Tire mounting the easy way

[posplayr]

Well I know there are other ways to mount a tire, and while I used to change tires professionally (at least I got paid for working at the gas station doing this among other things in high school) I have only changed 1 MC front tire and it was me and a friend using a couple of screw drivers and a clamp to break the bead.

Well long story short while looking for a place to mount and balance my new Perelli Sport Demons on my freshly POR'ed wheels (glossy clear on brushed aluminum 800 grit, with black).

I found this link.

The reason this should work is that the key to putting the tire on is to get the beads together and into the deep center of the rim. By pulling the beads together the tire is easily slid over the edge of the rim and into the center of the rim.

As another example, I can usually change a bicycle tire without even using a tire iron by just paying attention to getting the beads into the center.


http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=299597


This is probably the best way I have seen to avoid damaging the rim or it's clear coat


PORplayr (formerly Posplayr) :-D

 

[tkent02]

Wonder how well it works on our skinny old wheels...
Find out soon enough.

 

[BassCliff]

Wow! That looks easy enough even I could do it. Great find. Thanks for sharing Mr. posplayer. :-D


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[lurch12_2000]

Those straps should be great for traction up here in the snow...oh wait... they come off before inflating don't they?#-o

 

[posplayr]

Quick Update

Quick Update

I tried to change a tire not just mount one. I started on the front tire. I broke the bead with a c-clamp and a couple of peices of wood, but the problem because one of getting the ire now into the groove so I couild slide a strap through (no luck).

I could have tried harder but when faced with teh extra $40 to have a shop mount them, I'm thinking I'll just install the wheel bearing rotors and have the shop do it.

So while the install with straps already on probably works, if this is an R/R you are kinda back in the same spot. Cant get the tire beads together enough to get inside of teh center groove. I did not try the rear tire; it might be easier or maybe not.

I'm gonna look at the harbor freight changer (possibly).

Posplayr

 

[JTsGS650]

If you look at the companion tire dismount thread (link at the top of the advrider.com thread) it appears that they remove the old tire not with the straps but with a hacksaw. :-k

 

[RJ]

I changed my tires on a set of GSXR rims using 2 motorcycle-sized tire irons and some elbow grease.

 

[p_s]

This method seems like more work to me than the old-fashioned way with tire spoons. Maybe it takes less finesse or swearing.

 

[Dogma]

This method seems like more work to me than the old-fashioned way with tire spoons. Maybe it takes less finesse or swearing.

Maybe so, but it looks like the tools are cheaper, and less risk to the rim.

 

[Dogma]

I just ran across this as a way to expand the bead:

In the write-up, the author describes using a rope wrapped around the tire. Slide a screwdriver through a loop in the rope, and twist it to tighten the rope. I imagine it could unwind pretty violently once you put air in to seat the beads. A ratchet strap might be a little safer.

Lots of other good motorcycle repair goodies at that site. BassCliff linked to it a couple days ago in another thread.

 

[Jethro]

One thing I have no interest in doing is mounting my own tires. There is no fun in that type of wrenching for me.

 

[JHawkins]

One thing I have no interest in doing is mounting my own tires. There is no fun in that type of wrenching for me.

Wimp!

hehehe

 

[Pete Logan]

Different markets. Here, if you pay list for the tires from a dealer, and take the wheels in, they mount the tires for free. If you take the whole bike in they charge an hour's labor.

So here the decision is whether to dismount/mount your own wheels. Tire changing doesn't save you a bean.

 

[JMHJ]

I used a 2-tool set to do mine; front was quite a bit easier, or maybe I was getting better at it by then. Anyway, I needed a third tool, and had to use a screwdriver that wasn't as smooth. I'm gonna order another set of tools ($11 or so from Bike Bandit I think) the next time I order tires.

 

[Lake Cle Elum]

I just ran across this as a way to expand the bead:

In the write-up, the author describes using a rope wrapped around the tire. Slide a screwdriver through a loop in the rope, and twist it to tighten the rope. I imagine it could unwind pretty violently once you put air in to seat the beads. A ratchet strap might be a little safer.

Lots of other good motorcycle repair goodies at that site. BassCliff linked to it a couple days ago in another thread.

Wow - I used to use this strap when I worked in "gas station" in 1967....

 

[Zook]

Check out the stuff these folks offer.
It works and they stand behind it.

http://www.nomartirechanger.com/

I have no connection with them other than they are friends.

 

[Art Lacroix]

mounting should be a breeze, no need for tools

mounting should be a breeze, no need for tools

The only time I've ever had a problem and needed any tools is getting a tire off the rim. Tires should slide right on if you lube everything with soapy water. the trick is to get the first bead deep in the center grove. the first side should slide right on, move the first bead up out of the center groove and repeat with the second side. I've worked in garage when a kid doing auto tires, remove, install, balancing etc. and in a bicycle shop for many years as an apprentice as well as maintaining gs's for about 25 years now, and always had the same results, never had to use a machine or tools to mount a new tire only to remove the old.

Art

 

[jimcor]

The only time I've ever had a problem and needed any tools is getting a tire off the rim. Tires should slide right on if you lube everything with soapy water. the trick is to get the first bead deep in the center grove. the first side should slide right on, move the first bead up out of the center groove and repeat with the second side. I've worked in garage when a kid doing auto tires, remove, install, balancing etc. and in a bicycle shop for many years as an apprentice as well as maintaining gs's for about 25 years now, and always had the same results, never had to use a machine or tools to mount a new tire only to remove the old.

Art

You are a skilled man, Lacroix...or lucky!

 

[Steve]

I quite agree, concerning car and bicycle tires, but motorcycle tires are another brand of beast.

Car tires and bicycle tires are a bit more flexible and will drop into the wheel's groove rather easily,
but the stiffer sidewalls on the motorcycle tires make it considerably more difficult.

.