What tools do I need?

[Alien]

I just ordered TKC 80's for my Uly.

I want to change the tires myself but I've never done it before.

Other than a set of spoons, what else do I need to successfully accomplish this task?

What spoons, tools. Etc do you guys recommend?

I'm not new to wrenching and doing my own work. But aside from getting a tire changing machine, what do I need to know?

Any & all help appreciated.

 

[konarider94]

Obviously spoons like you said. Some rim protectors are nice too. and something to break the bead. harbor freight sells a cheap bead breaker, or you can use a spade shovel if you're careful. A spray bottle to lube the tire. Ive used simple green because its handy in my garage.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/29625/i/motion-pro-rim-protectors

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/4456/i/motion-pro-assorted-tire-iron-set

 

[heagachongoose]

^^this. One long spoon, one short spoon, and a rubber mallet to beat the back side of the rim out of the tire. To break the bead I use a vice mounted on my counter and dish soap. And lots of rags to protect the rim.

 

[d_adams]

No-Mar tire changer, Junior Classic model.

 

[Alien]

In my cart on Amazon I have spoons/rim protectors, dynabeads, front/rear TKC 80 tires and front/rear Allballs wheel bearings (waiting on confirmation of bearing part #'s in seperate post).

I already have two large c-clamps and a bottle of windex.

$345 worth of goodies ready to order...

 

[user_deleted]

^^^ what dean said on no-mar changer. best thing money can buy for tire changing.
alien....aren't you in PA? if so bring your wheels down to my shop and i'll dismount the junk tires and install your new ones and balance them for free. i'm in amish country. i do this for local board members quite often.

 

[user_deleted]

nobody mentioned it but the obvious....a really good compressor and air chuck. and look on the INSIDE of each rim alien. you'll see a large dot. it is the heaviest area of the wheel assembly. if your new tires have a red or yellow dot on same put it 180 degrees opposite of the wheel dot. the dot on the tire denotes the heaviest part of said tire.

 

[Chicknstripn]

Alien- I've used C-clamps as bead breakers before and let me tell you... ...it can be a major PITA! As mentioned earlier find a cheap no mar tire changer/bead breaker. My neighbor got one from harbor freight for about $60. I'll never go back to C-clamps after using one!
Also when either taking the tire off or levering it back on, take your time! If you start getting frustrated just take a deep breath and walk away for a minute.
You'll get the hang of it before you know it.
Or just take the things to Lunatics shop! Can't beat that offer!
Great to hear a board member helping out of Buellers! Good on you man!

 

[d_adams]

Btw, having your own tire changer will pay for itself after about 3 tire changes (front & rear) versus paying the typical HD shop rate for changes. It's also quicker, easier and as long as you take your time doing it right, the monkey wrench at the shop won't f&ck up your wheels for you.

 

[d_adams]

Also, having a wheel balancer and stick on weights will be very handy to have.

 

[user_deleted]

^^^^^^^dean: i've been telling board members for several years now to network.....get 2 or 3 guys together, pull their resources, and for less than $400 delivered can buy a No-Mar changer with all the bells and whistles along with No-Mar bead breaker and balancer............and be done with it. nobody to my knowledge has ever done this but wheel and tire carnage continues on. baffling.

 

[cartman]

All you need is something to break the bead (harbor freight has them cheap) 1 spoon, windex or some other soap lube and a dozen zip ties. YouTube changing a motorcycle with zip ties, its really easy.