DOC HARLEY: TIRE CHANGING MISTAKES

[@stlchuckhd]

Wow! A lot to consider when replacing the rear tire! Thanks 👍

[@lawnboyfromhell]

Also make sure you clean the bead seat on the rim, I have seen so many tires that have slow leaks because when they get them changed (at shops) they take the old tire off, put the new tire on and out the door, very common, at least in my neck of the woods.

[@BrewCityRider]

Great points Doc. Glad you touched on wheel alignment. The Clymer service manual for Harley touring bikes calls for checking wheel alignment as part of its wheel installation procedure, but then never says how to do it - of course, because there isn't a separate procedure for that. With the cam system, once you get your belt deflection correct, your wheel is already aligned.

[@Chance-ry1hq]

Pretty funny, enough info to scare you into taking it into the Harley dealership and paying their astronomical prices, but not enough info to actually do it yourself. If you are not comfortable changing your own tires, find yourself a small mom and pop shop to do it. They will charge you 1/4 the price of a Harley dealership, and probably do a better job.

[@JamesMorton-hf3xb]

The chrome cover on the black primary looks RIDICULOUS.😄👌

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Maybe to you, could be the start to someone’s vision…..Doc

[@robertconville6269]

Never even thought about doing a tire change! To me that is a job for the Harley Techs to do!

[@joebang1153]

Thanks for letting know I’m right to take mine to the dealer for service

[@bykrydr1380]

Good stuff Doc. Thank you.

[@harley62t]

AND don't forget to pump the brakes back up after re-installing the caliper or you may find you have no brakes on the first application of the brakes.

[@jalster2]

But not before reinstallation!

[@armandogonzales9304]

I had a couple of friends who were working on their bike and one forgot to pump the brake levers. He took off down the street and crashed into the neighborhood park!😆

[@silinusvers]

@@armandogonzales9304 I almost did this, thankfully I didn't take off so hard so I was able to stop it

[@atcjoe1600]

Great advice. I always tell my kids and other people that a mistake fixing a car, no big deal, but on a motorcycle it might put you in the hospital.

[@jayhockley8841]

If you make a mistake on fixing a car , you can definitely end up in the hospital or putting someone else there . A Brake job , suspension repair , fuel line repair , etc done wrong on ANYTHING , is going to probably turn out bad .

[@markwhitney9175]

Doc…when balancing, do you like weights or balancing beads? Love your videos

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Weights. Changing a tire with beads or fix a flat is messy…..Doc

[@markwhitney9175]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidsonnow that makes sense. Thank you

[@snowpirate1619]

(2617) Always check the date on "new" tyres

[@overspray6057]

I sent for tires about 10 years back for my Honda 750. I can't remember exactly but one was something like 8 years old.

[@anthonygm85]

Lots of good tips I'm working on a 200 softail that needed a belt. Finaly got the tire back, I lol keep all this in mind since we have little service information and the bike has been heavily worked before I got to it

[@randylarson751]

Sometimes I don’t put balance dot on valve stem to lower the weight needed to balance. If it more than 2 ounces we rotate the tire at the shop I work at to see if possible to put less weight on. Takes longer but on nice custom wheel. I don’t like seeing a pile of weights on it

[@josephcivita1450]

Check the balance on the empty rim with the tire valve installed. Mark the heavy spot on the rim. Mount the tire with the dot lined up with the mark on the rim. You'll use less weights to balance it.

[@0neTwo3]

@@josephcivita1450 that’s so genius! Best tire balancing suggestion I’ve heard!

[@MeanOldBastardBikerBob]

@@josephcivita1450 red dot heaviest part of the tire opposite valve sterm ..yellow dot at vave stem,,. ill install mine as per your balancing tip..thx

[@alanwhiteside410]

I put new tires on my 2016 Ultra Limited. I pulled the wheels and had my friend remove the tires from the rims and mount and balance them then he informed me that the front wheel had a bad bearing at only 10,000 miles I was shocked so I went to the dealer and bought new bearing this bike has anti skid brake system which require certain bearings. All good for now. I like doing some of the work myself.

[@williamdejeffrio9701]

Translation: "it's too scary...don't try it... bring it the the Dealership so we can charge you six prices"

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

William will you be Close Captioning my videos with your humorous view point?…..Doc

[@CNSTAdventures]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson😂😂😂

[@raylouis]

Thank you Now I know, Just Bring it to the Dealer for Tires and Tubes and Rim Liner. It might cost a little more, but is done Right.

[@recub13]

Enjoy the videos doc and Ive been to LC HD many times. Great dealer.

[@Fireguy97]

Great information. You touched on the direction arrow, and you told us of mistakes, but you didn't tell them what direction the arrow goes.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Good point. Arrow points in the direction of rotation….Doc

[@royogden2536]

Brother Doc, I have a 2012 softail heritage classic and the back tire is closer to the fender on the right side than it is on the left, is this right or is my bike riding sideways going down the road. Now I always have the professionals at Taboo Harley Davidson change my tires, and I know what you are thinking "10 years and he just noticed this"? Yes they other day lol. Thank you for any feedback 👍😎👍

[@ronj2110]

Doc Holly I like all your videos Thank you for all your help

[@russl4294]

this makes a good review before changing the tire. thanks

[@nickhildabridle1612]

Great video. Love these tips videos. Maybe one on front fork service on a sportster or road king?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for the suggestion, the front fork service takes a lot of specialty tools. Your service manual covers procedures and some of the tools you will need. Depending on your local dealership's pricing, it may be less to have the work done there and will definitely save time.

[@Streetglide2021]

Thank you!

[@ianosborne188]

Excellent thanks Doc

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Most welcome…Doc

[@chrismartin6544]

Hey Mike good to see you love the Doc Harley videos 👍👍👍👍

[@TheGatorking]

Changed my tires on my 2022 street glide special & never had to remove the brake calipers from the bike

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

You’re a Magician…..Doc

[@61espo]

Thanks Doc! I’m always learning from your videos!

[@stuckinnj9554]

Hey Doc, just subscribed and enjoying the videos. What’s your opinion on using nickel anti-seize on the axle shafts to reduce bearings ‘sticking’ to the shaft? I’m replacing my valve stem with 90 degree. Tried of finger cuts just before a ride due to tire pressure Ck. Any opinion on use affecting tire balance? BTW - ‘16 RGU

[@marksanchez6866]

First, I'd like to say thanks for being here. I'm about to change my rear tire on an 06 road king classic, and am wondering if I can use an Mu90b16 in place of the MU85 that is on the bike now.? thanks in advance.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

You are going to have clearance issues under the fender and possible brake mount....Doc

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

Hey Doc, what is your opinion of ride quality with the low profile tires vs the standard dunlops used on a road king?

[@falconator3419]

Love this guy. Always full of useful information.

[@autoemmissions3904]

Are the stick on weights on a spoke rim supposed to stay on for the life of the tire? The ones the dealer put on flung off after 4k miles. Now I’m paying to have them balanced again.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I am not a fan of this direction at dealerships. Stick on weights are supposed to be cheaper and be universal. The area where applied must be very clean and dry for longevity. For My Slim, I use spoke weights....It's classic and old school....Doc

[@davevance5685]

Doc my 2017 FXDLhas machined lines in front and rear wheel spacers.I have heard that lines are to face away from rim, to the outside? Is that true?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

You will find them from the factory with lines near the forks. The design was a carryover from EVO days. For TC &M8 they can be either way…..Doc

[@eb1941]

Great points to make to riders! Is there a useful life in years for motorcycle tires? I do not ride much so my tire tread is not the issue for tire life.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

At Low Country, we go by a six year life for tires. There are four digits you can find on the tire wall- first two numbers are the week in the year it was produced, second two are the year.

[@scottrobinson2286]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Thanks for that response to that question,cuz I bought a 2016 Harley Dyna LR from HD dealership,even with only 1700 miles on it,I asked to go ahead and put new tires on it the tires being 7 years old.$995 .I'm going to ask if they put new intertubes also.

[@rudpp1]

Hey Doc, what’s the proper torque for the rear axle nut on a 2012 Road King Classic? Thanks in advance!!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

It is an adventure to find. First to page2-3 under axle preliminary 15-20ft/lb….adjust belt…instructions on 1-33 where you will find the final torque spec……Doc( you are using a Factory Service Manual right? 95-105)

[@rudpp1]

Thank you Doc !!! You are awesome 👏!

[@robertbrewer2179]

Thanks Doc.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for tuning in Robert….Doc

[@edg6142]

I have removed and replaced a lot of Harley wheels, but I have Never had to "remove" the brake caliper from the motorcycle. I hope he means remove the caliper from it's mounting location, and slide it out of the way of the rotor.

[@tc223]

another good tip. i was hoping you would have talked about the orientation of the ABS sensor and what happens if you put it in backward (dont ask me how i know this) lol Keep up the good work!

[@travisgray3331]

I know its been out a while...ending made me laugh...I'll see you soon at LCHD:)

[@EddyNelson-we1sp]

What. kind of tire is that I like the look

[@a.b1266]

Got my bike back from the shop once with the tire installed backwards.... Less than awe-inspiring.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Everyone makes mistakes. I am glad you brought it to their attention. Thank-you....Doc

[@martinwall7297]

well tk-u very much

[@rudeawakening3833]

Great content - AS ALWAYS ! And thank you sir . I am old , and have had 4 “ procedures “ since purchasing my 2018 FXLR Low Rider . It has less than 4 thousand miles on it ; and I am concerned about the “ age “ of these new tires . I get all three oils changed annually with the Synthetic 3 , in the spring . I was thinking about having these ( almost ) 5 year old tires replaced for safety sake . PLEASE comment , if you don’t mind sir . Thanks in advance .

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Tire manufacture recommend replacement at 6 years. You have a choice. depending on how often you ride and condition of side walls and tread depth. Purchase when you are able....Doc

[@rudeawakening3833]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Once again , thanks for the response . These 3,950 mile tires are , as you probably come across being there on the shop floor a lot , “ new “ in tread depth and my FXLR garage kept - look showroom condition . I am “ older “ and have learned not long ago , that age , hot 100 degree temperature garage , dries up tires , and somewhat “ hardens “ the softness that these beautiful Michelin tires had from the Motor Company installed in 2018 . I’m sure I’m looking at $1,000.00 for replacement ; however my life is worth that , and not to mention the peace of mind when this old man who occasionally leans hard in a curve and wants confidence that the tires GRIP that blacktop and allow me a safe arrival back home … Great delivery ! ( I wish I could work alongside you at that shop ! ) You are , and have been living my dream career that I always wanted since 1978 .

[@scottwilloughby3840]

Thanks doc as always great to see you great info be safe peace brother

[@josephcivita1450]

Check the balance on the empty rim with the tire valve installed. Mark the heavy spot on the rim. Mount the tire with the dot lined up with the mark on the rim. You'll use less weights to balance it. Also, split up the weights. In other words if you need 4 weights put 2 on the left side and 2 on the right side so you don't have this long strip of weights on one side.

[@Cheaps928]

Whats wrong with having a long strip of weights on one side?

[@josephcivita1450]

I looks neater.

[@dfhowes]

Dynabeads. No weight strips at all.

[@dawidos117]

@@dfhowes or Ride-On? I still don’t know which is better for balancing. I’m going to use either one to get rid of weights and have always properly balanced wheels.

[@glennharley945]

I had to stop watching. Figured I would not be able to sleep as just had both tires changed on a 2022 Ultra and as I picked up the bike here in Daytona the left muffler was dangling and not even attached (can't even imagine what else is incorrect). Frustrating I can't even trust a HD dealership to do things correctly. Wish I was closer to your shop :)

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

This upsets me. Hear me out. It was possibly a young tech trying to make time. It is a pain for you to return, but if this tech is not accountable he/she will continue to do shotty work. If today’s rider wants better techs we need to press the management and techs to BE better. Even to the point to ask to talk with the tech that did this to you. Explain this is a trust not just a job….Doc

[@glennharley945]

Thanks Doc, I had them turn the bike back into the shop. the service manager heard me so got involved. 30 minutes later service manager said they talked to the tech and went back over the bike to make sure things were okay and attached the muffler for me. The shop is run like a car dealership so you never get to meet a tech or see the name, just a number. From this point on I will not be servicing the bike in Daytona (even though free oil change for life) as I have trust issues (some other past minor issues) but will go back to my small family owned dealership where I can ask for the tech I want (already dropped by and asked about this). Take care!@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

[@victorviveros3745]

Good video,, can a vulcanized /repaired rear tire cause wobble

[@cgmc2693]

Where does one go and get certified to changed a motorcycle tire using a an MC tire changer?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Cesar no certification needed just a lot of practice. I learned at MMI on a few but they have been replaced by newer manufacturers. Thanks ~ Doc

[@cgmc2693]

Low Country Harley-Davidson ......thank u sir

[@chrisphilhower6029]

I changed the front pads on my 2018 XL1200C. PIA fighting with that Spring Retainer in the caliper. Kept moving. At one point it hooked my finger. And got stuck. And worried about Kinking the plastic lines.

[@DogDaze66]

How long does it take on a deuce with bags?

[@overspray6057]

Doc, what should the installation charge for new tires, that I'm buying from the dealer, be on a 2004 Dyna? Thanks. Oh and do dealerships try to pawn off old dated tires on an unsuspecting customer?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I cannot supply information on cost of tires and labor for tires. No, dealerships do not pawn off old dated tires. ~ Doc

[@BusterKitten]

another video with excellent advice. Thanks Doc!!

[@donaldjackson8845]

How do you change tires with the harley rim seals?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

We treat them like a spoke wheel with inner tube. Replace when installing a new tire….Doc

[@valet132011]

What is a good mileage tire for my 2007 softail standard? I have the Harley dunlop tire, it's horrible for wear.

[@davidnanze8697]

Another great video Doc.

[@gregkistner1955]

Nice information! Thankyou!

[@gibo5863]

very good video thanks bro....

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for watching….Doc

[@mattlumbley615]

What model and brand are those tires??

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Factory Dunlop...Doc

[@sportster_1214]

Doc, I have 2013 FLHTK with spoke rim and the valve stem is directly in the middle of the rim and make checking air pressure and adding air a challenge. I was wondering if i can replace the regular straight valve stem with a 45 degree angle to ease the pain. I'm asking because i heard some people say that the angled extensions are dangerous so i'd like to know if the angled valve stem are also dangerous. Can you please advise . Thank you.

[@MrJohnnebgood]

Thanks Doc. Great information!

[@jordanhebron3127]

I have a 2001 softail standard it’s my first bike and recently I had to put new tires on the front and back. I went to get my bike out the other day and the front wheel was flat, the tire that was on it before said tubeless so when I bought new ones I went with a tubeless tire, and now I’m reading into it and some people say you need a tube and others are saying you don’t. Does anyone know if there should be a tube on a 2002 softail standard spoked front wheel or why my spokes are leaking

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Welcome to the world of Harley. As you learn with this new purchase there are things to learn as you own. First I am surprised the people who mounted the new tires did not explain. For your knowledge. Yes the tire on the outside has printed Tubeless. This tire can fit multiple Harleys with different wheels. The key word for you is “ Spoke Wheels”. There was a model later that used a wide rim strip to cover the spokes on a curved rim. But unfortunately for you, your Spoke wheels should have a new rim strip and new inner tube. It is possible the installer used your original inner tube and pinched it during assembly. Lesson learned…..Doc

[@hamdog8872]

Great video! Easley SC represent!

[@thorshammer5776]

Good tips

[@michiganborn8303]

Are you supposed to re lube the axle shaft when installing the new wheels?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Yes...Doc

[@michiganborn8303]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Thank you 👍 Can you suggest a specific kind of lube? Would any kind of grease work? Bearing/axle grease? Antiseize paste? Bacon grease? 🥓

[@falgianibrandon]

I've seen that dot not lined up on Harley's right from the factory.

[@malcolmgreig5193]

The dot is the lightest place on the tire. Should be matched with the heaviest place on the rim. It could be any where, you can spin the rim (no tire), to find the heaviest spot.

[@chrispybattyone5937]

What style Dunlops are these?

[@martinhauk1852]

The implication of the video is to take the caliper off of the brake line. DON'T DO IT! You'll have to refill and bleed the brakes. Just take the caliper off of the mount and move it out of the way.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I am sorry. I do not see or hear of removing caliper from brake line. Yes I have calipers for demonstration. Yes I say you must remove caliper out of the way to remove wheel. We will try harder to be clearer next time……Doc

[@smokeGR20]

I do believe that I heard that runing two different tire compounds is not good..let's say a dunlop K591 which is a softer compound then mitchelin scorcher 31. Which is a harder compound. Can you explain why some viewers may not know this. Say dunlop on rear and mitchelin on front. Can impact handling

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for the suggestion for a future video.

[@matthatch3920]

Just bought my first Harley. Love the info brother. Subscribed. A 2010 dyna wide glide if curious. 😆

[@Christofuzz-hc9xl]

I just picked up my first one too, a 2003 wide glide. It doesn't even have plates yet, but I'm checking out videos like this already.

[@scottgorman7166]

Spot on Doc

[@andrezescamilla9813]

After getting new tires on my ultra from Harley was getting vibration on the freeway had them check front tire because I felt that the bike felt uneasy at higher speed and hard to ride the white line like the rear tire is unbalance i have to take into dealership

[@chumemofos1433]

when i change rear tire i change out new tube then wheel bearings then chain then swingarm then engine then entire frame basically everything except front tire

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Sounds like a great project...Doc

[@timbrooks2651]

This tells me to not change my own tire..... and i am 100% ok with that

[@jongray9342]

Dang fine content..

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you for watching...Doc

[@miketodd8640]

Another nice info video Doc. The reference to the dot on the tire I feel is good and bad as someone else noted. I would would index the "wheel" fist, put it on the wheel balancer before mounting the tire to find the high and low spot on the wheel. After that mount the tire and see how much weight is needed. The tech might need to move the tire around the rim to find the spot where the least amount of weight is needed but the final instal will look better. Yea I know it will cost some extra $$$$ but it's worth it, I think.

[@bryanmontgomery4050]

I always check the wheel first then mark the heaviest spot with tape then put tire dot at that spot, this puts the heaviest part of the wheel and the lightest part of the tire in the same place and generally requires much less weight, in this application I would use .50 ounces on each side on the wheel rather than all on one side. If it’s a spoke wheel I prefer spoke weights the best.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you for sharing....Doc

[@MeanOldBastardBikerBob]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson red dot heaviest part of the tire opposite valve stem / .yellow dot lightest at vave sterm // string run across the 4 edges of the 2 tires to align the rear tire

[@davypig571]

Great tips Doc, thanks!

[@southernstingray2743]

Cheers Doc ,great vid mate!From West Oz

[@gregvidito3383]

Changed my tires for 14 years on a makeshift rig

[@kellybyrd9772]

Great advice sir!!

[@STAYHUMBLE302]

Hey guys can anyone help me !? JUST HAD MY LOCAL DEALER PUT ON NEW FRONT AND REAR TIRES ON MY 2020 fxbb and I get a slight vibration in the break pedal and front lever when I break more I. The rear break is that normal did not notice before the new tire install

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

At first I suspect a bent disc. If you model has ABS I would return to the dealer and have it checked out. Have you had the brake fluid serviced? Should be changed every 2 years….Doc

[@diemman70]

Some tires are not exactly clear on the direction they are supposed to go and better yet their logo is an arrow that goes the wrong way.🙃

[@jasonpowell4847]

What about Michelin tires. I don't see a dot on my new rear?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

To our knowledge, Michelin tires don't have a color dot as Dunlop

[@jlc904ubc]

Thanks Doc! Great info.

[@lancelane217]

If this video was another minute longer I think his head would have exploded. You literally could see his blood pressure rising as he continued on. Oh, and don't forget about the mold release oils that may be present on the new tire. Scuff them in before getting too aggressive on the chicken strips.

[@andrewhlnojos5419]

Doc do you have a how to on tire removal on a newer soft tail model your know how is priceless keep it up

[@benkrom2737]

And after all of this information the question of changing the physical tire is still not answered .

[@yeolderooster8050]

Oh no you got to pay cash for that hundred dollars

[@TriggerTravels]

What he's low key trying to say is that you should only trust Harley to change your tires...because there's no way anyone else could possibly do it correctly. 🤣

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

NO, as a famous actor once said,” A man got to know his limitations…so do you feel lucky…..Punk ?”…….Doc

[@TriggerTravels]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson blah blah blah... We know how you arrogant harley service depts are. Think you're the only ones on the planet who know how to turn a wrench.

[@jasperjones6962]

Harley Davidson dealerships won't change a tire for you unless you buy a new tire from them so changing and balancing you own tires is a must.

[@benkrom2737]

Yeah, and still, the original question on physically changing tire was not addressed. I've changed plenty without taking caliper off. Just loosen everything for easy reinstall . Changing tire is much harder than reinstalling wheel on bike ! LOL

[@1973shovelhead]

"Enclosed chain"....I seriously doubt your service department would even let one of these dinosaurs through the doors. 1980-1985 on "T" models only...why even mention it? I bet most of your techs have never changed one themselves.

[@Timeline916]

I rotate my motorcycle tires every 500 miles it handles funny when the front is on the back and the back is on the front, but it’s worth it.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Don’t do this!!!!…..Doc

[@MrJoshlemons]

You can pick up a clicker torque wrench at harbor freight for around 20 dollars for those who like to read the comments

[@scott917]

There are compariaon videos and the Harbor Freight Torque Wrenches are a lot more accurate than most people think. Good value.

[@pittss2c601]

The brake pads fall out of the brake caliper on an HD? I've never seen anything like that on a Japanese motorcycle. They have pins that hold them in place. I've also never had to change a wheel bearing on any Japanese motorcycle that I've owned.

[@jmbman]

He didn't say change the bearings, he said inspect them. Pads do not randomly fall out of Harley's calipers, people not paying attention or not knowing what they are doing can cause problems.

[@DanielRyanScott]

Sounds like you need to ride it more then

[@blackfive2276]

Thank you

[@chrisaskme811]

LOL thanks doc

[@edwardcloyd9437]

Is there a tire for roadglide for riding on dirt

[@quads4life1]

you can run the stock tires..Bikesandbeards did a video on it! epic!

[@mackeycharli256]

And this is why I take mine to the shop 😂

[@Cheaps928]

Shops tend to mess up in some part a lot and sometimes you cant tell if they mess up on something before its too late. Its better to do it yourself

[@wc-ce3wp]

Nice!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks…..Doc

[@KevinofWessex]

Great voice