breaking tire off of bead

[Jon Burke]

Ok, so this wasn't on a GS motorcycle, or even a motorcycle. I am the service manager at a John Deere dealership. We were priveledged (sp?) to be committed to change the tires on a Kawasaki Mule ATV equipped with 23x11-10 tires on steel rims. We do have a mechanical tire changer at the shop. Was all we could do to beat, hammer, and pry the tire off of the rim. Was like they were glued to the rim. Interesting tip...used a propane torch to warm the rim at the spot we were going to break the bead. WOW, just slid right off...slicker than snot. Couldn't believe how easy it was! Might work on motorcycle tires?? Worth a try, but take it easy on the AL rims. Also, remember that if for some reason, fix-a-flat was used, may not want to try it. Some of those fix in a cans are propelled by flamable gas...some even propane! Not a good combination with a torch!

[rkubik]

heat gun

might give that a try, but with a heat gun instead of a torch, since I don't want to blister the paint on the wheels. I see many hardly-used heat guns at thrift shops for a few bucks. Must be man-presents that do not get used.

The warmed-up tire will probably also be easier to stretch.

[Steveb64]

Read this thread...

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=115607

The sidestand trick works well (I've used it a few times), but so should the G-clamp one.