How do you change a tire?

[spadefoot]

My new front tire just came in, and I'm planning on taking the rim and new tire to a local shop to have them mount the tire. However, I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to do with the bike while the tire is off. There has GOT to be a shadetree solution to this, but I'm not sure what it would be, other than just trying to find something that's about the right height to put under the forks. Anyone have a good gimmick?

[Zooks]

If it still has its centre stand its not too hard. Put it up on the stand and with the help of a friend push something under the front frame tubes. Sometimes the exhaust might get in the way but you can just use a block of wood to space between the frame and whatever you use as a chock (up turned plastic milk crate works well). I have also used car axle stands in the past. One under each tube (of the frame).

[chef1366]

First take out the valve stem. I take two small 2x4s and but each one on both sides of the tire. I then but in a C-clamp and tighten until I break the bead. Get two good tire irons and a spoon. I pry the tire out on one side and install the spoon. Then I alternate between the tire irons until the first side is outside the rim. I then remove the tube if needed. Repeat for the other side.
If you are going tubeless and don't have a good compressor you'll need to take it somewhere or you will never get it to seal and pop back into the bead. Also install the round dot to line up with the valve stem and make sure the arrow is facing forward motion of the rim.
That was a waste of info if you are taking in the rim. I use an old beer cooler and put it under my headers.

[bonanzadave]

My new front tire just came in, and I'm planning on taking the rim and new tire to a local shop to have them mount the tire. However, I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to do with the bike while the tire is off. There has GOT to be a shadetree solution to this, but I'm not sure what it would be, other than just trying to find something that's about the right height to put under the forks. Anyone have a good gimmick?

Center stand and some garage wood. Or a bunch of weight on the back seat. I wouldnt trust that. I use my center stand and a small floor jack in front of that with a 1x4 under the pipes.

[spadefoot]

My center stand is on walkabout

Some previous owner of this bike removed the center stand. I have a replacement on the way (courtesy of the parts forum here!) for the center stand, but I was hoping to get the tire on before that gets here. I've got access to a chain hoist that will lift the weight, but I don't know how to keep the bike stable while I go get the tire changed. It'll only need to sit for a couple of hours at the longest, but I'd hate to have it fall over.

[Zooks]

Lift it with the handle bars. Use a strap wrapped around the bars and attach the chain to the center of this. The bars will easily hold the weight of the front end. Just be careful of your levers / controls as the strap tightens. It might wobble a bit but you can get a friend to hold it as you unbolt the wheel.

[Zooks]

The strapping I am talking about is the same stuff that motorcycle 'tie-downs' are made from. The nylon type webbing. In my workshop I have a couple of old car seatbelts that I use for this exact purpose. We've used them for lifting Chevy V8's into Hotrods. Just never get right underneath anyhting that isn't supported on something solid - this means never get under a chain, strap or jack supported weight.

[catbed]

i have a piece of 4x4 under the front through bolt of the engine, in between the two inner headers. perfect ridge to jack it up. i have the wood on a jack so i can adjust it. i have both tires off now with that.

[spadefoot]

Did it today with a couple of cinderblocks and some wood under the frame rails. had the local shop replace and balance the tire. Getting closer!

[Mark M]

Did it today with a couple of cinderblocks and some wood under the frame rails. had the local shop replace and balance the tire. Getting closer!

I got here too late... I use jackstands under each side frame rail. You can rock the bike up onto the side stand, slide a jackstand under the RH rail, then set the bike back down and rock it over onto the jackstand and slide the other stand under the left side. Depending on where you place the stands, you can balance nose up or back up to suit what you are doing.

The web strap under the bars or steering head is a good secondary/safety idea as well. I have also lifted the front of a bike with a ratchet strap and a buddy to help lift and work the strap. The stands are way easier, though.

Mark