Hi all Has anyone got a tyre changer, or used one? I'd be interested in your experiences. I particularly fancy this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sealey-TC965-Motorcycle-Mini-Changer/dp/B001SFMLSK/ Before you tell me just to use a dealer for tyre changing, some background. I've done all of my own spanner work, including tyre changing, for over 35 years. I have 7 bikes, including race bikes and off-road, so change a fair few tyres. Unfortunately arthritis in my hands means I'm struggling now to change them like I used to and it's getting very frustrating (and painful!). Any info about any type of tyre changer welcome. Thanks Adrian
Static balancing is very easy. You can do an excellent job quite easily with your wheel held up by the spindle and then let gravity do its stuff. It doesn't have to be done with an expensive machine.
I've got one of these - works perfectly well when changing the tubed tyres on my dual sport, but I haven't tried it on the big bikes. I can't remember how much I paid for it, but I think it was around the forty quid mark
I see I've never done it myself as find the price of loose tyres to that of supplied at fitted is close enough not to bother. The machine in your link looks good and very handy to have if you've several bikes with good revues on its page. I might give it a go myself maybe I'll manage to get the weights off and leave the paint on unlike the local tyre firm
Thanks for the reply. That looks worth considering. What's it like for actually getting tyres on and off the rim? Thats where I'm having the problems due to my knackered hands.
Can't comment on how easy it is on 'proper' bike tyres - I use regular tyre levers and a bead buddy for swapping out knobblies on spoked rims for a CRF 250 and it's pretty easy, but then I haven't got any issues with my hands. I guess you could get or make a really long tyre iron and walk it around the centre spigot using your body for leverage. Not knowing how much dexterity you've got or how much discomfort you suffer it may be ambitious to try and work road tyres onto cast rims (if that's your plan) as even dual sport tyres that aren't as stiff need a bit of 'persuasion' to get on. I'd check out Youtube - there are dozens of videos that might give you an idea of the level of effort needed for any given method.
Can't comment on how easy it is on 'proper' bike tyres - I use regular tyre levers and a bead buddy for swapping out knobblies on spoked rims for a CRF 250 and it's pretty easy, but then I haven't got any issues with my hands. I guess you could get or make a really long tyre iron and walk it around the centre spigot using your body for leverage. Not knowing how much dexterity you've got or how much discomfort you suffer it may be ambitious to try and work road tyres onto cast rims (if that's your plan) as even dual sport tyres that aren't as stiff need a bit of 'persuasion' to get on. I'd check out Youtube - there are dozens of videos that might give you an idea of the level of effort needed for any given method.
