DIY tire replacement - What you think?

[sunny]

any tips on DIY tire replacement?

This avon cobra I got last year is reaching second marker, It seems I am going through 1 rear avon cobra tire every 1 and a half season.
This avon was installed by harley dealership and they put Dynabeads in it since they dont do wheel balancing there.

I have decided to go with Metzler Cruisetec as they cheaper than avon cobra and also coming on new storm model rockets.

I have been watching DIY tire replacement by yourself at home with no special machines, has anyone tried that? what you think? any inputs?



Breaking Bead

Replacing Tire with Rope

 

[Mongler07]

Plenty of ways but the consensus is a set from motion pro bead breaker spoons, some soapy water, and a cheap harbour freight moving blanket to work on and a decent balancer and some weights. 4 sets of tires and the investment is paid for.

 

[sunny]

Plenty of ways but the consensus is a set from motion pro bead breaker spoons, some soapy water, and a cheap harbour freight moving blanket to work on and a decent balancer and some weights. 4 sets of tires and the investment is paid for.

why need balancer if dynabeads can do same job?

 

[Journeyman]

any tips on DIY tire replacement?

I use the Mojo Lever and highly recommend it. Here's a demo- my technique has improved since then. It doesn't require strength if your technique is correct- mostly pushing Down on the tire behind the tool to keep it more centered in the rim. The stand is a cheap Harbor Freight type. I haven't paid to have a tire mounted (and my rims scratched) in years...

 

[Journeyman]

I do use the Motion Pro tools to break the bead (with soapy water), but there are other good methods for that. Tire "grease" is important to help the Mojo Lever move easily- don't skimp. I used Marc Parnes tire balancers for front and back on the 2.3, but with the large center hole in the rim on the 2.5 you'll either need a car tire balancer (fairly cheap on Amazon) or Dyna Beads. For now I'm using the beads, but considering getting a balancer for the rear, as I prefer weights.

Mounting an Exedra Max rear tire on the new 3R = Better Handling

This is a DIY install of the Exedra Max on the new 3R. It requires minor modifications to the forward most rear fender and, if doing it yourself, a tire stand and Mojo Lever - I'd say about a two beer rating for time/difficulty. The result, in my opinion, is a less expensive tire that provides...

www.r3owners.net

Amazon.com

 

[Mongler07]

why need balancer if dynabeads can do same job?

they do but they do not. its incredibly simple how they work but counter intuitive. Ballancing beads IMO are a good idea but they do tend to stop working well if the compressor you are using has a lot of moisture in it. especially one of those side of the road small compressors. Lesson learned was that due to a small leak and the tire needing to be aired up every week they stopped working due to it not being dry inside the tire anymore. they also will NOT work on my tubeless conversion because the material that plugs the spokes and seals the wheel is tacky. they are also a PITA if you have to do a rode side patch and forget them if you have a bike with intertubes. If all you have is the rocket and you have a dry air system at your place to fill up tires and never plan on doing a rode side repair and just trailer it home... cool! I like to invest one tool to work on as many things as possible so the need for a balancing stand and a small box of wights are a better fit for me.

 

[Rufus Roughcut]

I balance my wheels at home using one of these (I have no affiliation) The cones are made of some sort of Delrin, they seem robust enough.

 

[sunny]

I balance my wheels at home using one of these (I have no affiliation) The cones are made of some sort of Delrin, they seem robust enough.

Looks great, I dont have that black metal stand, what else can you use in place of metal stand.

 

[Nashvegas]

@Kevin frazier has a pretty cool balancer that seems accurate. Maybe he will chime in with the brand.

 

[Kevin frazier]

@Kevin frazier has a pretty cool balancer that seems accurate. Maybe he will chime in with the brand.

The cheap harbor freight one, it works. That rim with a good quality tire can be balanced by the balance dot on tire. Will end up close to valve stem, yeah if its not perfect when lined up with valve stem, break it loose, move tire on rim and dial it in. Does wear mess up balance, not sure, thats why i like the ride on stuff, keeps balance correct and if you get something small in contact patch ( ride on stays in contact patch area) area it will help seal it.