycle shop. Just less of a hassle and it’s cheap.

[dave500]

id sooner change my soiled under pants than change tyres,or is it tires?

[38rudge]

As with new process if you have not done it before you will have a learning curve that you can and only will learn by doing it.

If you just have the odd tyre to change it may be just as easy to take it to a dealer/specialist. But if you have a number of bikes and tyres to change it may be more convenient and satisfying to do them yourself. As has already been posted you need some well made and relatively long levers that will give you more leverage. You also need to invest in some rim protectors that will clip onto the rim which you place under the lever to stop the rim bein damaged by the lever.

I also always put a bit of pressure into the tube to just inflate it before fitting the final side as it pulls the tube into the center and I find helps to stop pinching the tube. I guess we all find are own individual ways.   

[juntjoo]

thanks. great input. so everyone has tubes? my manual says I do not. either way, I think I'll pay someone but sounds like it would be good to be able to change a flat but with what? not like I'd be carrying a spare nor should you be patching holes right? I've done that a million times in my cas but something tells me you don't plug, patch, or goo bike tires.  unless it's just till your get your bike to a shop. hmm... so what's the usual plan for a motorcycle flat? i imagine they have "roadside assistance" for motorcycles like as with cars right? or do most of you have a truck and trailer? I don't plan on having more than my motorcycle for a while so I should have a plan. Do car tire shops do bike tires (ever)? I've also been considering making a trailer, like a 3'x5' one. would be quite a project but maybe worth it, that could carry up to a couch/refrigerator or stranded bike(I'd need another bike too), not just for towing a bike but for anytime I need to haul more than groceries, slowly and just around town. Havent seen many motorcycle trailers but seems doable. 

[Yamahawk]

thanks. great input. so everyone has tubes? my manual says I do not. either way, I think I'll pay someone but sounds like it would be good to be able to change a flat but with what? not like I'd be carrying a spare nor should you be patching holes right? I've done that a million times in my cas but something tells me you don't plug, patch, or goo bike tires.  unless it's just till your get your bike to a shop. hmm... so what's the usual plan for a motorcycle flat? i imagine they have "roadside assistance" for motorcycles like as with cars right? or do most of you have a truck and trailer? I don't plan on having more than my motorcycle for a while so I should have a plan. Do car tire shops do bike tires (ever)? I've also been considering making a trailer, like a 3'x5' one. would be quite a project but maybe worth it, that could carry up to a couch/refrigerator or stranded bike(I'd need another bike too), not just for towing a bike but for anytime I need to haul more than groceries, slowly and just around town. Havent seen many motorcycle trailers but seems doable. 

Ok, spoke wheels have tubes, and some older cast wheels that are not rated tubeless. If your rims are mag wheel style, and are rated tubeless, then no, you don't need tubes, and changing the tire (tyre) is less of a hassle. Now, for a flat  on a tubeless tire, I have used the plug kits that are sold for car tires and they will allow you to get home, and ride to the shop. This presumes that you pack a small compressor with you that can be ran from your bike battery... Now... I have gleaned from your tires sizes (3.50-19 front and 130/90-16 rear) that you have a 19" front rim, and a 16" rear rim. For tire sizes, look for a 100/90-19 front, and a 130/90-16 rear tire and you will be proper for your rims. And, no I have never seen a car tire shop that will do motorcycle tires for mounting.
Now, a trailer on your bike will involve a custom hitch being made and mounted to your bike... these things are all possible, but probably not right away. Is this your 1st bike? If so, get used to riding it for a season or two, and see what you are going to learn from that. Pulling a trailer involves so much more in skills and anticipating what to do when a panic stop occurs... And you definitely DO NOT want to haul a bike, refrigerator, or couch with your CB650 and a trailer behind it...
Charlie

[PeWe]

No tube needed makes it a lot easier. PITA to put the tube in when one side of the tires is wrenched on the rim. Very tight squeezing fingers and find the hole for the valve stem. A rubber strap covering the spoke nipples not needed either. No risk to pinch the tube either.
Check if rim look good and no scratches where tire should seal. I have heard about need of tubes in tubeless wheels to keep the air inside.

But, laced shiny wheels are really beautiful on an old CB.

Do not forget the rim protection. You can use a 1/2" oil hose, 3" long cut open one side so it can protect rim where the tire bar touch the rim when wrenching the tire on.

[Yamahawk]

Here is some ready made rim protectors, to give you an idea of what we are talking about. If you decide to make some thats cool too!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MOTION-PRO-Rim-Protectors-08-0357/361842377932?hash=item543f7c84cc:g:N18AAOSw5KtaeBRQ

Charlie

[brewsky]

Check shops first before buying your own tires and asking them to mount them for you. Some will not mount tires purchased elsewhere........due to "liability" issues

[mrtelec]

I found a you tube video using a 5 gallon bucket to set your wheel on, using a good set of tire spoons, and rim protectors it is very easy for me to do. when putting the tire back on it helps to put some baby powder rubbed on the tube and inside the tire so that the tube and tire can be moved easily to align the air valve and the alignment dot on the tire. also when putting the tire on the rim spray some lubricant or soap on the bead of the tire. with a tube tire you just have to pay attention where your grabbing the tire as not to pinch the tube. with a tubeless tire using plenty of soap or lubricant helps the tire seal much better along with aiding getting it on. I then bought an inexpensive balancer and some weights to be able to do it at home also.

[Airborne 82nd]

thanks. great input. so everyone has tubes? my manual says I do not. either way, I think I'll pay someone but sounds like it would be good to be able to change a flat but with what? not like I'd be carrying a spare nor should you be patching holes right? I've done that a million times in my cas but something tells me you don't plug, patch, or goo bike tires.  unless it's just till your get your bike to a shop. hmm... so what's the usual plan for a motorcycle flat? i imagine they have "roadside assistance" for motorcycles like as with cars right? or do most of you have a truck and trailer? I don't plan on having more than my motorcycle for a while so I should have a plan. Do car tire shops do bike tires (ever)? I've also been considering making a trailer, like a 3'x5' one. would be quite a project but maybe worth it, that could carry up to a couch/refrigerator or stranded bike(I'd need another bike too), not just for towing a bike but for anytime I need to haul more than groceries, slowly and just around town. Havent seen many motorcycle trailers but seems doable.

Cell Phone,Visa,pack of cigs MRE

[Stev-o]

thanks. great input. so everyone has tubes? my manual says I do not. either way, I think I'll pay someone but sounds like it would be good to be able to change a flat but with what? not like I'd be carrying a spare nor should you be patching holes right? I've done that a million times in my cas but something tells me you don't plug, patch, or goo bike tires.  unless it's just till your get your bike to a shop. hmm... so what's the usual plan for a motorcycle flat? i imagine they have "roadside assistance" for motorcycles like as with cars right? or do most of you have a truck and trailer? I don't plan on having more than my motorcycle for a while so I should have a plan. Do car tire shops do bike tires (ever)? I've also been considering making a trailer, like a 3'x5' one. would be quite a project but maybe worth it, that could carry up to a couch/refrigerator or stranded bike(I'd need another bike too), not just for towing a bike but for anytime I need to haul more than groceries, slowly and just around town. Havent seen many motorcycle trailers but seems doable. 

WOW...you ask a lot of questions!  No. Yes. Yes. No. Yes. Yes. No. Yes!

[dave500]

good tyre levers are expensive but wont bend or snap,cheap ones will let you down.

[Bankerdanny]

If you own a bunch of bikes it can be worth it to do your own. If you only have a couple and only replace tires every few years then just pay someone to do it.

[dave500]

and if you got a riding mower do your own.

[Yamahawk]

Check shops first before buying your own tires and asking them to mount them for you. Some will not mount tires purchased elsewhere........due to "liability" issues

+1 ^^^ Also, most shops will mount your tires for FREE if you purchase them from their shop. It's one of their 'perks'. But that is only if you bring them your front and rear rims to dismount and mount the tires you purchase from them... if you bring them your whole bike and expect them to remove the rims from your bike, well expect to pay a large chunk of change for them to do that.
Charlie

[Airborne 82nd]

Check shops first before buying your own tires and asking them to mount them for you. Some will not mount tires purchased elsewhere........due to "liability" issues

+1 ^^^ Also, most shops will mount your tires for FREE if you purchase them from their shop. It's one of their 'perks'. But that is only if you bring them your front and rear rims to dismount and mount the tires you purchase from them... if you bring them your whole bike and expect them to remove the rims from your bike, well expect to pay a large chunk of change for them to do that.
Charlie

So true what are the shops getting $80 USA or more

[juntjoo]

and if you got a riding mower do your own.

why do you say that? just because of having enough tirew to be worth getting good at it?

[juntjoo]

okay, so I'm going just pay someone to do it including taking them off the bike and putting them back on and I'm going to guess that's at least $100 in labor. $300 total with new tires right? it's worth it. I'm done working on the bike for a while. it was fun but now it's time to ride for a while

[evinrude7]

my local shop does it for $40 a tire if on the bike and $25 if off the bike.  worth avoiding the headache and to have them balanced. 

[Yamahawk]

my local shop does it for $40 a tire if on the bike and $25 if off the bike.  worth avoiding the headache and to have them balanced.

That's a good price, and very fair. I took a bike to the Honda dealer here in Toledo, ONCE... cost for the Dunlop SportMax was $120, and to pull the front tire and mount it, and change the wheel bearings, was +$300... and this was back in the '90's... never again lol.
Charlie

[evinrude7]

my local shop does it for $40 a tire if on the bike and $25 if off the bike.  worth avoiding the headache and to have them balanced.

That's a good price, and very fair. I took a bike to the Honda dealer here in Toledo, ONCE... cost for the Dunlop SportMax was $120, and to pull the front tire and mount it, and change the wheel bearings, was +$300... and this was back in the '90's... never again lol.
Charlie

good lord that's expensive!  this particular local shop is great.  super good folks.  lucky to have them. 

[crazypj]

 Changing tyres is actually dead easy on 'pre MT' rims. You just need to realise your not 'stretching' the bead but using what's called 'drop centre' of wheel rim. Tyre bead is placed at a shallow angle into the 'hollow' then persuaded  over teh rest of rim lip. I always remember seeing a Dunlop film (probably from 1950's?) 'Start at the valve, finish at the valve' for removal and replacement. Had many many 'discussions' with people who should know better saying the exact opposite but if you think about it, you need the 'drop centre' if valve stem is 'in the way' you reduce your available space. The only time it doesn't matter where you start or finish is with tubeless tyres although I still use the same 'mantra' as it's easier to maintain any balance marks on tyre in position. It's more difficult than bicycle tyre simply because tyres are way more 'heavy duty' but principle is exactly the same

[przjohn]

Not sure where these "Easier" tubeless tires are but having done a good many tires I have found them to be harder. Getting a tube in a tire is relatively simple and the problem of inserting the stem is made much easier with a simple tool that is nothing more than a cap with a wire on it. Tubeless tires can be a real pain to break the bead and then set it. Using a tie down around the tire halps to set stubborn beads. Motion Pro makes a bead breaking tool that can take a litle bit of time but will eventualy break tough beads.

[crazypj]

MT rims are not difficult to do, one of my techs (Brian Morgan, now a police detective) did a rear tyre on Yamaha FZR1000 in 11 minutes, including pushing bike onto bench, removing wheel, removing tyre then re-fitting everything AND, it was before tyre machines were easily available in British motorcycle dealers. You don't inflate costs with free fitting although he was 'sweating like a pig' after it was done. (plus, was only 18 or 19 at te time and 'showing off') We used a bench vice with a piece of plywood to 'break the bead without damaging rim.  With wider rims the original tyres almost 'fall off' once the air is out and bead broken. As for costs, some bikes are easier than others to do but expect to pay a minimum of 1/2 hr for a front but rears - anyone done a Goldwing lately? Tube tyres actually take longer as you have muchh more to go wrongIf you don't have a bench vice to do MT rims, just use a large (ish) 'C' (or 'G' clamp. One side gets padded to prevent rim damage, the 'moving' piece fits between rim and tyre on tyre-wall. Tighten screw and it pops off the internal 'bump' If people ain't willing to learn how to change tyres, don't complain about costs. BTW, any shop refusing to change tyres not supplied by them is real shortsighted, most can't buy tyres at the prices sold online. 'We' only kept a few sizes in stock for 'emergencies' in case someone got a flat or 'shop bike' needed some