Changing your own tires

[Bob Smith]

Okay second post in 24 hours - I am in need of some new tires - The last price i was qouted was over $600 (Tires and mounting) if I take the tires to them it's $180 for both. Now not that I'm cheap but I have to eat. What does it take to mount and balence your own. Do most of you do this yourselves? If anyone know of a garage thats cheaper than $90 per tire in SE Michigan let me know.

 

Thanks

[Albert]

Yikes Bob. Did this guy have a gun and a mask?

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

Where you at? Get some mail-order tires from Southwest Moto, then bring your bike and tires over, and we'll get your new tires mounted/balanced in my garage/basement. I've got everything we need, and you might find it to be a good learning experience if you decide you want to change the next set yourself.

 

If you're interested, send me a PM and we'll work out the details.

[OoPEZoO]

Bob....that is just highway robbery. I can have both of my tires changed and back on the bike in less than an hour.

 

I got sick of the inconvenience (and cost) of having a shop do my tires so I bought the stuff to do it myself

 

1 harbor freight tire changer

1 harbor freight motorcycle tire adapter

1 Mojo Lever (paging Mitch or "CHUD" as he has been going by today)

1 Marc Parnes motorcycle balancer

 

All together you will spend less than $300 to buy the stuff to change your own tires. Its easy to do, and it paid for itself in less than a year (for me). My garage has now turned into "the place" to swap tires for all of my buddies.....and their buddies.....and their buddies. Needless to say, I think I've made about 6-8 free cases of beer since last year alone

[keithb]

"The last price i was qouted was over $600 (Tires and mounting)"

 

When you got this quote from the guy he had to be holding a .357 on you. $600? Robbery is an understatement. Follow Mitch's lead with Southwest Moto Tire and head for his house. I just did the same thing at a buddies house 2 weeks ago. Tire cost for ME880's was $286 and the mount and balance was free. He has a H.F. tire changer, Mojo Blocks, and Mojo Lever from Mitch.

 

Hey Mitch the bar and blocks worked very well. All it cost me was mixing cocktails for the two of us during the tire change procudure which I think I can handle.

 

Bob, if you did not use Mitch still buy your tires from SW Moto and then find an independent shop that will mount and balance the tires for you. Take the wheels off the bike and it should cost you no more than $25 per wheel.

[RedMac]

If you have some riding buddies that live by you, you can get together and get a changer set.

 

Three of us went together on a Nomar setup. Pricey, but *very* well implemented. The best thing I like about it is if I'm going on a long trip, but not sure if my current set will last me, I'll replace them and put them aside to use later.

 

I switched over to Pilot Road 2's for my Utah trip, but saved the old Pilot Roads as they had about 50% of the tread of them left. I'll put them back on when the PR2's wear out...

[allikanbe]

++ Price and convenience made my buy my own stuff as listed above. It takes me an hour, but I save $175 each time I change them myself.

[coopr]

+1 on the Southwest Moto. Great guys to work with. I just had a set of RoadSmarts I bought from Southwest mounted and high speed balanced at a shop in my home town - $60.00. I took off the wheels and existing tires and brought them in with my new tires.

[Aluminum_Butt]

Many folks around here change their own, and a lot of folks have specific changing equipment. I do my own, but I just use a set of tire irons and a homemade bead breaker. It's cheaper, and doesn't take up any room in the garage. I do, however, need a second set of hands for 30 seconds when I'm putting the second bead on.

 

Here's one popular writeup to give you the flavor. I don't actually use an old car rim, but the rest of the concepts and ideas are pretty true to what I do.

 

Tire Changing Article

 

Oh, and +1 for SW Moto.

[outpost22]

Gotta say that changing your own tires is the way to go IF you have the time and inclination. I must be really slow as it takes me about 1 hour per tire to dismount, mount and balance. I usually take the opportunity to inspect the outer rim, clean up the inside of the rim and bead, and check brake pads. Also using a good tire lubricant helps. I use Ru-glide (I think thats the name) from Napa, although dishsoap mixed with water works in a pinch.

 

If you're paying a shop THAT much money as you stated, I've got some cheap swampland to sell you...

[E30TECH]

I do, however, need a second set of hands for 30 seconds when I'm putting the second bead on.

 

I use a hand screw to keep the tire from walking.

 

To the OPer, I think the average price to mount and balance a tire is @ $40, so that should give you an idea of how much he is trying to take you for.

[allikanbe]

I do, however, need a second set of hands for 30 seconds when I'm putting the second bead on.

 

I use a hand screw to keep the tire from walking.

 

To the OPer, I think the average price to mount and balance a tire is @ $40, so that should give you an idea of how much he is trying to take you for.

Yes, however, my dealer charges a higher price for the tire too. So, you not only pay for the labor, but you pay a higher price for the tire. In my case, it's $175 more getting it all done at the dealer for front and rear.

[bobbybob]

Find a local Honda/Yamaha/Suzuki/Kawi dealer, and remove your wheels youself and take them in. The one close to my home charges $25/wheel; when I got a flat in mid-Pa. few weeks ago, Cernic Yama/Honda/Kawa charged $20/wheel. I think the Japanese dealers are more realistic in their labor than the high-falutin Beemie guys and welcome my business. The only drawback is most don't have the adapter to balance the rear BMW wheel. So I bought a Parc Parnes and do it myself. Kinda fun actually.

 

Or make friends with Mitch!!

[questrider]

I have to figure out this mounting and balancing my own tires too since I was quoted yesterday about $470 for tires and labor on my wife's F650. The dealer quoted me prices on Michelin Anakees that were approx. 30% higher than what is on Southwest Moto's website. When I asked why the price difference, they answered, "Shop policy. That way we're not negligible." Like the bike shop is the guarantee and not the tire manufacturer. Then they mumbled something about how "that online place is going to charge you freight and aren't going to mount them for you either." So I answered, "Well, it's free shipping if I order two or more tires, and, wow, I didn't realize the price you quoted included labor?" Huge pregnant pause on the other side of the phone before "Ah, no, there is a labor charge on mounting and balancing." And when I asked if I could bring in my own tires, their answer? "Not if you want us to mount them for you." I know anyone can run their business anyway they want, but that's just wonky to me. When I commented on "so you just mark up the tires that I have to buy through you just to make more money on me?" their response was, "That's how we make our money." Sheesh. I'm not crying that it's "not fair," I was just astounded at the audacity of "pr**kness" this guy on the phone was exhibiting like he was doing me a favor. Then he called me back today and left a voicemail saying he had ordered the tires and wanted to know when I was going to come in to have them mounted when I never once authorized him to order or schedule anything before I got off the phone.

 

Thus, I am on a mission to get enough knowledge and tire-changing tools to be dangerous and start doing this in my own garage, especially since we have two bikes. Somehow I'm remembering a tool of "mojo" that got rave reviews that someone around here fabricated themselves, but is no longer available?

[smiller]

I think that all the 'liability' excuses are pretty absurd given the number of businesses that are more than happy to mount your tires for you (maybe they could pass on the name of their insurer to the holdouts... )

 

The real reason is simply that they want to make more money, and while it took a while to get them to be up front about it there's nothing wrong with that motive, after all that's why they're in business. They are free to charge whatever they want... and their customers are free to find alternatives.

[Slyder_Steve]

I've got the HF changer and, to be honest, it's a pain. Can't wait until I get into my own house and will have the nomar/whatever changer then. In the mean time, I'll put up with the HF pain to save ~$40 per tire change and call the spousal unit for the 30 second second set of hands I need.

 

As far as the price charged for a tire and tire change; businesses are in it to make money, and I don't have any issue at all with them making a profit--can't turn the lights on without making a profit. With that stated, I can choose to take my business elsewhere.

 

I used to frequent an independent shop in Lancaster, CA. They charged 17 bucks to mount and balance my tires. At that price, it was tough to justify my own tire changer. When I got to NW Florida and found they wanted $40+ to mount/balance, it was easier to justify the expense. Not to mention the satisfaction of completing one more job on my own. My bro-in-law is happy with my purchase as well

 

Slyder

[Boffin]

The Mojo lever is made and marketed by Mitch Patrie, one of the admins. He changes his screen name more often than I change my shirt, but is currently to be found under the name of Robot Chicken.

 

Take a look at his website for info. Beware of the pictures of Mitch - they can cause mental scaring.

[allikanbe]

I just ordered two Michelin Pilot Powers 2 CT for $285 delivered. Can't beat that. Mounted the tires and saved more than $200 compared to the dealer option. The HF, balancer, torque wrench, Pit Bulls, are almost paid for. If I had the druthers (and money) I would buy a No Mar. The HF does the job, but it is a bit annoying.

[bakerzdosen]

He changes his screen name more often than I change my shirt,

You know, there's a joke that stereotypes scientists in there somewhere, but I wouldn't want to be accused of stereotyping.

 

I too have the HF stand. I got it on sale. I simply searched through a lot of the archives, bought the Wicko tire bar (Mitch was sold out at the time), Napa RuGlyde (tire mounting lubricant), and some tire irons, and away I went. Since then, I dipped the mounting brackets in PlastiDip to help them not scratch the rims, and I mounted the changer to the floor, (lessons learned the hard way) so it's easier now. But I've never paid anyone to change my tires, so that's nice.

 

Especially your first time, it does help to have an extra hand or two, and in my experience, I actually think the rear tire is more difficult than the front, but maybe it's because I always do the rear first... Regardless, it's very do-able on your own. Just expect to get dirty and be liberal with the RuGlyde.

[Ken H.]

Do most of you do this yourselves?

I don't know about "most", but quite a few of us do.

 

I have the "No-Mar" brand of changer and I like it. Pricy though.

[beemerFROG]

Beware of the pictures of Mitch - they can cause mental scaring.

 

Ah Hah! So it's not just me! Man, every time he posts something, I can't sleep for days. Disturbing....very disturbing!

[Sellis]

Last tires I purchased at the dealer cost in the mid $400 range, a little steep for me. Don't misunderstand me, I realize they have to make a profit, and I have a great dealer that I normally support, but.... Anyway, three of us went together and purchased a No-Mar, we figure we will more than pay for it in about 2 changes, with the savings on tire prices + the cost of mounting. Also we can change tires at our convenience, not at the dealers. I just put on new tires for Gillette, the tires on the bike would not make the trip, and I did not want to deal with getting tires put on at the rally, now that I'm back, I'll finish wearing out the tires I went to Gilette on, then put my old tires back on and finish them off with local riding. The only cost for this is a little of my time, which btw, I sort of enjoy.

 

Steve

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

Ah Hah! So it's not just me! Man, every time he posts something, I can't sleep for days. Disturbing....very disturbing!

 

 

The visual equivalent of coffee, innit?

 

As Andy has indicated, yes, I'm the man largely responsible for the closure of dealerships nationwide as more and more people resort to changing their own tires.

 

I've got a basement full of Mojolevers ready to ship; see my sig line for details. Once all the dealerships close for lack of tire-changing business, I will be tripling my prices, so I highly recommend you get your Mojo before that happens.

[questrider]

Thanks for the info about the mojolevers. I knew the who and the what, I just didn't know the where. (I have signatures turned off as I feel they clutter a thread.)

 

BTW, on the avatar hijack, everytime I see Mitch's avatar, I think of this album cover:

 

Of course, Mitch, you're much better looking.

[Mike05]

 

Mitch,

 

Are you still making the "MojoStand" Tire Changing Stand ? Hope so, it's a great deal!

 

Used in conjunction with the MojoLever it's a pretty darn good way to go; I find it easier to use then the Harbor Freight unit & a lot less expensive (not to mention minimal storage requirement-hangs on peg board!) then the No-Mar.

 

Admittingly, took a few times to learn how to use properly, but once I began using NAPA's RuGlide tire mounting lubricant & No-Mar's "Yellow Thing" in conjunction with the MojoStand, tire changes are less of a struggle.

 

Really do like your MojoStand.

 

[smiller]

Are you still making the "MojoStand" Tire Changing Stand ?

I think he's got a few, but when they're gone, they're gone... so we have a limited edition, sure to be worth some money someday. I think mine even has a low serial number...

 

 

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

Are you still making the "MojoStand" Tire Changing Stand ? Hope so, it's a great deal!

 

Glad you're liking yours.

 

The first batch in spring '06 proved to be difficult to make, and although they did sell, they were ultimately uneconomical for me. After that I went through a redesign to see if I could come up with something that would be worthwhile. Last year I made another batch of twenty using the new design, but unfortunately they still proved to be very difficult to make; unlike the Mojolevers, the stands have a lot more pieces, welds, and drilled holes, requiring far more labor (that's not even counting the effort I put into designing/making the drilling/welding jigs in the first place).

 

Anyway, out of that second batch of twenty I sold about ten last fall to folks on a waiting list, and the other ten have lingered until last month when I finally put a web page up for them; that page is here. The few pics I put up don't do it justice; you should check out the instruction manual to see how it gets set up and used.

 

As the page says, once these are gone, I don't plan to make more. If you've got wire-spoke wheels or giant cruiser rims this thing won't work for you - but if you've got the typical cast street bike rims, then you just can't beat the Mojostand for portability/storability.

[russell_bynum]

Mitch,

 

Are you still making the "MojoStand" Tire Changing Stand ? Hope so, it's a great deal!

 

Used in conjunction with the MojoLever it's a pretty darn good way to go; I find it easier to use then the Harbor Freight unit & a lot less expensive (not to mention minimal storage requirement-hangs on peg board!) then the No-Mar.

 

Admittingly, took a few times to learn how to use properly, but once I began using NAPA's RuGlide tire mounting lubricant & No-Mar's "Yellow Thing" in conjunction with the MojoStand, tire changes are less of a struggle.

 

Really do like your MojoStand.

 

Another Vote for the MojoStand/Mojolever. It should be even easier to use now that I've got a proper workbench so I can have it at a comfortable height instead of bolted to a piece of plywood on the floor.

 

I wish I could figure out a way to adapt it to work with my wire spoke dirtbike wheels, but it kicks ass for the street bike wheels.

 

A Harbor Freight stand with the Mojoblocks and a Mojolever would work as well (and I could use that with my dirt bike wheels), but I really hate having the tire changer take up so much space in the garage. The Mojostand stores in a very small space.