tire spoons?

[Roguetek]

ok, so after getting massive sticker shock on the price of changing a tire, I'm looking into do-it-yourself.

Ive a pair of lester rims in pristine shape, and I'd like to keep it that way. does anyone make a padded/ non marring tire spoon?

and http://www.nomartirechanger.com/products/9

should cover the balancing.

[bikerfish1100]

i would get (did get, actually) this for balancing http://www.marcparnes.com/BMW_Motorcycle_Wheel_Balancer.htm.
great tire levers-
http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/tools/category/16__steel_tire_iron/
get 2, maybe 3.
good rim protectors, but a bit soft, and tend to tear.
http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/partno/08-0357/
there's a multi-page thread on http://forums.pelicanparts.com/bmw-r1100s-r1200s-tech-forum/ that outlines all the preferred options for tire changing. after about 10 (+/-) tire changes, all the equipment is free.

[20774]

I recently tried to mount tires on my R25/2 rims using some basic tire irons with protection between the iron and the rim. I eventually bailed and had the local BMW shop do it. I guess I just don't have the pelotas to stretch those beads as much as they need to be stretched. I started at the proper side of the rim, away from the safety ridges, and got the tire to drop into the lowest part of the rim. I tried to use some lubrication, but maybe it wasn't the best type.

Bottom line is these tubeless tires just don't stretch like the old tube-type tires. The rims are very, very stout. That's why if I get a flat on the road, my tire changing tools are going to be my credit card and a cell phone!

If you're serious about doing tires at home, I think you need more than some "spoons". If you're only doing tires once in a while, you'll have to weigh the expense of a tire changing machine (and the space it takes) versus using a local shop that does it all day long. IMO...

[11212]

the secret is in the lube--tire mounting lube can be had at a good auto store--and it doesn't hurt to have 3 hands:brad

[kgadley01]

I done my own and others for years. as far as lube goes I use WD-40. easy to spray on, and easy to wipe off. all you need is a bead braker and two 16" m/c tire irons. take your time and pay attention to what your doing and you won't scratch your rims. always push the beads towards the center of the rim nearest to you, and use the irons on the opposite side. it takes a little practice. I can change one by hand in less than ten minutes. Practice, practice, practice. :thumb

[Roguetek]

then again, I'm looking at 400$ worth of tools on this. it would pay for itself in like 4 tires.

[mymindsok]

then again, I'm looking at 400$ worth of tools on this. it would pay for itself in like 4 tires.

My problem is that a couple of scratches on my minty Lesters is going to make em look like crap forever.:banghead

I got the spoons and the rim guards but I'll leave em for the RS.

[SIBUD]

My problem is that a couple of scratches on my minty Lesters is going to make em look like crap forever.:banghead

I got the spoons and the rim guards but I'll leave em for the RS.

You are very lucky that a dealer or tire shop never scratched your Lesters. :thumb

[ccolwell]

I use the Marc Parnes balancer, the No-Mar mount/demount bar and Harbour Freight tire changer with Parnes' rim protector blocks. On the one hand, a more competent and patient mechanic could easily change tires without ever damaging rims. On the other hand, it takes a good ten tire changes to break even on the cost of the parts (assuming you would take off the wheels yourself anyway and $35-40 per wheel mount and balance). I have broken even and then some and I still wonder if it was a good idea every time I'm out there struggling with a tire.

[Godfather]

I had used the HF changer with Mitch's Mojo Bar and his Mojo Blocks (rim protectors) mounted to the HF. It was less than easy :banghead but I never got to a point where I was cussing too much. These were all tubeless tires though. None the less, when it was time to change my last set, I took em' in to be done and sold the tools. Much easier and worth the cost IMO.:thumb Someday, when I get my airhead, I will try my hand at it with spoons and a milk crate.

[maacova]

I have the spoons and have changed boat trailer tires before but never done my bike . Think I will try it but I will try the balance beads (Dyna). Take a look at this video and others on Utube. This guy makes it look pretty easy. Also had trouble getting the bead to seat on a golf cart tire once and used a tie down strap to ratchet the bead onto the rim added some air and all was well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XArpY_hSdk

[ccolwell]

I had used the HF changer with Mitch's Mojo Bar and his Mojo Blocks (rim protectors) mounted to the HF. .

Oops, it's the Mojo Blocks that I have on my Harbor Freight changer.

Every independent review of the Dyna beads I've seen has panned them.

[bikerfish1100]

Every independent review of the Dyna beads I've seen has panned them.


well, that's just not so, at least according to Dyna Beads manufacturer!!
(yeah, i'm not going with them either)

[Yarddog]

This is just one of those jobs that I'm more than happy to let someone else do. I also have Lesters, but nobody's put the nasty on 'em yet!!! I know how to do it, but I just don't need more bulky equipment hangin' around, and yeah, it takes quite a while to get a return on your investment...so for me...somebody else gets the pain!

[bikerfish1100]

with 4 active bikes in the garage, tire changing costs can add up pretty quickly. all my stuff will be paid for in about 2 years.