+1 on the HF ?Changer?
+ a bunch on the Mojolever (not to be confused with the Dick S. lever, though it?s no doubt just as useful)
BIG difference between using the HF bar and the Mojolever ? it?s all in the Teflon and the rounded lip.
Change your own for lots of good reasons: cost, no multiple trips to the shop, do it when you?re ready and not when the shop?s ready, order your own at less cost, know no steps were skipped, clean things while everything?s apart, check splines and bearings yourself, and my favorite to cite an earlier post: why pay the shop to scratch your rims when you can do it yourself!
Just got through putting on two rear tires the last 4 days: a Dunlop K177 160/80HB16 on a GL1500 rim for my ST1100 (last one went 25K and took a screw with about 2mm left). And an ME880 170/60VR17 for my ST1300. I?m sure there?s some trick for mounting tires with the Mojolever I haven?t gleaned yet. It?s slick for taking tires off, but right now it?s easier for me to mount them (even these big, stiff rears) with tire irons. Leverage is the key, though (along with lots of soapy water). I use three 18? irons from Northern Tools at about $8 each.
Give it a shot. Once of the more satisfying things you?ll do. Not fun, mind you, but take your time, do all the little things, and finish knowing it was done well.
Mickey Stilson
Wichita