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Tyre Changing Tools

Posted by A65Bill <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=A65Bill' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 17, 2024, 9:22 am

I'm going to need new tyres on the Sprint GT & have been told to buy them online & get them fitted locally.
Loose wheel only in most places & no balancing. not easy as I don't have a car to take them to be fitted and mobile don't do bike tyres in the van.
£25 to £43 fitting fee per tyre.
Alloy wheels, modern tubeless tyres.
Ive been pointed to 2 different bits of kit - a Chinese simple looking thing £50ish or a Finland made machine that looks pukka but costs £400 ish.
Anyone here got any experience, please?
Wheel balancing is not a problem, I have always done that on my own classic wheels.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Posted by geoff the bonnie <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=geoff+the+bonnie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 17, 2024, 9:36 am, in reply to "Tyre Changing Tools"

If you have a Pro tyre business nearby, they fit if you ride in. Worth a try

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Posted by laverdabru <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=laverdabru' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 17, 2024, 9:42 am, in reply to "Re: Tyre Changing Tools"

Am in the same position re no car, & I live in the sticks.
Can't help with the tools, but have you got a friendly local dealer? Mine fit for free, provided I buy the tyres through them. Costs a bit more than buying myself online, but still works out cheaper than £50-£86 for fitting to loose wheels.
That's for ride in/out.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Posted by Will <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Will' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 17, 2024, 9:58 am, in reply to "Re: Tyre Changing Tools"

Find a local tyre place that does ride in service & order tyres from them if they don't have what you want in stock. Like all local service businesses use it or lose it!

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Posted by A65Bill <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=A65Bill' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 17, 2024, 12:39 pm, in reply to "Re: Tyre Changing Tools"

There isn't anywhere locally doing ride in & some won't even order in tyres any more. Internet has already killed that trade.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Posted by Tonupdave <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Tonupdave' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 17, 2024, 9:53 am, in reply to "Tyre Changing Tools"

As Geoff says Pro tyre always used them for our cars as well.. apart from the Ariel I fitted myself.

Tonupdave..T.U.D.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Posted by G3lcs <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=G3lcs' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 17, 2024, 10:00 am, in reply to "Tyre Changing Tools"

Is this what motorcycles are all about these days, need more than a couple of tyre levers to change a tyre, it’s all a con called progress.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

On the other hand, I've only had ONE puncture in a tubeless tyre since they have become common. With the exception of the ANF125, every bike I've had since an '80's 400N Superdream has had tubeless.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

I did fit a tubeless tyre a few years ago using levers but will not attempt it again. Just too hard to do with muscle power. Since then, i have gone to a local motorcycle business and he supplies the tyre and fits it at a low cost. Tubed tyres, i continue fitting myself.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Posted by Nigel B <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Nigel+B' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 17, 2024, 10:27 am, in reply to "Tyre Changing Tools"

I had a similar dilemma earlier this year, with 3 tyres to change & my local independant tyre fitter charging £20 per wheel - not too bad, but he insisted that he would only fit tyres to tubed wheels if he supplied Michelin tubes. And he has subsequently retired. A poor experience with a local Protyre outlet with the rear for Mrs B's V7 Classic the year before (the fitter tore the inner tube on the first attempt, then fitted the tyre the wrong way round on the second - third time lucky !) made me wary of them.

So I bough a tyre changing thing from XL Moto but not at the price currently listed - they seem to have a constant "sale" and the arbitrary discount on the list price they never seem to charge varies. IIRC I paid around £55 delivered.

Reasonably made and easily assembled, the first issue I had was the spindle was too big for my wheels - 18mm dia. & my wheels are 17mm bore. Easy enough to pop it in the lathe, not so easy to turn the incredibly nasty steel used to size. With the wheel able to be fitted to the spindle, the bead breaker was a joy to use after years of struggling. The "duck head" arm was less succesful - partly because I should have bushed it to compensate for the reduction in spindle diameter & partly because it was a real fight to push it around the rim lifting the tyre bead while trying to stop the whole lot skidding around the floor. Managed eventually to get the tyres off, but failed to use the thing to put them back on - just used levers & swearing as previously.

My problems could have stemmed from changing tubed tyres - the machine seems to have been developed to work on tubeless, so no hassle with tubes + possibly less stiff sidewalls - plus only doing half a job when having to reduce the spindle diameter and not bushing the "duck head" arm bore to suit would not have helped things.

The machinne cost less than having 3 tyres fitted, but I could not recommend it for tubed tyres. Next time I will be having the tyres swapped at the bike's supplying dealer on a "ride in - ride out" basis. May cost a bit more, but after the last fight I have realised that I really am to old to do it myself anymore.

£0.02

Nigel B.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

The Michelin tubes really are the best at keeping air in. After many different makes, i now only fit Michelin.
I dont wear out enough tyres to warrant buying a tyre fitter, My one man band down the road is very cheap

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

The Michelin tubes really are the best at keeping air in. After many different makes, i now only fit Michelin.

Quite agree Geoff. Michelin are my "go to" brand for tubes these days after having failures on the usual budget makes held by local dealers - valves pulling out mainly.

But I generally only change tubes every 2 rear tyres if they look servicable when I get them out, or on age for front tyres.

I don't find modern tyres last so well these days with 4-4500 the best that rears seem to do. And that is on 47hp or less bikes - even the Avon rear on the 27hp Classic 500 only did 4000. The Ceat tyres on the Scram 411 / Himalayan 411 (24hp) don't look like they will get to 3000 !

Nigel B.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

I wear out rears faster on my T120r than on the Triumph Rocket 111. Strange but the Rocket tyres can last about 7000 miles and the old Triumph about 3500 miles

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

To me your short tyre life sounds awful.
I routinely get over 6000 miles per rear, with luck nearer 7000, and this is on a 175bhp 225kg bike using fairly soft but dual compound tyres.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

To me your short tyre life sounds awful.

Sounds awful to my credit card too, Will !

When I ran an R100RS/RT (70 hp) in the mid to late 80s I used Continental TK22 front / TK44 rear tyres and habitually got 6500/7000 to a rear and two rears to a front. The bike was usually loaded up for camping & hacked South on the Autobahns to play out in the Alps and I was less averse to wringing the throttle in those days than today.

Since I went "smaller" with a Breva V750 i.e I don't think I have had much over 4k from a rear, using Continental ContiGo! replacements for the OE Pirellis. The Pirellis were OK, but were obsolete when I can to do the first change. Still two rears to a front, so front life is less than I used to get as well.

The Honda NC570S DCT was the first bike I have owned that wore the front tyre out first & the OE Bridgestone (020s IIRC) was down to the limit at 4200 miles. A puncture in the rear on the way home from the service where the low front tread had been pointed out saw a pair of Sport Attack 3 radials fitted. Didn't keep the bike long enough afterwards to see how they fared long-term - after 2-2500 miles they looked fine.

The Interceptor came with Pirellis Phantom SportsComps which, despite the internet nonsense spouted about them, I found fine. The first rear did 4000 & was replaced with another. At 8000 both front & rear changed to ContiGo!s. First of these on the rear did 4000, currently on the second.

The Classic 500 came with a pair of oversized Dunlop K70s that the PO had fitted because "they filled the space under the mudguards better". They were replaced with a pair of correct size Avon Road Rider 2s. I was very suprised to find the rear shot at 4000 again. Couldn't get a replacement Avon due to supply issues caused by the closure of the UK plant, so ended up with a Dunlop of similar tread pattern.

Interestingly the Dunlop looked to have more tread than the Avon had originally & I subseqeuntly found that the Avon and Interceptor rear ContiGo!s are "universal" tyres suitable for front or rear fitment and the Dunlop was a "rear only" fitment. The "universal" tyres only have 5.5mm of tread depth while the "rear only" had over 7mm. Maybe less tread rubber depth on a tyre that may be used on the front for improved braking stability in that application ?

So it could well be a combination of modern softer rubber plus less useable tread on the "universal" tyres is the cause. Either way, I am not impressed & will be looking for an alternative for the Interceptor next time around as a pair will be required - I like the "feel" of Continental tyres, but not enough to put up with their short life any more. Annoying that they don't have the Interceptor sizes in Sport Attack 3 radial tyres, as they do seem to wear well. Mrs B has those on her V7 Classic and gets over 6k from a rear.

The Ceats on the Himalayan / Scram just seem to be very soft - saw one comment that they wore "like running a wax crayon down a brick wall", which kind of sums up our experience with them. Mrs B's Scram was visibly down before she had completed the (very sedate, very extended factory recommended) running period. My Him is looking similarly sad after 1500 similarly sedate running in miles. Fortunately Trail Attack radials are available in these sizes - more road-biased than the Ceats but I don't expect to be doing anything more challenging off road than gravel trails so they should be fine. Metzler Tourance also available in these sizes, and more cost-effective than the Contis. They felt secure on cold, wet roads when I had the Voge 525 out on demo recently.

The Ceats are cheap though, £57 loose, so undecided about just fitting replacement rears to get more out of the OE fronts or just biting the bullet and swapping out the pair for something else. On a ride-in, ride out basis for the 2 bikes I can't see much change out of £600 to change out both pairs, though.

Nigel B.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

The 023s on Laurie the Sprint have done almost 8k miles, the front is down to 2.5mm in the middle - main road riding for work & the back is just over 3mm in the middle, both were fitted as a pair, October/November 2022.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Posted by JERRY <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=JERRY' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 17, 2024, 10:32 am, in reply to "Tyre Changing Tools"

Bill why would you want to do it yourself. Most good motorcycle tyre places supply and fit for free. If you invested in this tool how often would you use it? This comes from a once Wel'ard old rocker that used to hate changing tyres.

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Tyres on the Ariel are Avon Road Riders bought at Netley years ago they had only just came out only fifteen miles on them they still full of air but the tyres have gone a glossy like they've been polished so obviously we'll past there date

Tonupdave..T.U.D.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Posted by mic the plumber <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=mic+the+plumber' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 17, 2024, 12:07 pm, in reply to "Re: Tyre Changing Tools"

There are several videos on You Tube showing how to change tubeless tyres with Zip ties and a hot air gun.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Posted by spriddler <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=spriddler' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 17, 2024, 12:22 pm, in reply to "Re: Tyre Changing Tools"

We had to change a tubeless tyre on a pal's bike in a field at a rally in Germany and although we were all old hands and had decent levers it was one heck of a struggle. Had to run a car's wheel over the tyre coming off in order the break the bead seal.
Maybe a chum with a van or trailer would take it to a tyre place?

'There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which taken at at the flood.....'

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

It's a GT with GT/Heavy Duty tyres, so I'll not be the one to try. Wheels are no longer available if damaged, either.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Jerry
I've used Wheelhouse tyres for years - the 50/60 miles run home is a good scrubbing-in ride, but they are charging £25 per wheel for ride in & stripped a pinch bolt last time as well as overtightening the spindle and both pinch bolts.
Local places only do ride in if they are servicing as well - 2 have told me that their insurance now excludes removing wheels unless during service.
I would use the tool twice in 18 months, possibly more, if I get fit enough to do some social riding.
I have BT023s on, much better than the Pirellis I had before, so I phoned Bridgestone for advice. The place they recommended 5 miles away now only order in (£30 surcharge) and fit to loose wheels. Told me to buy online & they'll fit for £43 per wheel.
It's not by choice!

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Thanks Bill explains it all.

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

It seems that everyone I meet in the bike trade is depressed and talking down their own business.
I said to one tyre place "You order them in at trade & charge me £5 each more than the internet price & fit them when you're quiet for £15 each, loose wheels."
"Can't do it" he said "my accountant says I have to charge £28 per wheel and you supply."
"Ask your accountant which is best, £30 + a minimum of £10 = £40 minimum extra in the till at a quiet time, or £56 not in the till at an even quieter time?"
The accountant gets paid for that advice! I pay to give my advice.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Posted by Lannis <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Lannis' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 17, 2024, 4:20 pm, in reply to "Re: Tyre Changing Tools"

I'll come over and be his DOGE department.

First thing to do to improve profits is to fire his accountant!

Lannis

I don't take health advice from people who think the world is overpopulated.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Every engineering company I have fixed has previously been told to close by their accountant.
About 15 years ago, I refused a contract with a Market Garden business. I put an advert in his & the next village's shop and recruited a young Mum who had moved the family out of London & quit her job in The City. Shewent on to do his books part time & even worked on the plants and trees as well.
I'd arrived at 9:15 & left at 16:30 job done, including recruitment! Went home with a boot full of plants and 2 dozen eggs.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Posted by ChazzyB <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=ChazzyB' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 17, 2024, 6:15 pm, in reply to "Re: Tyre Changing Tools"

Rock and a hard place, Bill. My local tyre place charge me between £15 and £20 to fit on a loose wheel (no balancing) depending on which way the wind is blowing. But then I have car. What happened to your old Rover 416 of whatever it was? You're a brave Gunga Din using a heavy old Sprint GT as your only wheels at any time of life let alone the average demographic of this board.

To advertise here, please call...

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

My tyre fitter does a ride in service, has multiple paddock stands + Abba skylift to remove wheels, fits & balances for free and taking all this into account his prices to supply the tyres is still competitive.
That's why I and dozens of other local riders always use him for all our bikes, cars, 4x4s trailers, tractors, trucks, ride-on lawnmowers and even wheelbarrows. We never even think about going anywhere else.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Posted by A65Bill <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=A65Bill' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 19, 2024, 4:09 pm, in reply to "Re: Tyre Changing Tools"

Sadly, too many small businesses around here listen to doom-speaking accountants rather than the customers.
If I were younger, I'd make a killing (like I've done before!)

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Posted by A65Bill <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=A65Bill' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 19, 2024, 4:14 pm, in reply to "Re: Tyre Changing Tools"

Thanks Mate! Actually, the Sprint is OK so long as I don't have to pick it up. Great ride in all conditions. Yes, very heavy!
I had a R25 that I bought new & sold with 176k on the clock - great car. It only went as SteveB found me an MG ZTT 190. Brilliant car, but garage buggered it up some time ago & I've been gradually very slowly fixing it for 4 years, as & when health &/or money permit. This summer was just too wet to do much.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Posted by Andy C <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Andy+C' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 17, 2024, 1:12 pm, in reply to "Tyre Changing Tools"

I am very lucky - I have a local independant tyre dealer nearby, been using him for years.

He will fit a loose tyre for £15 providing I get shot of the worn out one.

Another local place will only fit tyres that he buys - ride in / ride out. Good thing is that his prices are very competitive.

I can still do the tubed tyres on the KH, but will not attempt tubeless.

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Me too Andy little one man business in Chessington gets my tyres and fits and balances them. All I pay for is the tyre.

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Posted by Hants Ian <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Hants+Ian' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 17, 2024, 2:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Tyre Changing Tools"

Can you imagine only getting 4000 miles out of a set of car tyres. There would be rucktions.

The light at the end of the tunnel maybe an oncoming train

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Posted by MadMike <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=MadMike' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 17, 2024, 6:50 pm, in reply to "Re: Tyre Changing Tools"

I am about to change the fronts on my Kuge after a mere 38000 miles. They have pulled my ton and a half car around on its 4WD travels. My Triumph 400? Probably 5K or 6K miles IMHO and it only weighs about 170Kg.

Other opinions may be available but this one is always correct.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

On the 9bhp 125 Honda I get a years use out of the rear - but that's only 3-4k. But they are cheaper than ones for my pushbike!
900 Ninja - heavier & a touch more powerful

I get 5k.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

I have not bought a car tyre since about 1995 as the car does not stay long enough but some have still been on the car at 35,000 miles.
Old Triumph 650s generally wear the tyres out at 4000 miles to the point they need changing as they have a flat centre area. Never worn out a front as i change the fronts at about 9 years and very little wear.
I can understand the R111 rear wearing at 6000 miles as it has 2.3 litres of power and 750lb weight. Tyre is 240 width but the centre flats itself

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Hi mic the plumber

welcome to the pantomime

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Posted by mic the plumber <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=mic+the+plumber' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 18, 2024, 10:14 am, in reply to "Re: Tyre Changing Tools"

Thanks Geoff, I have been here for years. I have not posted very often. I used to be micW but yesterday my Login would not work. Recently our PC had a Hissy fit and deleted everything. I think it could be because we told Sky where to put their inflated bill. I came to this site because very few contributors, if any only used Anglo Saxon to communicate.

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Posted by JERRY <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=JERRY' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 18, 2024, 10:25 am, in reply to "Re: Tyre Changing Tools"

mic I had the same problem but once you have registered with a new user name you can go back in and change it back.

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: Tyre Changing Tools

Posted by 6TDen <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=6TDen' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 18, 2024, 5:49 pm, in reply to "Re: Tyre Changing Tools"

I never knew that.
Den

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