I have a couple of bikes now (just purchased a '95 Triumph Trident 900). Being spring it is time to do some "pre-season" maintenance. For the ST1100 I purchased new Metzler tires and am in the process of changing them... myself of course.
I have read that most DIY'ers and even MC shops use soapy water to lube the bead to dismount and mount tires. A local autoparts store guy said he uses silicone. I have found that you do NOT use oil or grease (not good for the rubber). Some have commented that Silicone or any petroleum jelly is just too slippery and that there is the possibility that the rim may slip on the tire... even after air pressure is present. And soapy water? I just read that even some soaps have a high sodium hydroxide* content that actually eats away at the rim. So what is a good product to use???
Armor All... or STP Son of a Gun "protectant" That is what I read. Here is a link to the article..... "Easy Way to Ruin Your Rims"
Im curious what others think of this... and does anyone use this already?
Just an FYI
*Sodium Hydroxide is what makes soap slippery
I have read that most DIY'ers and even MC shops use soapy water to lube the bead to dismount and mount tires. A local autoparts store guy said he uses silicone. I have found that you do NOT use oil or grease (not good for the rubber). Some have commented that Silicone or any petroleum jelly is just too slippery and that there is the possibility that the rim may slip on the tire... even after air pressure is present. And soapy water? I just read that even some soaps have a high sodium hydroxide* content that actually eats away at the rim. So what is a good product to use???
Armor All... or STP Son of a Gun "protectant" That is what I read. Here is a link to the article..... "Easy Way to Ruin Your Rims"
Im curious what others think of this... and does anyone use this already?
Just an FYI
*Sodium Hydroxide is what makes soap slippery