Tire changing tip

[mf70]

Motorcycle tire changing is right up there in my "favorites" with root canals, but I hit on a helpful technique to get the little buggers off the wheel a ~little~ easier.

The principle of a tire-rim combination is that the circumference of the bead is exactly right to rest on the "land." Since the bead is steel reinforced, it won't stretch over the circumference of the "ledge."

To get the tire off, you'll need to make sure the bead on one side is over the "valley," and then lever the bead on the opposite side up and over the "ledge" using dedicated tire irons.

My trick is to wedge a piece of cable between the bead and the ledge before levering the bead over. This ensures that the bead will get pulled into the valley.

Of course, also use detergent generously as well.

(So, what is the real term for what I called the "ledge"?)

[t3rmin]

Having trouble visualizing this...

[mf70]

I don't know if its worth a second pix, but basically, the sidewalls of the tire tend to push the beads outward, keeping the bead over the land of the rim.

The cable opposes that force, and allows the bead to sink into the valley when you lever the bead up over the ledge on the other side. It makes a big difference.

[BentRod]

alternative method:

Angle grinder and wire cutters... should be self explained

Warning: do not attempt indoors