Change your own tyres?

[Beemerman59]

I have done this on my old bike - changed and balanced the wheels after buying a bead breaker and balancer. However, my 1200GSA has wire wheels and a tyre pressure monitor so what things should I watch out for the first time I change tyres?

I know the pressure monitor is up by the valve and needs to be avoided and I assume the wire spokes can't take as much side pressure when breaking the bead. Anything else?

 

[Magwych]

That's about it ...

Take care with the rims, if you have "standard" rim protectors they tend to slide off the extra wide rims of the GSA wheels...

 

[Beemerman59]

That's about it ...

Take care with the rims, if you have "standard" rim protectors they tend to slide off the extra wide rims of the GSA wheels...

Ahh - good point as I do only have the standard issue. I must have some suitable plastic around the place I can use - will see when I get the tyre off.

 

[Magwych]

Another thought ...
There is a thread somewhere on here by someone who tried removing the tyre pressure module to replace the seals. They found out that the seals are not available separately If you want to replace any valve components, then just do the core. Personally, I don't bother. I've replaced 5 tyres myself on my GSA and not had a problem yet.

Seating the bead does not seem to be an issue either, I usually slather the beads with tyre lube, lob it in the boot of the car and take to my local garage air-line. Fortunately, it is one of the older type, where we are trusted to work out how it works for ourselves, so gives a good supply of air. I cannot imagine a supermarket pump, the kind that delivers the air a short pulse at a time, would be up to inflating a tyre and seating a bead before I got really bored and frustrated. God knows how much it would cost at 20p for a couple of minutes of asthmatic wheezing!

 

[Beemerman59]

Thanks for the input. I use a cheap compressor bought for a fiver to inflate running it off the accessory socket. Works just fine so will try it on these to. Did surprise me first time.

 

[Dave Ford]

From where did you get your bead breaker and balancer? And, if you don't mind me asking, how much? And do they work?

 

[Beemerman59]

From where did you get your bead breaker and balancer? And, if you don't mind me asking, how much? And do they work?

I really can't remember now - they both came off the internet. The beadbreaker and balancer were about 60 pounds each and I spent another 30 odd on levers, rim protectors, tyre paste etc. The latter were from Abba Stands who also do bead breakers and balancers so have a look at their site to start with. I also had to buy the adapter for the balancer which allows a rear wheel from a shaft drive to be fitted - not sure yet if this will fit on the GSA wheel.

And yes they work once you have learnt the technique.