Changing tubed tires

[cowboyup3371]

I want to clean up and repaint my rims when I replace my tires soon. As it seems it would be too costly to have my local shop remove the tire, let me take the wheel home to paint, and then have them put the tire back on (will verify tomorrow with them), I thought about changing them myself. I already asked if someone could show me while I was in Ohio in Sep but figured I should also research.

So I did some reading and found that changing a tire with a tube is much like changing one without. In fact, it seems this thread here, http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...ange+tire+tube, is probably the best one for me to go by.

However, are there any other thoughts I should consider before doing this? I know i have to read up on balancing and figure out where to get the weights. Plus, I need to find some tire spoons. But is there anything that I can do that would hurt things so bad I'd have to buy new rims and still have the shop do it for me? Do I need to have a motorcycle shop do it or can I find another tire guy since I'm looking at Motorcycle Superstore's sale right now?

Thanks.

[Nessism]

I've changed lots of tires by myself Scott. It's not difficult. I use a 5 gallon pail to support the wheel and a couple of tire irons (and rim protectors). Balance on the factory axle and two jack stands.

[1_v8_merc]

You basically need boards or something to lay the wheels on.
You need tire pullers and rim protectors.
And don't forget the important air compressor
Oh yeah....soap and water too, to lube up the beads of the tire when installing it.

======

I ripped my old tires off with some very large flathead screwdrivers, and used some cut-up ABS containers for the rim protectors.

But I wouldn't use screwdrivers to play around with Newer tires

So I managed to find a nice big piece of flat iron laying around, which had a narrow end on it, which was NOT sharp. And that gave me plenty of leverage to work the tires on and off.

But one leverage bar is NOT enough, you must have TWO.


It can take A LOT of muscle and getting used to working tires on and off.
(especially if removing old ones....newer ones shouldn't be a problem)


The whole idea is to get a "feel" for it, and catch the flow.
It can get frustrating when you're working the tire up around the Lip of the rim, and you look back and realize the tire is going right back Under the rim in the spot you just Lifted over the rim, lol


There's going to be some trial and error, and playing around....no doubt.

But isn't that how you learn everything in life?

The best way to learn, is to just get thrown to the wolves, and suck it up.

[cowboyup3371]

Agreed thank you both. I just don't want to do something that makes me have to buy new tires or rims as I'm really trying to get out of my financial troubles right now. If I can stick to it, I'll be breathing a little easier by Christmas and close to out of debt by next Christmas.

[tkent02]

Do it here, I need to change several tires soon. It's fun and easy. Don't worry about balancing, it's easy too.

[cowboyup3371]

Won't be until end of September Tom.

Btw, when you back? I can get your stuff to you as soon as my brake upgrade parts get here (hope this week).