Changing my own tires

I'm thinking of taking a stab at replacing the rubber myself this time around, and wanted to get some input.

First, I'm looking at the Shinko brand; poking around here and online, they seem to be a decent brand. Thing is, I'm looking at their 712 model for the rear and an SR733F for the front (I'm trying to avoid that center groove). Is this advisable, or should I stick with the 712 for the front as well?

Second, I know of making the stand from a junkyard tire rim (there's that article on the XJCD set (sorry, Rick)).

Third, since Harbor Freight doesn't have that tire changer chingadera anymore, any thoughts on their wheel balancer and bead breaker getups?

Fourth, the tools to get the bead over the rim... where to get those? Amazon, Harbor Freight, Sears/Craftsman, Mistress Helga's Bondage Emporium and Cycle Supply...?

Fifth, balancing weights. There are some already clamped to the rim. Reuse those, or get new ones? Tape style? (Not interested in trying that Dyna Bead stuff.)

Anything else I missed?

 

I have no comment on the tire choice.

I will say, though, do yourself a favor and just let your nearest shop mount and balance them for you. It'll cost you less than the two tools you've got linked.

I have the HF motorcycle changer on top of their car changer set in the back of my garage. If we weren't so far apart you could have it. It came with the tire removal tool. I fought with the tires both on and off for much longer than it was worth. Then found I didn't have enough air compressor to seat the bead.

Why not the beads?

I have not used them in a bike but I have them in my 37" truck tires that are about 150 lbs and they've been balanced great for about 10,000 miles now no lead weights.

 

I was thinking of setting up a tire changer myself also.
There is a good write-up with pics on this site (I believe, somewhere)

Why do it yourself?? so you KNOW the rim's bead was cleaned right, and it WAS truly balanced. And no excess dirt got in the bearings.

Re-use weights - why not?? Add a dab of black RTV just in case.
I bought stick-on weights from a tire store. Balance between 2 chairs.

I have CUT many tires off of rims. Once you know how, it doesn't take that long - it's just not very elegant. Good luck Schmuck.

 

youtube it man thats what i did and i've changed a few with some tire irons and and few chunks of 2x4.

i have a new set of shinko 230's coming this week. The reviews i have read are outstanding and i bought front and rear for 126 bucks.

 

True, and that's what I did the last time with the 750. I'm leaning against it for two reasons: 1) most, if not all, of the local shops advertise on craigslist; I believe the motorcycle section should be reserved for private sellers only. Ergo, they are spammers -- I don't do business with spammers. 2) I have two bikes; doing it myself on both even once would save enough to pay for the tools, not taking into account future use.

Plus, wouldn't this be considered a useful skill to have?

Indeed? That's a good tidbit to know. Just how much pressure is required? Or perhaps a better question would be How much pressure were you using?

I got the impression the jury was still out on those. Maybe I'm just old and set in my ways.

 

Indeed useful. And if you don't like or won't use the shops near you a necessity.

I don't recall but it was a tiny little compressor. I believe it's got more to do with volume over pressure. Pushing in 90 psi a few cfm at a time won't do you any good if it just goes out under an unseated bead.

I did get one tire and not the other. I want to say it was the rear I got and not the front.

I was too until I put them in the truck tires. I was told it's what the big rigs run and I'm tired of paying to balance my truck tires about as often as the oil is changed. I've had the truck up over 90mph no tire vibrations. Search for Ford Super Duty diesel. I've got pics of it on here.

 

Personally, I did my own for well over 30 years and simply got tired of gouging up rims and my hands.

I get them professionally mounted and high-speed spin balanced; and it's well worth it for the peace of mind and lack of hassle.

 

I'll second that statement...sure I can do it, but I ask myself why these day 8)

 

I change my own tires using large C-clamp to break the beads, Whenusing the tire tools to get the tire off the rim, I made hard plastic rim protectors to keep the tools from scratching the rims.
To seat the new tire on the rim, I use a piece of rope around the outside of the tire to squash it and force the sidewall outward, making them contact the rim and air it up!
To balance I've been using Dyna beads instead of rim weights. They go in the vavle stem after the tire is on the rim. They ride like glass!!! Soooooth.

 

i'd like to hear about the shinkos when you get some miles on them
tire stand = a set of saw horses
bead breaker = a large c-clamp
balancer = your axle and wheel bearings, close enough
tire irons, cut your local bike shop a break for a few bucks, get three of them
seat the bead with the valve core out
check the balance of the wheel without the tire, the valve may not be the heavy spot

 

ive changed my tires no prob. i got some rim protectors and tire bars off ebay. it prob took 10 min per wheel once it was off the bike. it is pretty easy. also if your having issues getting the bead to seat try wrapping a strap around the tire and twisting it like a tourniquet. ive never had a problem getting any tire to seat this way. also keep an eye out for your valve stem. make sure it dosent need to be replaced as well. a soay windex solution dosent hurt the removal and install of the tire either.

 

Sound advice. In addition to 3 irons (I like at least one to be long and curved) you need to borrow a 3rd hand to use them.

There are two problems with getting the bead on:

1 - Getting it to hold air. If the thing has been laying around on its side it'll collapse to where it doesn't contact the rim on both sides and air will rush right out. Removing the valve stem often helps get enough air moving. As a last resort a tourniquet around the perimeter (ratchet straps work well) will flare the beads out helping them contact the rim.

2 - Getting the bead to "POP" into place. The front tire has such a small sidewall that it may not generate enough force to push it into place. Well lubricate it with soapy water and have the rim clean. Make sure you don't leave puddles of water inside the tire though. If you go high on the pressure to seat it you risk a violent release of compressed air and tire shreds resulting in injury.

 

Maybe I am just a cheap bastard but I ve changed the last two sets of Shinko's (705) on my v-strom with two 11" spoons. I run dynabeads (reusable) and I break the bead with a 2x4 under my workbench and pop it on with soapy water and a bicycle pump. Love the tires and the process isn't too bad.

I've also recently put Shinko 712's on my XJ, no review yet though, not much saddle time.

 

I am with the old guys on this I can and have mounted tires many many times to me its just not worth the hassle anymore I just pay the local road rider to do it while I check out whats new in the store and maybe some eye candy will be shopping for a new pair of gloves.

 

Schmuck, I gots the toys from garbage freight as well as the balancing stand and spoons (short and long). I do install my own tires but, when I'm short on time, I get it done at RPM Cycles here in Ventura. $35 each if I remove them. If you are going to keep the bikes around, the investment of $150~190 may pay off but if you are short on space and lack a serious compressor, I'd suck it up and either pony up at the spammers or wander up here for a session (I run a 5 hp/30 gal 220AC tank).