Changing my front tyre by hand

[Jeremy Wilton]

Go to get a new tyre on the front of the Panzer tank - I use Metzelers. Last time I tried to change it traditionally using tyre levers etc I skinned my knuckles and got generally fxxcked off coz I couldn't do it. Eventually went to my German car place who do bike tyres too... BUT I would like to be able to do it by hand - is it possible with tube or tubeless tyres (don't care if one's easier than the other) on the peculiar rim of the GS? Is there a link somewhere that gives a clue? What the f is a Spanish windlass and how can that help getting the tyre on and off... I'd be interested if any of you dudes have changed a tyre by hand and if I'm missing a cheap trick...?

 

[Timolgra]

Getting it off is easy just break the bead all the way round first.

Putting it back on is easy, getting to bead to seat all the way round using a normal small pump ie. no big compressor is more difficult.

Use a ratchet strap all the way around the tyre to try and force the bead out onto the rim as you inflate it.

Spanish windlass, refers to using a piece of rope as a tourniquet to do the same.

I fit all my own tubeless tyres this way.

 

[Jeremy Wilton]

Getting it off is easy just break the bead all the way round first.

Putting it back on is easy, getting to bead to seat all the way round using a normal small pump ie. no big compressor is more difficult.

Use a ratchet strap all the way around the tyre to try and force the bead out onto the rim as you inflate it.

Spanish windlass, refers to using a piece of rope as a tourniquet to do the same.

I fit all my own tubeless tyres this way.

Must have molegrip fingers - ok I'll try the ratchet thing

 

[Timolgra]

Must have molegrip fingers - ok I'll try the ratchet thing

If you get stuck breaking the bead with tyre levers you'll get all sorts of advise using sidestands, spades etc. or even use a vice, you can also buy various bead breakers..... it may even be suggested to used lighter fluid in the tyre then setting fire to it to re seat the tyre but be realistic in how you'd do it with tools to hand.

Decent tyre levers help a lot.

This tool by Motion Pro looks good although never used one.

 

[jez]

Buzzetti tyre levers are probably the best levers for the job http://www.adventure-spec.com/default/tyre-tools-buzzetti-240mm-tyre-lever-set-of-3.html
Thee design of them makes doing the job so much easier IMHO. Well they work for me

 

[ianboydsnr]

I have done it many times, though nower days I have access to a machine,

You really need 3 levers, they don't need to be big ones though, lube the tyre bead with soap, there are many ways to break the bead, I used to use a mash hammer and blunt bolster chisel, push the tyre into the well with your knees, insert the first lever then pull it over the rim, I used cut up head and shoulder shampoo bottles to protect the rim, hold the lever down with your knee, then insert the next lever a few inches around the rim and do the same, it will be tighter, but again force the rest of the tyre into the well, that should give you room, once you get a decent amount over you will be able to pull the rest of the tyre over,

The second bead is the same, though it's more difficult to get the levers over the tyre, if you get it a bit over but you can't get any more, the hammer will work, but you will get better at doing it with experience,

Putting tyre on, Luke lube lube, the first bead may push over the rim, they are better if the tyre is warm, push the bead over by hand until you can get no more over, put your knee over one end, then lever over the other end, put your other knee near the end where your levering, small chunks at a time, if it starts to become difficult then make sure the tyre is in the well, it will eventually go over, if it's got an inner tube, you have to avoid pinching the tube doing all this,

Seating the bead, at times can seem impossible, but remember you can seat them with any air supply as long as you can put air in faster than it can escape,

I have at times used a bike inner tube, blown up just a little and stuffed in the gap between tyre and wheel, then pulled out once the tyre is pressed against the wheel well,

When it's easy it's easy, when it's hard it's bloody hard!

Look at some you tube videos, experience does make it easier!

 

[Edward]

It is most important,once having broken the bead, to have the bead of the tyre, opposite to where you are starting with the levers, right down into the well of the wheel when removing. Keep the bead down in the well when fitting the tyre and you should only require the levers for the last few inches.

 

[fayeslane]

I use one of these - https://www.torpedo7.com.au/product...pedo7-portable-tyre-changer-with-bead-breaker
Cheap & effective. They have a range of tyre levers, rim protectors etc. The stuff I have purchased has been good value for money.

 

[Kritou]

If you are changing the tyre why not cut the bead both sides with a sharp tool to make it easier to remove?

 

[Smug]

When removing the tyre start with the first lever near the valve. When refitting the tyre finish by the valve.

This allows the most space for the tyre to seat in the well of the rim.

I use an Abba tyre bead breaker to break the bead. I have a compressor and find that it is easier to get a tyre to seat if the valve core is removed when inflating.

 

[Rob Farmer]

I use one of these bead breakers

On the stop-n-go site for £31

http://www.stopngo.com/motorcycle-tire-bead-breaker/

 

[Jeremy Wilton]

Thanks for advisew

I have done it many times, though nower days I have access to a machine,

You really need 3 levers, they don't need to be big ones though, lube the tyre bead with soap, there are many ways to break the bead, I used to use a mash hammer and blunt bolster chisel, push the tyre into the well with your knees, insert the first lever then pull it over the rim, I used cut up head and shoulder shampoo bottles to protect the rim, hold the lever down with your knee, then insert the next lever a few inches around the rim and do the same, it will be tighter, but again force the rest of the tyre into the well, that should give you room, once you get a decent amount over you will be able to pull the rest of the tyre over,

The second bead is the same, though it's more difficult to get the levers over the tyre, if you get it a bit over but you can't get any more, the hammer will work, but you will get better at doing it with experience,

Putting tyre on, Luke lube lube, the first bead may push over the rim, they are better if the tyre is warm, push the bead over by hand until you can get no more over, put your knee over one end, then lever over the other end, put your other knee near the end where your levering, small chunks at a time, if it starts to become difficult then make sure the tyre is in the well, it will eventually go over, if it's got an inner tube, you have to avoid pinching the tube doing all this,

Seating the bead, at times can seem impossible, but remember you can seat them with any air supply as long as you can put air in faster than it can escape,

I have at times used a bike inner tube, blown up just a little and stuffed in the gap between tyre and wheel, then pulled out once the tyre is pressed against the wheel well,

When it's easy it's easy, when it's hard it's bloody hard!

Look at some you tube videos, experience does make it easier!

I'm taking all this advise on bored...will give it a go this weekend with the tyre leavers I've got - one long one and a couple of older shorter ones - I think I'm going too need more bigger leavers...
Only thing I've always thought - is it going to mash up the edges of the aluminium rims...we'll see... tahks for all the tips - suspect I'll still end up feeling inadequte!

 

[ianboydsnr]

I'm taking all this advise on bored...will give it a go this weekend with the tyre leavers I've got - one long one and a couple of older shorter ones - I think I'm going too need more bigger leavers...
Only thing I've always thought - is it going to mash up the edges of the aluminium rims...we'll see... tahks for all the tips - suspect I'll still end up feeling inadequte!

remember the shampoo bottles, cut up to protect the rim, milk plastic cartons also work, but don't last as long!

if it's hard, then your technique is wrong, you don't need long levers either!

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

Not applicable to yer airhead but be careful if there is a tpms sensor in there.
If rims are black, buy a good felt tip pen (black!) beforehand to at least disguise the worst slicemarks.

 

[Shunt]

Cut up some hose pipe. About 6" long then slit it down its length. That'll sit on the rim and give some protection.

Mainly go gentle. If it's hard work your doin it wrong. I've always used two 6" levers. With a 12" lever just to hold the tyre over the rim. It's easier to rest a knee on than a 6.

It's not hard work just tricky. Get the technique right an it'll go well.



The missus managed ok ;

 

[B Murr]

I like that, sitting back with the cuppa (I presume that's your cuppa on that chair) and watching the missus change the bike tyres.

 

[Timolgra]

I like that, sitting back with the cuppa (I presume that's your cuppa on that chair) and watching the missus change the bike tyres.

Isn't that how things should be?

 

[Shunt]

That was her cuppa. I had a beer in hand

 

[Wrigsby1]

My 5p...

I have been changing all my tyres by hand and also doing my own tubeless reps for years...

Get decent tyre levers... I have 2x short ones from years ago and they are far better than cheaper long ones + you don't get a smack in the head if it all goes to shite at a crucial point...

I use old plastic bottle for rim guards and use a decent amount of liquid tyre soap...

For a bead breaker I use a hydraulic car ramp and two bits of wood and the top of my garage door frame... Works every time and cost me nowt...

Taking off is usually pretty painless after you have broken the bead... Just make sure you use your knees on one side of the tyre to keep it in the centre of the rim so giving you room to work the other side... Ditto for putting back on but make sure you give the rim a good clean and lube both sides of the tyre bead to make it easier to get back on... If you do it right it should go on easily enough for the 1st side and a bit more difficult doe the 2nd...

I mostly use a foot pump to re bead but on the odd occasion it won't I take it to my work to use the air line...

My tyre equipment has cost me very little even with the repair equipment it is still inexpensive...

I fit a new valve as and when and you can usually see it it's getting old etc...

PS MARK CLEARLY the direction of the tyre for fitting and even a sneaky arrow on the rim to save you the pain of working it out every time...

 

[ahutcheon]

Obstetric lube from the local farm supply place turns out to be great for tyres too. Like KY by the litre, but cheap and antibacterial (handy if you trap a fingertip under a lever).