[Desert Rat]

Not sure this is the best forum to ask this but here goes.
I'm looking into changing out my own tires. Looking at tire Irons & just wondering what everyone else uses. Not sure the ones from H.F. are good enough. Give me some ideas.

 

[Dave_J]

Mike, those should do it. They are a bit long at 24 inches. I paid about $12 each for 2 that are 18 inchs long. You will also want to get some rim savers. I use a Folgers coffee can lid between the rim and iron.

I can lever off a car tire with mine. Breaking the bead off the rim is the hard part. I just slide my tire down in a bench vise to bust one side, then slide that side down in the vise with padding to bust the other side.

 

[Aladinbama]

Or just take them to a local tire shop and pay $7-10 a piece. I find that some things aren't worth the hassle!

 

[Dave_J]

Or just take them to a local tire shop and pay $7-10 a piece. I find that some things aren't worth the hassle!

To dismount and then mount my new tire at the dealer is like $40 plus tax.

 

[Aladinbama]

To dismount and then mount my new tire at the dealer is like $40 plus tax.

They charge $30 here w/balancing at the dealer, but if you take them to a LOCAL TIRE SHOP (not a national shop) they'll do it for much less - call around, believe me, you'll find one. I think the one I take mine to is called something like Garcia's Tire and Flat repair (LOL).

 

[LeDude]

I get the best results using three tire irons, works well for me.

The HF tire iron is ok but you will get much better results using regular motorcycle tire irons which can be had for around $10.00 each.

You just need to master the basics for removing and installing a tire using tier irons, the tire dial will help with that.

You also need to think of a bead breaker setup, which can be done with just a pieces of wood.

I like doing my own as I get to properly clean the rims, inspect the valve stem and balance it correctly.

you can check these DIYs to see how to use them if you have never done before:

DIY - Tire Irons

DIY - Install Front Tire By Hand

DIY - Bead Breaker

 

[29534]

The garage near me won't change the tires but he will break them down for me for free. That being said, I just put the rear tire on my 09 650 and it is the most difficult tire I have ever changed. I've put them on many motorcycles and on my 400 as well as cars and trucks. This Bridgestone was the worst and I won't do it again without a tire changer.

 

[oldkid]

Tire irons

Mike, those should work great. I would add duct tape to them to protect the rims. What I use to break the bead is a large C-clamp and to two pieces of wood cut to match the wheel curve. However you still need someone to balance them, so if you can find a local source for all, I would let them do it.

 

[Bodidle]

Hey kid put that tire in a vise with 2pic.wood tighten up break bead.did you get that p e that I sent you last nite.dont know where I did it rite or not if you didn't you p e me bodidle

 

[cliffyk]

I have had one of Harbor Freight's motorcycle bead breakers for many years, it has never failed me--more about it and their new catalog photo here...