DIY motorcycle tire changer

[CrazyCarl]

You can use a dowel rod and saw-horses (or a bench) for balancing. Assuming your bearings are still good, put the dowel rod through the axle hole in the wheel and place both ends of the rod on the saw-horses. Spin the wheel lightly, and mark the very top of the wheel where it stops. Since the heavy part will settle on the bottom, add weight to the top. Keep doing this until the wheel is balanced.

This method freaks out a lot of people but I know it work just fine. Had tires balanced by this method up past 120MPH and no problems.

CC

[davidqc]

You can use a dowel rod and saw-horses (or a bench) for balancing. Assuming your bearings are still good, put the dowel rod through the axle hole in the wheel and place both ends of the rod on the saw-horses. Spin the wheel lightly, and mark the very top of the wheel where it stops. Since the heavy part will settle on the bottom, add weight to the top. Keep doing this until the wheel is balanced.

That takes care of the 'static' balance, but not the 'dynamic' balance (wheel turned at hig revs).

Had tires balanced by this method up past 120MPH and no problems.

However, given CC has had no probs over 120mph, say no more!!

[davidqc]

Thanks Chinav..more great info

Ditto!

[Sprocket]

I used to change Land-Rover tyres with a Jackall highlift ratchet jack and tyre irons, just jamb the tyre between the jack ratchet and top clamp, and jack it, there easily breaking the bead. For motorcycle tyres, I am thinking something like a G clamp to break the bead, or just jump up and down on it or stamp the heel in. Don't get me wrong, I like tools, in fact I am a tool fiend, but if it won't fit in my tool box, I can't have it as I have not the space to store it, whatever I do, I have to find a way that does not involve something that if left outside, I won't be too bothered if it gets stolen. The bike will be imobilised and I have an alarm system with tilt sensor and hack protection. Currently thinking of making a tripod lifting arrangement so I can lift the bike up for the removal of wheels to change bearings, three stout wooden poles will do with a sheer lashing to make a tripod and the bike frame suspended from the apex, hmm, come to think of it, I have three Mirror dinghy mast rigs here, ideal, sorted.

[barnone]

sprocket,
Yes,
I'm also trying not to be a tool junkie. Most of my bikes have center stands and I have one of those hydraulic bike jacks that is always in the way. I need to get rid of it.
Tire irons and a c-clamp (if needed) work for me.
I don't balance my tires (except for my 500cc Honda Ascot ) and they seem to be just fine.

[davidqc]

I was Googling for pics of tyre skid marks left on the road, as you do when it's an eternal grey sky, 4deg C and tipping it down interspersed by sheet drizzle.

For unexplicable reasons one of the pics was a Wicko tyre changer. It's too large a file to load so here's the URL:
http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?im...D1&um=1&itbs=1

Only US$399. Don't all rush at once.