Yamaha TRX850 Enthusiasts Forum

Has anyone got any tips on changing tyres!!! or is it not worth the hassle as they might need balanced...... or would they!!

Can be done, I sometimes fit them myself but breaking the `bead` of an old tyre is sometimes a MF!
And yes, balancing a front is desirable.

Yep, my tip is dont do it.

You'll spend more on the tyre leavers and kit that you'll spend on getting 4 tyres done.

Plus they WILL need to be balanced....

Thanks..... i thought as much, i know someone who has a car tyre changer, would i have to remove the disc's !!! as i am not sure if there is a differance between car and cycle wheel changers.

no they are the same machine, you can do your own, but if your a road rider its not worth doing as long as its not expensive where you live, its a £5 a loose wheel where i go. if your doing lots of track days, where you may be changing a least a wheel if not 2, then it would be worth getting yourself set up to do it

I did mine for a while until i realised the local bike shop did a fit and balance for about £6. You are better off having a spare wheel for sticky tyre if you are having one for track days.
Its a real bugger breaking the bead and there is always risk of damaging the rim.
New rear tyres can be persuaded on without levers as long as the tyre is warm and you use plenty of soap.
then of course you need a compressor to get the tyre back on to the bead. Makes a bit of a pop (can scare the pants off the unwary).
Have fun.
Dave

You can do it at home but ....

First problem - breaking the bead. A big vice , side stand of another bike on bead etc are tried and tested

You'll then need tyre levers to get to get the buggers on and off or access to a tyre removal machine (FWIW it can be done on car machines but you risk knackering the rim)

Then you WILL need a compressor / air supply to seat the bead. I can recommend using garage air lines for this

Balancing rear wheels is a waste of time - front more of an issue. All you need for this is some weights and a long bar.

I have 3 bikes and do at least 2 tyre changes a year and I'm not convinced it is worth buying your own kit. Even if I broke even on the parts, the risk of knackering my rims doesn't compute.

So I pay someone.

Thanks guys..... think i'll stick with the shop option then, the rims are really good nic, and would not want to damage them.