Tire removal/which tire irons?

RonKZ650 wrote:

I've been changing my own tires since I was 14 years old so this is 36 yrs of changing, most recently a GL1800 with huge radial tire everyone said was not possible without a machine. Wasn't all that hard. The best tire irons I've ever used are the 10 1/2" sold through pitposse.com They are about $12 each and worth every penny. Get your cheap rim protectors on ebay or whatever and use at least 3 irons.

The only part I'd argue with is the using 3 tire irons part, I never use more than two, and I only use the short 10" - 10 1/2" ones. I'd never let a shop change my tires, I even change the tires on my cars and trucks.

I have one of those Harbor Freight tire changers with motorcycle attachment, but all I use it for is a bead breaker.

These Motion Pro tire irons are the best. Get two, use lots of soapy water and have at it!

Three irons demo.

You notice he uses three irons exactly once, to get it started.

A couple more things, go to the Nomar tire changer website and they show several videos on how to change tires. Of course they are using their equipment as the tools, but you can get some good ideas to apply.
Never rely on tire sealer, whatever it 's called, the goop that pressurizes your tire and seals it. This will not seal a tube type tire from leaking.
Anyone who's not had a flat must be luckier than me. I've had one or two a year for the last 40 yrs on an average. Probably tubeless tires is the best invention ever as I've never had a flat on a tubeless motorcycle wheel/tire, but those tube type.:S I was on my KZ1000 all the way down in Florida on a ride from Colorado and had two flats in two consecutive days. Yes bring tubes and bring tools on a trip.

So I had a couple of guys from the BC Classic Motorcycle Club over to my garage the other night. We had a couple of beers and told some lies. I had asked one of them to bring over his tire irons. (they also just take their tires to a shop)

I had some old '77 Kz 650 wheel/tires. We decided to attempt tire removal to see what it would be like to do at the side of the road.

Our conclusion was that, while it could be done, it would be very difficult at the side of the road. Those tire locks on the back tire are a f---ing bitch to deal with, especially re-installing the tire.

Tubeless tires would be easier, but not much. Having said that, I'll probably get some tire irons and take them on long journeys. But other than that, it's not worth the effort to change tires yourself. Just my humble opinion.

Ross

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If you are replacing the tire, just cut it off. I use stanley matt knife and cut at about the center of the sidewall. Once the tread section is off the 2 bead sections come right off. This saves some time and effort.

Those dirt bike tires are way more flexible than street tires. Especially the rear tires. Really good video. Thanx for the post.

Galactica wrote:

Those dirt bike tires are way more flexible than street tires. Especially the rear tires. Really good video. Thanx for the post.

:laugh: ...you must never have changed a modern rear dirtbike tire. A street tire is a walk in the park. It's just that guy does it day in and day out so it looks easy. Heck, I can put a street front on with my bare hands.

I roll the flat-tired wheel into the dealer's shop, with my bare hands. :laugh: :laugh:

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