Oxford MS Tire change help or mechanic?

[Jay_Dub]

New rider here. I have a set of tires for my bike. Having never changed tires on my bike, I was hoping to either find someone to help me and show me the ropes, or someone to suggest a local mechanic who can do it well.

Anyone got anything?

Thanks!

[Anticyclone]

Originally Posted by Jay_Dub

New rider here. I have a set of tires for my bike. Having never changed tires on my bike, I was hoping to either find someone to help me and show me the ropes, or someone to suggest a local mechanic who can do it well.

Anyone got anything?

Thanks!

Start here: Neduro's Tire Changing Class

He explains everything as well as possible. What kind of bike? Do you care about scratching the rims?

[Jay_Dub]

Originally Posted by Anticyclone

Start here: Neduro's Tire Changing Class

He explains everything as well as possible. What kind of bike? Do you care about scratching the rims?

I had already read the tire changing class link. While very well written, since this is a true "rubber meets the road" thing, at the least, I want someone around when I do it to say if I'm fubaring it.

Bike is a 2007 f650gs. I don't want to just destroy the rims, no, but if they get a little scratched it won't be the end of the world. Bike is for enjoying not babying.

Thanks for the reply!

[Anticyclone]

Ok, you're in luck with the rims. Unpainted aluminum wire rims are nice because scratches won't really show. Also, the tire size on that bike should make for a pretty easy change. Wide rear street tires are a pain in the ass when you're just using tire irons, I don't care what anyone says.

If I was closer I'd come supervise, but my weekends are pretty full until sometime in January.

[Jay_Dub]

Originally Posted by Anticyclone

Ok, you're in luck with the rims. Unpainted aluminum wire rims are nice because scratches won't really show. Also, the tire size on that bike should make for a pretty easy change. Wide rear street tires are a pain in the ass when you're just using tire irons, I don't care what anyone says.

If I was closer I'd come supervise, but my weekends are pretty full until sometime in January.

I am actually off all this month, and my bike is mainly a commuter, so it could be that this doesn't get done til then anyway. But I have a garage. :)

Thanks!

[Switchblade315]

Originally Posted by Anticyclone

Ok, you're in luck with the rims. Unpainted aluminum wire rims are nice because scratches won't really show. Also, the tire size on that bike should make for a pretty easy change. Wide rear street tires are a pain in the ass when you're just using tire irons, I don't care what anyone says.

If I was closer I'd come supervise, but my weekends are pretty full until sometime in January.

took me less then 10 minuets to do the rear on the FZ. it's a big fat street tire. but I got tire lube. only thing i don't have a good stand to balance a tire.

[Anticyclone]

Originally Posted by Switchblade315

took me less then 10 minuets to do the rear on the FZ. it's a big fat street tire. but I got tire lube. only thing i don't have a good stand to balance a tire.

I swore a few times at the Tiger rear tire, then I swore I'd never do it again. It was a 180/55 on a 5.5 inch wide wheel. The real problem is those wheels don't have much of a drop center or dish or whatever. They were damn near flat across.

[Switchblade315]

the FZ is real close to that. but I have tools from when i ran that Baja compound IRC tire on my XR400R. it took 3 people and two, 2 foot long tire tools and 2 normal ones to mount that thing.

honestly the tire lube makes a big difference. next time you are down this way swing by and get some,

[Jay_Dub]

Balancing is the thing for me. I believe I could physically get the new tire on there, but I have no idea how to balance a tire, or the equipment to do so. So while I hate to just throw money at the problem, I'm willing to pay someone to do it - so anyone know a reputable guy in Oxford?

Thanks!

[_cy_]

watch this to quickly learn how to balance your tires. same principle works with a home made $10 balancer made out of a 1/2in shaft and two bearings.



watch this video even if you are using tire levers... teaches critical techniques used no matter how tire is changed.

[Jay_Dub]

Originally Posted by _cy_

watch this to quickly learn how to balance your tires. same principle works with a home made $10 balancer made out of a 1/2in shaft and two bearings.

So what you're saying is that I have no excuses, huh. :)

Thank you, by the way!

[_cy_]

harbor freight $40


here's what I'm using ... a No Mar Monster Balancer, which works no better than home made balancer. just a bit easier to use with all the extra cones.

[Jay_Dub]

Where do you get the balance weights?

[Anticyclone]

Originally Posted by Jay_Dub

Where do you get the balance weights?

I used to know a guy at a tire shop and got some from him from time to time for free. Of course the shop closed...

I use these now: http://www.amazon.com/Motion-Pro-08-...o+tire+weights

NAPA might have them too.

[stinkfinger]

Im 30-40mi north of ya by independence ms.
If you wanna ride up here, I'll go thru it with ya.

Tony