Kawasaki Concours Forum

Mish mash => Open Forum => Topic started by: bbroj on February 28, 2014, 07:19:17 PM

Title: tire changer
Post by: bbroj on February 28, 2014, 07:19:17 PM
I am considering a tire changer purchase, this one
www.ebay.com/itm/2-IN-1-Automotive-Tires-Changer-Unit-Mount-Demount-w-Motorcycle-Attachment-ATV-/231109071756?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item35cf2c938c&vxp=mtr (http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-IN-1-Automotive-Tires-Changer-Unit-Mount-Demount-w-Motorcycle-Attachment-ATV-/231109071756?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item35cf2c938c&vxp=mtr)
My question is about the center hole diameter. I ride a C-10 and know my axles are no where near 1 5/8", has anyone used this changer or one like it, and will it work for my wheels? Do I need to remove the bearings every time I change a tire? TIA
Title: Re: tire changer
Post by: timsatx on February 28, 2014, 08:27:40 PM
That looks like the Harbor Freight portable tire change with the motorcycle attachment that sells for about $85.
Title: Re: tire changer
Post by: bbroj on February 28, 2014, 08:42:33 PM
That's what I seem to be discovering, any experience with it (them)? I have a HF nearby, so hopefully I can just pick it up locally if I decide to. Watching YouTube videos now, it seems pretty reasonable. I would get the ballancer as well.
Title: Re: tire changer
Post by: timsatx on March 01, 2014, 06:47:16 AM
I have one. It works nicely. Replacing the mount/dismount bar seems to be the popular upgrade.
Title: Re: tire changer
Post by: bbroj on March 01, 2014, 09:26:56 AM
I am also finding a few folks that do not use the upper portion of the MC adapter. What is the mount/dismount bar typically replaced with? That seems like about the simplest part, a long steel lever!
Title: Re: tire changer
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on March 01, 2014, 09:46:51 AM
Most users end up buying a Mojolever, for use on bike rims, its slick and works well.
Only bummer is the lever costs more than the H/F tire machine...
 Also a set of 12" spoons,
You have to make a new center rod to go thru the rim, a big piece of allthread with a piece of pvc pipe slipped over it works well.
The H.F. combo works well, and is exactly the same as the one you linked, just less money.
Do a search here for mojolever, there's a couple threads on it.
Also adding the Mojoblocks to the H/F machine prevents the clamps from ruining the rim

http://home.comcast.net/~prestondrake/mojoweb.htm (http://home.comcast.net/~prestondrake/mojoweb.htm)

http://home.comcast.net/~prestondrake/mojoblocks.htm (http://home.comcast.net/~prestondrake/mojoblocks.htm)

oh, I also purchased the H/F tire balancer, and once adjusted it works fine. You will find though it needs a slight mod, grinding the ends of the rod to a spherical shape  ( ) prevents the rod from rubbing on the side plates during the tire rotation.

you are in luck right now, all of those are on sale...
M/C machine is $39.99
The main base is $44.99
Balancer is $39.99
Wheel weights aren't on sale... $7.99 for 1/4 oz, and 4.99 for the 1/2 oz ones.... I prefer the 1/2 oz ones, and snip them to size.
I also use additional double sided foam adhesive tape to make sure they sit and stay well...
Title: Re: tire changer
Post by: B.D.F. on March 01, 2014, 03:53:59 PM
I have the HF tire changer / motorcycle adapter and wheel balancer. But unlike most, I just use it with tire irons and lever the tires on / off the wheels; I find it to be as fast or faster and actually easier than using a long lever and winding it around the wheel. Three Motion Pro long tire irons (the ones curved on one end) and some plastic from an anti- freeze container as 'protectors' and it is slicker than owl .... well, you know.

Brian

I am also finding a few folks that do not use the upper portion of the MC adapter. What is the mount/dismount bar typically replaced with? That seems like about the simplest part, a long steel lever!
Title: Re: tire changer
Post by: stevewfl on March 01, 2014, 04:09:40 PM
I have a friend does all my tires...in minutes with one of these:  http://www.nomartirechanger.com/Classic_Model_Motorcycle_Tire_changer_No_Mar_p/tc-classic.htm (http://www.nomartirechanger.com/Classic_Model_Motorcycle_Tire_changer_No_Mar_p/tc-classic.htm)
Title: Re: tire changer
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on March 01, 2014, 04:53:32 PM
how much does he charge you?

it's really no better than a "modified" H/F, takes a lot more dedicated floor space, and the mounting bar/tool is for $#!+, that's why the give extra tips....
the Mojo Lever rocks compared to the one that comes with that machine, and yes, I have mounted tires using one.... it ain't worth that much money... + shipping....

but then, if you are gonna buy a machine, hey what can I say.... you are going to your pal to get your tires changed.... 8)
Title: Re: tire changer
Post by: Stasch on March 01, 2014, 05:23:24 PM
Those rim 'blocks' on the unit shown as well as on the H/F really can't grip the rim at all.

I cobbled up some adaptors with rim spools from No Mar to resolve that.

BTW, I walked out of H/F with the tire changer AND M/C adaptor for about $65 when they had it on sale and using coupons.

It looks identical to the one in the OP's link.
Title: Re: tire changer
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 01, 2014, 07:14:33 PM
20 bucks per tire down the street...
Title: Re: tire changer
Post by: SteveJ. on March 01, 2014, 07:55:10 PM
The local shop here is $25 per, including regrease of bearings and keeping old tire, off the bike. He is $95 for a c-14, on the bike, for both, not each.

Bonus, he beats internet prices on tires.

Plus, the techs there actually know how to work on bikes, not a safe assumption anymore.
Title: Re: tire changer
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 02, 2014, 07:55:44 AM
One in a million.  Good for you that you found a dealer worth keeping.
Title: Re: tire changer
Post by: Cholla on March 03, 2014, 12:02:12 PM
The NoMar folks are a few miles down the road. I can take my wheels to them.
Title: Re: tire changer
Post by: Strawboss on March 05, 2014, 03:18:28 PM
I have the HF changer too and the mojo lever, plus, mojo sells a delrin clamp kit that bolts to the HF jaws, much better at holding the rim and no scratches at all. Takes all of 5 minutes to mount them, you don't need a drill press but boy it sure helps.
Title: Re: tire changer
Post by: gPink on March 05, 2014, 03:52:51 PM
I have the HF changer too and the mojo lever, plus, mojo sells a delrin clamp kit that bolts to the HF jaws, much better at holding the rim and no scratches at all. Takes all of 5 minutes to mount them, you don't need a drill press but boy it sure helps.
Boss, I've got to see the video of mounting tires with a drill press.
Title: Re: tire changer
Post by: billhook on March 05, 2014, 06:04:04 PM
I have the HF changer too and the mojo lever, plus, mojo sells a delrin clamp kit that bolts to the HF jaws, much better at holding the rim and no scratches at all. Takes all of 5 minutes to mount them, you don't need a drill press but boy it sure helps.

You forgot to tell them about the official COG tire changing helmet.  Remember, ATGATT isn't just for riding.
Title: Re: tire changer
Post by: Strawboss on March 05, 2014, 06:16:22 PM
The Stahlhelm is needed for tire changing in Ohio. I find it quite useful. ;D

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036HJGMW/ref=asc_df_B0036HJGMW3023923?smid=A3I3BE71TORY04&tag=pgmp-45-97-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395109&creativeASIN=B0036HJGMW (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036HJGMW/ref=asc_df_B0036HJGMW3023923?smid=A3I3BE71TORY04&tag=pgmp-45-97-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395109&creativeASIN=B0036HJGMW)
Title: Re: tire changer
Post by: stevewfl on March 05, 2014, 09:53:30 PM
No-Mar ftw  ;D
Title: Re: tire changer
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on March 07, 2014, 11:04:59 AM
The Stahlhelm is needed for tire changing in Ohio. I find it quite useful. ;D

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036HJGMW/ref=asc_df_B0036HJGMW3023923?smid=A3I3BE71TORY04&tag=pgmp-45-97-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395109&creativeASIN=B0036HJGMW (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036HJGMW/ref=asc_df_B0036HJGMW3023923?smid=A3I3BE71TORY04&tag=pgmp-45-97-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395109&creativeASIN=B0036HJGMW)

HEHEHEH
DON'T FORGET THE MOUTHGUARD....

PROTECT THOSE TEETH!!!!

I have a vintage Jofa, but no helmet it will fit now...
(http://www.martytripesvintage.com/sitebuilder/images/Steve_Mc_Queen_563-760x513.jpg)
Title: Re: tire changer
Post by: B.D.F. on March 07, 2014, 11:57:12 AM
Yeah, me too. Bet he uses the lowest speed and a LOT of lube....

 :rotflmao:

Brian

Boss, I've got to see the video of mounting tires with a drill press.