Tires at home

[halfasteddie]

If anyone is mounting there own tires, what tools are needed and do you think its worth getting into? I'm sick of the shops charging too much and scratching the rim everytime they mount a tire. Any input is appreciated.
ed

[newbornst1300]

[/URL]If anyone is mounting there own tires, what tools are needed and do you think its worth getting into? I'm sick of the shops charging too much and scratching the rim everytime they mount a tire. Any input is appreciated.
ed
I do my own tire installs and balancing and get a good feeling about saving some money and not being at the mercy of the STealers.
This thread has a lot of info on tire changing and making your own tools for holding the rim and balancing.
[url]http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5496 (http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5496)
I made my own jig out of an old 15" car rim and a press to break the beads out of some lumber and a piece of pipe.
Get some good tire irons, rim savers and a couple of quickgrip clamps as well
All tools and material to do this cost me less than $100 (two tire changes up here:eek: )

[eddiemack]

I just bought a tire machine from Harbor Freight, and new treads from AZ tire. HF screwed up and sent me a toy electric Indian Motorcycle capable of speeds to 1.5 mph instead of the motorcycle tire changing adapter. So I wait. Like Chris said.. a good set of tire irons or a good machine with breaker bar can do wonders. It's also the technique.. after a few changes you'll be a pro. I too hate the outragious prices local shops charge not only for tires but for installation and balance. Screw them! DIY rules.

[halfasteddie]

Thanks much guys, your response is all I needed to never let a dealer do my tires again.Its not just the money, these shops just don't give a damn, the last time I picked up my tire I asked about the balancing that I paid extra for and the service guy looks at me like he dosent have a clue what I'm talking about, then after a few seconds he suddlenly remembers that he's sure he did the balancing. I've just had it with the dealers, I think there should be some type of system in place by Honda to check the mechanix at there dealers.OK I'm done venting, and I really want to thank you for the help.
ed

[Reiner Kappenberger]

I've been doing the tire change myself now for quite some time using the HF tire changer a friend donated to me :D .

When in CA I had a local shop that would change tires for $15 when I brought the tire and rim. Now here in CO they charge >$40 for the same job and only if you buy the tires from them (at list price of course).

Even if I had to buy the changer it would have long payed off for me. I'm going through 3 rear tires, 2 front tires on the Wing alone per year. Just ready to change the first rear on the ST. I hope it's not as stiff as the rear GL1800 tire - that is the probably stiffest tire to available. If you can do that one every other tire is a piece of cake.

Occasionally I would scratch the rim - but than again I know whom to blame for that :) .

Reiner

[nm6r]

Here is a Tire Mounting at Home (http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8178&highlight=change+tires) thread I started earlier this month.

My first post tells about my first experience and the equipment used, etc. You will also find a couple links showing tire changing videos by one of our forum members in one of the posts.

Bottom line, I would say it's worth it.

HTH

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

[saaz]

Here the tyres places don't charge much for fitting, compared to the prices I have seen people in the US quote. All the places use proper car style tyre changers and electronic balancers. I have the gear to do my own tyres from when I did it years ago, but I prefer to get a proper tyre changing machine job for radial tyres on alloy rims.

[805gregg]

I buy my tires from CalCoast Motorsports, same prices as online and free mounting if I bring the wheels in.