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TECHNICAL MOTOBRICK WRENCHING In Remembrance of Inge K. => The Motobrick Workshop => Topic started by: KCinSB on June 28, 2022, 02:27:28 PM

Title: Have you changed your own tires?
Post by: KCinSB on June 28, 2022, 02:27:28 PM
It’s always a hassle and I know that. So far I’ve been doing my steel rim spoked wheels, and know to expect some grief. That said, can it be done on an Alloy rim using tie spoons without damaging the wheel? This is a rider, not a show bike, but still want to do the least amount of collateral damage!    :dk
Title: Re: Have you changed your own tires?
Post by: Laitch on June 28, 2022, 03:15:22 PM
That said, can it be done on an Alloy rim using tie spoons without damaging the wheel?
I used Best Rest's heavy duty zip-tie method when I mounted TKC's on my Brick's alloy rims for navigating the pothole and gravel fields called Class 3 roads in my locale. Clean the rim thoroughly, use plenty of dishwashing liquid—or other proprietary concoctions—for lubricant. There should be no problem if you can follow the core instructions without extemporizing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdbsP4EOt-4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdbsP4EOt-4)

Title: Re: Have you changed your own tires?
Post by: Scott_ on June 28, 2022, 06:29:51 PM
I have a No-Mar manual rig that I use, it has nylon tipped tools. That being said, I have from time to time had to use my spoon levers to assist with the task. As laitch mentioned, do not scrimp on lubrication.
I'm sure I've probably scratched the edges of my rims when working with the levers, but like you, mine are riders, not garage queens.
Title: Re: Have you changed your own tires?
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on June 28, 2022, 07:16:46 PM
I use traditional tire levers with lots of soapy water in a spray bottle. 

I use a couple pairs of "motorcycle rim protectors" to keep the levers from tearing up the rims.  You can get them on eBAy for $7-8 bucks a pair.

I also invested in a bead breaker to make getting the old tires off a little less of a hassle.
Title: Re: Have you changed your own tires?
Post by: frankenduck on June 28, 2022, 07:35:11 PM
I've done it with spoons and rim protectors.

To set the bead I went to a local gas station that lets customers use a line from their compressor.  (Not one of these crappy 25 cent compressors.)
Title: Re: Have you changed your own tires?
Post by: know_fear on June 28, 2022, 09:24:58 PM
Another tip. Put the tire out in the sun to get it hot and flexible.
Title: Re: Have you changed your own tires?
Post by: Martin on June 29, 2022, 12:19:49 AM
A mate  of mine owned a tyre store and recommended using radiator coolant as a tyre lubricant. It is alloy compatible where as some soaps aren't and can cause corrosion.
Regards Martin.
Title: Re: Have you changed your own tires?
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on June 29, 2022, 07:16:41 AM
I use one of those cheap crap ratchet straps from Harbor Freight to squeeze the tire beads down on the rim when I inflate it to set the beads.  I wrap it around the circumference of the tire and tighten it down. 
Title: Re: Have you changed your own tires?
Post by: milq on July 01, 2022, 10:43:44 AM
Bought a No-Mar changer a few years back and it has paid for itself. That said, I've also tried the zip-tie method with success and if I had learned about it earlier I wouldn't have purchased the No-Mar.
Title: Re: Have you changed your own tires?
Post by: KCinSB on July 02, 2022, 04:28:06 PM
Checked with 3 shops today, Price per wheel, brought to their shop with my tires purchased on line: low $40 / hi $45, each.
Wow.
Title: Re: Have you changed your own tires?
Post by: milq on July 02, 2022, 05:35:42 PM
Checked with 3 shops today, Price per wheel, brought to their shop with my tires purchased on line: low $40 / hi $45, each.
Wow.

That's cheap here. If I buy the tire from my local Honda/Yamaha/Kawi shop, they still want to charge $60 per wheel if I carry in the wheel. Obviously they just don't want to change tires.
Title: Re: Have you changed your own tires?
Post by: stokester on July 03, 2022, 01:21:26 PM
I have a No-Mar tire changer mounted to the floor in my shop which has paid for itself over the years. The biggest advantage is not necessarily price but the ability to buy and change the tires on my schedule, not when a local shop can get me in.  For balancing the Marc Parnes kit works great on my bikes.
Check with your riding group, chances are there is someone who has a changer or knows someone who does that will let you use it.  I've made it known to the local club that mine is available and they can ship tires to my home.
Title: Re: Have you changed your own tires?
Post by: KCinSB on July 03, 2022, 02:12:30 PM
Success in breaking the bead on both, used a very large C-clamp to help, most won’t have one that large. Now,…. Waiting for the MotoZipps I ordered to arrive. Looks to be a bruiser, but still must be done!
Title: Re: Have you changed your own tires?
Post by: KCinSB on July 04, 2022, 12:06:49 AM
I used Best Rest's heavy duty zip-tie method when I mounted TKC's on my Brick's alloy rims for navigating the pothole and gravel fields called Class 3 roads in my locale. Clean the rim thoroughly, use plenty of dishwashing liquid—or other proprietary concoctions—for lubricant. There should be no problem if you can follow the core instructions without extemporizing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdbsP4EOt-4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdbsP4EOt-4)

Good video to understand the advantage of the Zip-ties. The ones shown would be the best. I ordered HD 24” ties from Prime , got’em today! Jumped on the job, and have both off. It’s still a bear, but likely the 74 YO body is a big part of that! Anyhow, it is possible, and the Zips are the best advice IMHO.   🛠
Title: Re: Have you changed your own tires?
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on July 04, 2022, 08:08:51 AM
Are those zip ties reusable?  They look like you can release them with a small screwdriver.
Title: Re: Have you changed your own tires?
Post by: beemuker on July 04, 2022, 08:25:26 AM
Are those zip ties reusable?  They look like you can release them with a small screwdriver.
according to the video, yes.
Title: Re: Have you changed your own tires?
Post by: Laitch on July 04, 2022, 09:11:02 AM
I've use one set of those zips for six seasons and counting.
Title: Re: Have you changed your own tires?
Post by: KCinSB on July 04, 2022, 09:29:57 AM
Are those zip ties reusable?  They look like you can release them with a small screwdriver.

Yes. The actual MotoZipp are larger than the ones I used, but these did release with the small screw driver also. Slightly distorted, but reusable.