Tire changing isn't all fun and games.
Besides tire irons, and lube, you might need rim protectors, and a wire gadget to pull the tire valve through the hole in the rim, and a method of "breaking" the bead. And then there is the possibility of "pinching" a tube, and you need to start over. It can be very frustrating. There used to be a shop in north GA that would mount and balance a new tire, off the bike, for $15....not any more. If I could get it done for that now, I would. If you think you will be motorcycling long term, you might want to buy a tire changing machine. You can buy one on your own or go in together with some riding buddies. Some local riding groups have a tire machine for the group. Or ask around and you may find someone that has a tire machine that will mount a tire for a six pack of his favorite brew. ;) This one has has paid for itself over the years. http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...0/IMG_0894.jpg However, since I don't have a permanent place to set it up, I find that I regularly pull out the tire irons, instead. jb |
Quote:
jb |
On my dirt bikes, I've never balanced them. Didn't make much difference pounding around an MX track or hammering down a trail, especially at my skill level. It would be like me buying $10,000.00 worth of golf clubs. It wouldn't make my game better. ;-)
On the big street bikes, always......but the shop would do it. I should pick me up one of those HFT balancers. Pretty slick. |
Quote:
I think, based on what you guys have said, I will pay the shop to mount my tires, as long as he'll let me hang out and watch. I know it's something I need to know how to do, but I'd prefer to watch someone do it once before I tackle it myself. |
For the RX3 I haven't bothered with wheel balancing.
Just aligned the balance mark, like Pete mentioned. Go for a test ride, get up to 70mph, note for any unusual vibration whilst getting there. Then when at 70mph, pull the clutch & drop the throttle at the same time and let the bike coast down to about 40mph. All is good if you get no vibration. :tup: This is just what I do , so can't say if its good advice or not . :) ( my RX3 , as new came without any balancing weights attached ) |
Quote:
I use a old 14' alloy car rim with a bit of hose split & glues on the rim edge to protect the wheel.. .. |
Quote:
Metal plate you can weld some studs on or just drill & tap some holes. A 3'x3' sheet of 3/4" plywood with either Tee nuts installed or some carriage bolts driven through will also suffice. When not in use, disassemble & tuck them all away. Or if you plan ahead the same base can be used to mount a pedestal grinder, vise, or other shop thingy. Jay, cheap-ass bastage. |
The 244s have been great off-road tires for me and OK road tires. When my bike is loaded up with stuff in the boxes the bike will start to wander a bit up front when I get to the mid-60 MPH. Doesn't happen with the stock tires.
|
Quote:
By the way, is your front tire 18" or 19", and do you think it would make a difference on the wobble? |
I'm feeling the need for that cool, blue tire changer.......... It's off the ground.
|
A few things to clarify also. I did balance the Shinko's so that's not the issue. The bike has no wobble even at max speed if I don't have luggage on the rear. I think the issue occurs once the front end gets a bit light. If I slide forward on the seat and put weight over the tank it helps the wobble. I do love these tires for off-road! I have the stock 18" front wheel. I have no clue whether the 19 would help or hurt
|
I have the 19" front and cruising 65 - 70 with a load I have no wobbles at all.
|
Quote:
|
Quote:
|
Quote:
Since then, I've bolted the changer to a piece of 3/4" plywood with carriage bolts, and the changer is in NC. The problem is that I only change 3 or 4 tires per year. The changer is stored under the basement stairs, and invariably gets buried under piles of "stuff" before I need it again. :hmm: jb |
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:56 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.