changing my own tire, glutton for punishment - Ducati.ms

dfhmotor · Jun 29th, 2009, 10:17 pm

Well I seem to be eating up my rear tire and do not see it lasting very far past 1800 miles and i was debating changing my own tires. I have done it before when I had a summer job in a bike shop, but now have no access to the changers.

Does anyone have any experience with this http://www.marcparnes.com/Ducati_Mot...l_Balancer.htm

or this http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=42927

The other thought is that I could have the dealer do it, but also just picked up Matthew Crawford's book and am feeling the itch.

Would you do it? The cost of the tools could be recouped in three tires i figure. No labor costs and cheaper internet tire deals.

esca_rosso · Jun 29th, 2009, 10:29 pm

[QUOTE=dfhmotor;641610]
Does anyone have any experience with this http://www.marcparnes.com/Ducati_Mot...l_Balancer.htm

or this http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=42927

Would you do it? The cost of the tools could be recouped in three tires i figure. QUOTE]

I have limited experience with the Harbor Freight changer. Getting the old tire off was simple, getting the new tire on the rim was quite challenging. However, we had no prior experience, so it could be simpler given knowledge of proper technique and tricks of the trade.

I would weigh it based on how much I make given the same time it takes me to change the tire. If you make $60 per hour, and it takes you an hour for the process, but only costs $23 at the shop, I would send it to the shop and work (or watch motobike racing) instead.

kingsnake1650 · Jun 29th, 2009, 10:42 pm

I have a coats 220 but have used the HF changer before. Its not the best but will get the job done. I would suggest leaving the new tires out in the sun or something to get then as warm as possible before putting on. It will make it alot easier
also the Balancer you are looking at is ok.. just make sure its level. I use this one...works perfect
http://www.handyindustries.com/shop/...uct=158&D=0&S=

also I like this changer alot... if you are going to be doing this from now on it might be a good investment. I know my coats has more than paided for its self prolly 3 times over already
http://www.nomartirechanger.com/product/show/1

mooner · Jun 29th, 2009, 10:44 pm

I have Marc's wheel balancer and found it works great and he gives great customer service. Loss one of the wheel cone and he sent one out for free. I tried the harbor freight tire changer, didn't like it, gave it away. I now have the No Mar changer. http://www.nomartirechanger.com/
Came in handy when I had a Supermoto race bike and was always changing tires, once or twice a month or more. No problem mounting tires on my carbon wheels.

froggert · Jun 30th, 2009, 8:48 am

i have the balancer from marc parnes and it works really well. if you're going to get the harbor freight tire changer, either get the mojo blocks or find some other way of coating the part that contacts the rim so it doesn't scratch. use a mojo or nomar bar, too.

motoxer311 · Jun 30th, 2009, 10:00 am

Best bet is to have someone do your tires that has a hydralic machine... I have the manual changer but will not go near these rims with that machine....

dukepilot · Jun 30th, 2009, 10:06 am

+1 on the NoMar setup. I like the trailer hitch attachment.

I get by with a manual bead breaker, steel barrel and a couple of tire irons with pieces of plastic cut from clear plastic bottles to protect the wheels - no scratches. For balancing, I use dynabeads. They keep your wheels in balance as the tire wears and they are reusable.

dragoontwo · Jun 30th, 2009, 3:11 pm

+1 on dyna beads! they work awesome.

Dukepilot, what bead breaker do you use? Breaking the bead on the rear was a bitch!

Largerthan9 · Jun 30th, 2009, 3:22 pm

I made a bead breaker like this one works great! installing tires on modern rims is a piece of cake.

Suigeneris · Jun 30th, 2009, 3:55 pm

Do Not Buy the harbor freight tire changer! I did and it takes up space in the garage. Used it a couple times. Not bad on dirtbike rims but, I would not use their set up and breaker bar on our beautiful forged rims. I tried it on my SM marchesini's and thought I was going to bust them in half. Either go full bore and get a powered unit or come over and take mine for free. Seriously, thats how strongly I feel about that hunk o' junk. Its a whole lot easier to do it on the floor with tire irons!