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changing tires

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by DarthBob, Mar 16, 2006.

  1. DarthBob

    DarthBob Member

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    I bought my xj550 Seca last August, it was a mess, and I spent the winter doing lots of stuff (like cleaning the carbs, again and again and again), but now I have to change the tires. Is it worth it to buy some irons and try it myself or should I just drop the dough and pay someone to do it? How easy/hard is it? And what is a good price for mounting tires?
     
    DarthBob, Mar 16, 2006
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  2. CTSommers

    CTSommers Member

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    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 25, 2014
    CTSommers, Mar 16, 2006
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  3. Robert

    Robert Active Member

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    Welcome Darth, your in for some thoughts. Having walked down that path already, I can tell you that if you have one bike and ride occasionally, just pony up the $35 a tire to have them mounted and balanced. If, however you really want to be that independent type, read on. I bought tire irons (fids in my world) and wrestled the bloody bald tire off of my FZR by myself with a little reading up on the following website, http://www.clarity.net/~adam/tire-changing-doc.html . I also fought the replacement back on alone and was successful with the whole operation in about 30 minutes of grunting. I have since purchased the tire replacement tool and motorcycle tire adapter from Harbor Freight for about $70 and have yet to swap a tire with it. I have used this tool to dismount and mount car tires with a great deal of speed and ease. I expect to have similar results with my first motorcycle tire. Please mind the balancing issues. I have not tried that aspect as of yet, but it looks simple enough. If you have the time and space, go for it Darth. There is one opinion. Let us see if you get any more.
     
    Robert, Mar 16, 2006
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  4. Brian750R

    Brian750R Member

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    just remember this.... when trying to get the bead over the mounting flange, be SURE that the opposite side of the bead, stays in the drop well, or drop center... otehrwise you will struggle fruitlessly, and possibly do damage to t he rim, and or bead.


    other then that, it shouldn't be too hard.

    If the tire comes with a dot on it, mount the dot opposite the valve stem.

    come back with any questions you got if thigns get hairy.
     
    Brian750R, Mar 17, 2006
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  5. SnoSheriff

    SnoSheriff Site Owner Staff Member Administrator

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    Last year was my first motorcycle tire change done all by myself. I did it with some small setbacks but I will do more manual changes in the future. I got 2 spoons but I will probably buy 1 more. Soapy water is a must.

    Setbacks; well my front rim has a small bend in it, so the previous owner installed inner tube to compensate for air loss. Installing new inner tube without pinching it proved to be a tricky process. I punctured my first inner tube in few places. On my 2nd new inner tube I was using more finesse and it paid off :mrgreen:.

    Yes, I recommend doing tire swap by yourself, it's easy. After you are done, take the wheels to local bike shop and have them do the balancing.
     
    SnoSheriff, Mar 17, 2006
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  6. DarthBob

    DarthBob Member

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    After reading the linked website on tire changing and reading your responses, as well the linked thread, I figure I have nothing to lose by trying to do it. I figure on buying three spoons, one a little longer that the other two. Worst case, I end up taking it in to the shop to have them mount it (unless, of course I damage the rim, but I don't want to think about that) and best case I do it all by myself.
     
    DarthBob, Mar 17, 2006
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  7. Robert

    Robert Active Member

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    Bravo!! Another DIY'er is off and running!
     
    Robert, Mar 17, 2006
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