Tire spoon advice,,,

[Guest]

I am buying a set of Shinko 230 tires for my 850G, and will install them myself (my local dealer wanted $45/tire to mount them - IF I remove the tires from the bike). I've seen a video online where the guy used three tire spoons to get the tire on and off - making the point that you insert all three of them, roughly 5" apart, then take the middle one out and place it next to one of the remaining two. That seems like a good idea to me.

There are about 980 sellers on Ebay that all sell the same 3-spoon set, complete with plastic rim protectors, for about $15.00. The spoons all have a red and black handle. That seems like a nice idea IF the metal part goes all way through the handle, but if it doesn't, then they're probably junk. My question is this: does anyone have experience with these red-and-black handled tire spoons from Ebay?

[gsrick]

I's have to look at the brand name, but the set I bought were all metal, no plastic, with one of them a little longer for when you need that little extra leverage. That last bit can be a bear sometimes, depending on sidewall stiffness. For what it's worth, we have the red handle ones at work, but I rarely use them since we have a machine.

[Guest]

I's have to look at the brand name, but the set I bought were all metal, no plastic, with one of them a little longer for when you need that little extra leverage. That last bit can be a bear sometimes, depending on sidewall stiffness. For what it's worth, we have the red handle ones at work, but I rarely use them since we have a machine.

Thanks for that input. So the set that you bought, was it a set of three, or two? (three seems to be key here, as it makes it easier to remove one) And what brand was it? And where did you buy it?

[gsrick]

Thanks for that input. So the set that you bought, was it a set of three, or two? (three seems to be key here, as it makes it easier to remove one) And what brand was it? And where did you buy it?

I got my set at Cycle Gear. Stockton https://www.cyclegear.com/accessorie...on-3-piece-set .
stockton_tire_iron3_piece_set_750x750.jpg

[Buffalo Bill]

Two won't do. Get 3 plus another longer.
The hard part is breaking the bead. Get a decent bead breaker and you'll never go back to a dealership. Just a place to dump your old tires.
You can even do car tires if you like.

[Steve]

What I use should probably be called "irons" rather than "spoons", but they are all metal, no plastic.

I have three, but seldom use more than two. Seems that I am one of those rare freaks of nature that was blessed with only two hands at birth.

.

[bobgroger]

TO break the bead use an 8 foot 2X4 and another 6-12" one. Stick one end of the long one under your car or truck, put the short one between the tire (laying on the ground near the car) and the long 2X4. Push down. Like a long lever, pops the bead right off. When mounting or dismounting the tire make sure both beads are in the center channel at the opposite side you are working on, use a c-clamp if you need to. You most likely WILL ding up the wheel pretty badly, paint covers all ills. OR pay the $40, it's worth it....

[Blue Falcon]

once you cut the old ones off...and I do mean cut... clean the rims good. Putting the new tires on, BikeCliff site has a strap method, you can also use zip ties, either way, soapy water to lube the process. If you are going to strong arm them on with the spoons, make sure you protect the rim with some plastic. The shampoo bottle/body wash bottle type works really well. Self balancing is simple as pie, harbor freight and autoparts stores sell the weights... just make sure you clean the rim really good before final stick on. If tubeless don't forget the bead seal.


After I deflated the tires, I used a rubber mallet to beat the bead off... then again.. I have a 450 and the tire is small.. PO used waaaaaayyy too much bead seal, took an hour to clean it off the rims, and I have tubed rims.

[Guest]

TO break the bead use an 8 foot 2X4 and another 6-12" one. Stick one end of the long one under your car or truck, put the short one between the tire (laying on the ground near the car) and the long 2X4. Push down. Like a long lever, pops the bead right off. When mounting or dismounting the tire make sure both beads are in the center channel at the opposite side you are working on, use a c-clamp if you need to. You most likely WILL ding up the wheel pretty badly, paint covers all ills. OR pay the $40, it's worth it....

Yeah, I've pretty much decided that paying the dealer to install them is the way to go, considering this is likely the only time I'll have to install new tires. But thanks for the tips - I really appreciate it!

[Guest]

Well guys I caved today. My new Shinkos arrived yesterday and I took the front wheel to a shop in Ypsilanti, MI that specializes in older bikes. They have a proper motorcycle tire changing machine, and it was the right tool for this job. The guy let me watch, and I'm really glad I didn't decide to do the job myself. When I got home, I still had time before the sun went down to do a little cleaning on the front end, and I'm a much happier camper since I didn't have to struggle and swear at the old tire.

And speaking of Shinkos, I bought them on the advice of a few people here, and the tire required NO weights to balance. That probably speaks pretty highly of Shinko.

So thanks again for all your advice and input.

[chuck hahn]

Get rim protectors too. That or a length of garden hose split and placed around the bead works also.