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Re: Operaflute tire change? (stop laughing) [Re: nextlife] #116943 10/08/13 06:12 AM
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redninja Offline
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Originally Posted By: nextlife
Anybody here try beads to balance their tires? Just got a quote from a mechanic and I asked how he balanced the tires. He told me he uses beads. Good results here???


I put the beads into my street bike tires after they were recommended by a very good independent bike mechanic. Don't know if they helped or not....I had never found the wheels to be actually unbalanced; I just used them as a precaution. On the XT's I've never had the wheels balanced nor used the beads; we've never had any problems, but then again ride mostly off road, usually pretty slowly.


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Re: Operaflute tire change? (stop laughing) [Re: motoinmoab] #116944 10/08/13 06:18 AM
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Reggie Offline
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Originally Posted By: motoinmoab
Originally Posted By: operaflute
Confirmed: front is waaaay easier.
Confirmed: I can't work on motorcycles without going batshit crazy with frustration.

Nothing else you do to your moto is as hard, knuckle busting, or frustrating. I love working on my bike but changing tires is the one thing I won't do. I installed a Rekluse clutch in my DRZ the other day- it was pure joy tearing into the motor, smiled for hours afterwards. But I won't change a tire, that's the best $20 I know how to spend.


Hi Motoinmoab,

I'm totally on the same wavelength as you, why get frustrated and knacker your knuckles, when you can get a pro to do it for a tenner?

OK if you're in the middle of nowhere, then the skill could come in handy but I never have a chance to visit such places.

Regards


Reggie

Team Cabra, Brazilian XT225, Team Ukulele, Japan import XT225, a 250 to be named and loads of 2 stroke Kawasaki AR's!
Re: Operaflute tire change? (stop laughing) [Re: nextlife] #116966 10/08/13 05:08 PM
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I just used stick on 1/4" weights. $8 for a huge supply, compared to the outrageous costs of beads.
I do the simple axle on jack stands & spin the wheel. Tape the weights opposite the heavy spot & test. Once the weight has been determined, stick on the weights & put a little silicone around them to keep them on. Easy to do.

Changing tires is all about technique, not force. And lube, lube and more lube.


2006 XT225
2012 V-Strom 650
Re: Operaflute tire change? (stop laughing) [Re: Muniac] #135167 12/15/16 02:05 PM
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Jerry XT Offline
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Originally Posted By: Muniac

Changing tires requires a certain sensitivity to mechanical things, frictions and forces. It takes a bit of practice and patience. Personally I hate the job and would gladly pay the $15 to have it done.


Changing tires is on my radar for the next 6 months so I'm searching the archives. Saw this and thought, GREAT! Called a local shop and was quoted $75, CRAP! (and the Govment told me inflation was low....).

Looks like I'm gonna have to do it myself!

Last edited by Jerry XT; 12/15/16 02:06 PM.

JJ 2007 XT225
Re: Operaflute tire change? (stop laughing) [Re: operaflute] #135168 12/15/16 03:39 PM
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Muniac Offline
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The front tire isn't bad. Just a bit more difficult than a bicycle tire owing to thicker rubber. I also use heavy motocross tubes which makes getting the valve stem through the rim a bit more challenging.

Getting the tire hot prior to installation helps a lot. Lubricating the bead (on/off) is a must. You can use a soap solution, KY, silicon or WD40. Three tire irons also helps. Make sure you get the bead down in the rim's depression when prying on/off. I use a few blocks of wood to hold the bead away (creates a space) from the rim to help extract the tube. It also helps with getting the valve stem in.

If you're careful, you can install the tube on the rim first then fit the tire over it. Makes getting the valve stem in an easy task. Then there's the dreaded bead lock (rear only). Using some lubrication and much fiddling this will pop into and around the bead. Be very careful not to pinch the tube during any phase of changing the tire.

Owing to crappy tubes, I alway check them first before installation. Pay close attention to the valve stem where it joins the tube. Also the valve core itself. Have had leaks here in the past.

For whatever it's worth, I'm looking at two front tires laying on the shop floor for 3-4 months. Just waiting to be put on the bikes. Goes to show how motivated I am.

As for the $75 bucks, call another shop. Good luck!


Evolve & Simplify
Be There or Be Nowhere! A Few Adventures & Video
Re: Operaflute tire change? (stop laughing) [Re: operaflute] #135169 12/15/16 04:57 PM
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Jerry XT Offline
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thanks @Muniac
I've spent the last few hours in the archives, lots of great threads on tire changing.

I must say, after reading all the threads about changing tires on the trail, I feel a bit foolish about my lone deep woods riding without the tools and the knowledge to fix a tire.....my best preparation was bringing along hiking shoes so I didn't have to "walk out" in riding boots....along with a "Spot" locator and food/water/"make my day"....


JJ 2007 XT225
Re: Operaflute tire change? (stop laughing) [Re: operaflute] #135173 12/15/16 07:26 PM
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peejman Offline
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The cost is what motivated me to get tire changing tools for by CBR years ago. I think the shop quoted $50 per tire to mount and balance. When you go through 2-3 sets of tire every year, that adds up quick. I bought a bead breaker, spoons, rim protectors, and built my own balancer for just over $100. It was nearly $400 for a set of tires from the shop, or I could buy tires for under $250 and install them myself. I'm all for supporting local businesses, but their costs were absurd.

And yes, always check tubes before installing. I put an extra piece of tape around the base of the valve stem as I've seen several wear through there.

A 21" tube will work both front & rear, so you only need to carry 1 spare. It's not ideal for the rear obviously, but it'll get you home.


This shall pass, be still and know.
2006 XT225, UNI filter, ProTaper bars, MSR handguards, SS front brake line, Shinko 241's.
Re: Operaflute tire change? (stop laughing) [Re: operaflute] #135178 12/15/16 09:42 PM
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Muniac Offline
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I hope I don't regret saying this. I've never changed a tire on the trails. Have ridden out on flats a couple of times without any issues other than it's slow. Much faster than pushing the bike, however.

In cooler weather the rubber supports the rear pretty well even less any air pressure. The front flaps and tugs at the handlebars a bit. Manageable if you're careful.

Having skills is always a good idea. So hats off to those that can deal with trail side repairs. Be safe.


Evolve & Simplify
Be There or Be Nowhere! A Few Adventures & Video
Re: Operaflute tire change? (stop laughing) [Re: Muniac] #135181 12/15/16 11:50 PM
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My experience and opinion precisely.

Alexd


(one) 2006 XT225, (two) 2005 XT225, 2006 FZ1
Re: Operaflute tire change? (stop laughing) [Re: Muniac] #135182 12/16/16 01:02 PM
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peejman Offline
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Originally Posted By: Muniac
I hope I don't regret saying this. I've never changed a tire on the trails. Have ridden out on flats a couple of times without any issues other than it's slow. Much faster than pushing the bike, however.

In cooler weather the rubber supports the rear pretty well even less any air pressure. The front flaps and tugs at the handlebars a bit. Manageable if you're careful.

Having skills is always a good idea. So hats off to those that can deal with trail side repairs. Be safe.


Perhaps one of the benefits of the fairly light weight XT. The flats I've witnessed were on bigger (400-650cc) bikes and they got ugly pretty fast. It chewed up the tires pretty bad, they weren't useable.


This shall pass, be still and know.
2006 XT225, UNI filter, ProTaper bars, MSR handguards, SS front brake line, Shinko 241's.
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