Rabaconda Street Bike Tire Changer Review

[MotoNews]

Published in: Gear

Tire changers have not evolved much over the last 50 years. Much brainpower has been spent trying to simplify this regular maintenance chore, but most manual tire-changing solutions were too massive to carry around.

When Rabaconda came out with the new Street Bike Tire Changer (SBTC), we knew it was something to check out. Unlike most portable changers, it has a ratcheting system that spins the mounting and demounting duck heads around the rim. Using a traditional tire changing stand, you’d often have to move your body around the wheel while levering a mounting bar around a center post. Unless the stand was firmly mounted to the ground, the force needed to get tires on and off the rims would often make the whole assembly move and required an extra set of helping hands.

The coaxial rotating ratcheting system effectively solves this problem and makes tire swapping with the SBTC a one-person job. It takes some practice to use the system effectively, but the kit comes with a fully illustrated instruction manual, which we will keep handy in the storage bag. If more explanation is needed, you can check out Rabaconda’s step-by-step YouTube videos on how to use the SBTC.

The SBTC works with both cast and spoked rims. However, it’s not designed to remove tires that use bib mousse inserts commonly found on enduro bikes. The SBTC should cover a vast range of dual-sports, including single-sided swing arms found on the bigger BMW GS motorcycles. Rabaconda developed a trick adapter that fits both 72mm and 62mm threads found on BMW rims. After attaching the adapter, just slide the wheel over the center post and follow the standard instructions. They also produce a similar adapter for Ducati bikes.

While using the SBTC is relatively easy, there are a few tips for making your first time using it as painless as possible. This is especially true if this is your first tire changer. First, take your time; don’t be afraid to pick up the instruction manual. Some assembly is required. Be sure to do this according to the instructions. When actually changing the tires, take a few minutes to get a sense of how the duck head works before using tire irons to help position the bead for removal or installation.

Second, be sure to use lots of lube. The bright green multi-use lever is long enough to work, but the narrow aspect of the handle pushes straight into your palm. If you have a stubborn tire or didn’t use enough lube, it can put a fair amount of pressure on your hands. An accessory that would help make the handle round or flatter at the end to reduce the strain would be great. Your motorcycle gloves will help with this, but again, ensuring the tire is lubricated and warm is very important.

Lastly, you may need to stand on one of the feet to keep the unit from moving around. The SBTC sits on the floor with three contact points, so it’s stable in that sense, but it can still shift a bit when applying force to the ratcheting system. To help with this, a trailer hitch adapter is sold separately. It’s smaller than the two-inch receivers found on most trucks, so it will need a reducer sleeve or adapter to work properly on most receivers.

Although various kits are available, the basic setup costs about $590, and a starter kit (with some lube and useful tools) about $625. Bike-specific adapters are extra and may add another $25 to $45 to the cost. Whichever setup you require, Rabaconda’s Street Bike Tire Changer makes this sweaty, knuckle-busting task a solo job. Undoubtedly, having one of these in the back of your vehicle may come in handy at rallies, races, or roadside emergencies. This has to be one of the most versatile and portable solutions on the market, which can help not only in the garage but in the field too.

Rabaconda.com

MSRP: $589

PROS:

• An innovative design that works on 12- to 21-inch wheels
• Portable and versatile
• Lots of available adapters for different wheel types
• Optional towing hitch mount

CONS:

• Oval shaped bar can be hard on hands for tough installs
• Not bib mouse or rim lock compatible

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[Mellow]

I've been using this for around 8 tire changes so far, me and friends.

 

Really nice portable setup that doesn't take up a lot of space and once you get the technique down it's less effort than the no-mar I have been using for many years.

 

 

[Skywagon]

I watched the video....pretty nice machine.

[Rougarou]

26 minutes ago, Skywagon said:

I watched the video....pretty nice machine.

 

Saw that thing last year at some point,.....the price tag on Amazon is in the $600ish,......, so at 20 or so tire changes, you have your ROI.