Harbor Freight Motorcycle Tire Changer modification and DIY tire tool

Using a commercially available tire changing head I made a tool for mounting and dismounting tires. In addition, I altered the mounting points on the Harbor Freight motorcycle tire changing tool. This way they will actually grip the rim.

[@ianlawrie919]

At long last, a fully explained and demonstrated video of DIY mods which we can all make use of. The most comprehensive and encouraging film I've seen in years. Thank you so much.

[@ducstroyer]

Nice clean explanation of exactly what you were trying to convey. Thanks for taking the time to explain things correctly.

[@josephbania4564]

I've changed several tires and seen lots of tutorials and mods. This is by far the best and most reasonable and practical one for the non-professional. Great job! Thanks for sharing and this will be my solution to a pain in the ass job.

[@bmwsjt]

I bought the duck head and was going to build the extravagant mechanism shown on other youtube videos, but this is so simple and does the same job. Thanks man!

[@mysickfriends1511]

Best video of a harbor freight tire changer mod I’ve seen without spending 300 + on it … well done !

[@eCitizen1]

This is an awesome demonstration and just what I needed to see to order the right part for making one of these for myself. I really appreciate you taking the time to make this video and demonstrate how to use it. Many thanks. Anyone who gave you a thumbs down ought to be ashamed.

[@nowthenad3286]

Thank you. I have watched so many of this type of video. Aside from the modifications that require an investment of a thousand hours, this is the best design I have come across. So simple.

[@EssexSilvering]

Brilliant ... Real instructions and propper demo and good close ups ... Thank you for sharing.

[@kennethwood3984]

You did a great job with this instructional piece. It was very helpful to me. Made my maiden tire removal much easier than it might have been! Fabricated a duck head bar very similar to yours and it did great. Thx pal.

[@VFRCapBob]

Best HF mod yet. Thanks. Also the radio in the background was a bit of a problem hearing you clearly. I was gifted a HF tire changer. Needs this mod to be more than a glorified tire stand.

[@zed-xr4353]

Fantastic work with this ! Been shopping around for tire changing equipment and I think i'm going to go with your idea. Thank you so much for sharing !

[@richbinaz]

Nice demo. Your rims have nice deep drop centers, unlike the rims on my FZ-09. Thank you for showing that the duck head works in both directions during install.

[@JohnnyThrobber]

LOVE it!!! Nice job and excellent tutorial my friend! I've already bought the material and I'm going to build mine this weekend. Thanks for taking the time to share such a great idea to help protect our delicate rims. Thank you!!!

[@dblackviper2k3]

I literally spent hours changing tires without the proper tools, great video

[@ConSeann3ry]

Great vid, after watching a few others you really did it the best and cheapest way. Thanks for saving us the headache of figuring it out.

[@deancol4080]

Wow, this is an excellent video. Great explanation and helpful shots of how to position the tool. Looking forward to trying this out...Thanks so much!

[@stevefoster258]

Thank you very much. GREAT information. I've order the end piece, and a couple of bead hold down clamps. Mounting the rear tire of a Triumph Rocket 3 is a chore, believe me.

[@bobmcl2406]

Excellent clear demo. Ordering a Hunter Duck Head tonight. Thanks for the time you put into sharing this info.

[@garensergeyevich8376]

Thank you!! Great explanation on how to use the duck head and which way to turn to install and uninstall the tire made it easy for me!!

[@anthonyscott16]

Super creative solution. Nice job Bro!

[@dougfresh1341]

Like a lot of others I got to say you are the man! Thanks for loading and the expertise.

[@desotopete]

I'm sweating now. Nice video

[@JohnSmith-sf8gj]

Excellent video, demo, and mods. The duck-head is the key to both car and motorcycle tire changer. I'll make my duckhead bar from the useless bar they included in the car base. Thanks for the ideas!

[@workwillfreeyou]

Exceptional job with your custom tool. Thanks.

[@kerry4951]

Just bought one of these and welded it up. Cant wait to use it. Thanks for the video. It was a big help

[@triumphrider2002]

Thanks for the video. I just made me one. I used the bar that came with the changer and welded a plate onto it. Great video.

[@jdfog2]

GREAT gravy Martha! Seriously, this is the best video I have seen on this. Thanks for the great ideas! I've been kinda bothered that the red center rod doesn't fit inside my wheel but I think after seeing this video (and the tire tool you made) it will be fine. Thanks

[@JohnSmith-sf8gj]

The rod diameter bothers me, too. Really, what motorcycle has a 1 inch axle?

[@rominhawk3949]

Thank you. Excellent presentation. Much appreciated.

[@ktmmotohead]

Great DYI video. Thank you.

[@3fingeredfrank]

That's a beautiful thing, thanks.

[@jimgibson4760]

Great idea and really good instructional video. Many, many thanks for taking the time and the trouble to help me and others.

[@taznivolare1896]

Great video , thanks from Belgium

[@davidhoman3887]

Great video i had the same idea but bought a different style duck head but haven't got to try it out yet but after your video i just ordered the one your using. I like how it hooks to the rim. Great of you to share this.

[@tomsigler6575]

thanks for the hint (and the Amazon link) about the additional de-mount tool head.

[@petersmith7001]

Hi Tom. Do you have the Amazon link?

[@bigbuck1995]

Thanks! Excellent video!!!!

[@thetranfamily3910]

Well done my good man. I always scare of scratch rim..tried with iron spoon.. it was hard and end up scratch up rim. Will definitely apply your tool approach

[@intruderIG]

I love your video man I have never thought about using my big wise as the base, great idea. I just ordered Mount Dismount head on eBay for $12 free shipping once again thank you for video

[@alotl1kevegas860]

I just made a duck head similar to yours for mine. Also, I found a guy/company that makes "MojoBlocks" for these. They are a plastic insert, to clamp the rim. It basically converted it, into a 500$ no mar tire changer 👍

[@Roadghost88]

Great tip. Just ordered the head. Beats the much more spendy bars on the market. I bet it's even easier if you use lube. I change a tire about once a year for two bikes, but even at that I'll make the money back in a couple of years avoiding the stealership. Nice to not have to wait for service either.

[@smattext]

Excellent information thanks much! Your Awesome!

[@koedypaslay2208]

Over-all great job

[@John_Ridley]

Daaang dude great tool. Ordering the head from Amazon now.

[@MovieMan797]

Which one did you order?

[@jeffdoak8444]

Very nice I have been using the harbor freight tire changer since I could drive (my dad has had one mounted in the back yard since I was 6) that tool you made would make it so much simpler. I have been meeting to do the blocks on the motorcycle attachment (try ed to use it once and ended up doing it on the floor with spoons)

[@frankerck]

Nice mod, good vid, thanks.

[@firbyd]

Walnuts? Ha! That's funny! And very good vid and invention, well done!

[@jimgordon3468]

I bought this exact tool head. It's amazing.

[@petersmith7001]

where did you get the tool head?

[@nostranger2u]

What head tool is it?

[@timwestlake2197]

Really cool video. My only suggestion would be to use a little soap between the tool and tire.

[@workharddieproud]

Great video !!! One question, have you tried using your homemade mount / demount bar on car or truck tires ?

[@thelwthelw]

Thank you!

[@accouswk]

yeah great video man, thanks for the great idea - I just ordered a one of those red duckbill pieces from Amazon for like $15. I think I will just gut a piece of flat plate and drill 3 holes in it (instead of two) and just bolt the long bar (that came with the other tire changing base and bead breaker from HF. That will avoid the welding possibly - if that doesn't work oh well its a good excuse to practice my welding anyways. Super helpful .

[@kennethwood3984]

Dat's rite, I considered welding a little plate to the original bar but at the last min. decided to keep that bar in orig. condition and went with a square tube. I hope bolting to the orig. works out good for you. I agree, a very informative video.

[@simongray7620]

great video and i like the way you have adapeted the tool...talking of the addpted tool where can one buy it?

[@jirojosephesman8175]

Great video..will it work for car tires van tires thank you have a blessed day and be blessed

[@mowermaniac9973]

Very inspirational video. Ive had my HF Tire machine for 7 years sitting in a corner knowing its a headache with the included mount dismount bar. I also purchased the same plastic duck head mount/dismount off Ebay $14 and welded a mount tab onto the stock bar. I used drop in anchors to bolt to my garage floor. Ready to give it a try today. Good video!

[@digitalme4404]

I can see why you used a vice because the duck head goes counter clockwise, so it unscrews the the motorcycle attachment from the base.

[@Beemerider1150r]

An instructional video well done. I've been fighting my Harbor Freight machine for too long. I even bought a MoJo lever. Had never seen nor paid much attention to the "duckbill" style of mount/dismount tool. The one you're using looks like the one that's referred to as used on Hunter machine. Is that correct?

[@2steelshells]

Antic,I like what you fabbed up here! I bought the hf changer friday.dont have a torch to bend so I might just weld a 1/4 " round stock to ears for holding rim.also bought a no mar tip for demount and mount that fits in 3/4" black pipe.other end using your idea of a duck head,did you use square stock to lower point or angle? Or do you think mounting in round pipe and making flange like you did will work anyways? Any critique would be appreciated! Good channel.

[@lesthompson5907]

we use a ball-joint ends so the ball is sticking straight out of a the pole . to do the job of the duckbill works well . old automobile worn out baljount. savaged to urs as the lifter off tool on the other end of you steel bar . we put a flat plate that pattroods well past one side of the bar to the bar we slop to form a shallow V when welded to the plate. rounded smoove on top along with a slightly curved up ege to the flat eg to the flat bar , with a hook welded to gpo over the rim on the end to fit The rim , i cut a bit of rim out of a old steel wheel, 7 ues it inverted and welded to the flat steel plate 30mm whid to thit the plat . Now to put tyre on hook over the rim behind the tyre push on the bar as it. glands around the rim a gently pulling bar so the tier will strech in to place , ues plenty of soape keeping the tier in the centre relef area of the wheel , it that simple , as you rotate against the center post . les england we been doing it that way for decades son . {The ball joint is the buck bill } & " the & leaver" { The Other end is the stretcher Bar to refit tyre} simple son . "CAN'T BEAT SIMPLE" son .

[@petersmith7001]

good fabbing job to the changer! Where did you get the duck-head from?

[@CrunchyWRX]

If you used the custom mounting bar to install the bottom bead, would you be able to get the tool out to do the top bead? I’d like to avoid spooning the bottom bead on since I scratched my wheel the last time I tried.

[@JustinTwilley]

Thanks for the video man! Now I just need a way to make that bar fit the head without a welder, I have a drill, Also trying to not buy the stand... I may have to get creative... I believe ive found the head you have on amazon. Any clue what size bolts fit it? Thanks.

[@emmettturner9452]

Problem I’m having is that all my bikes have 15mm axles, meaning I will need a half-inch rod to fit. Adapting the overhead bar to a half-inch pin is going to limit how much leverage I can apply. Do you think it will be too thin?

[@grahamchiz6076]

Great Video. I've made my own tyre changer and used it last week end, it was ok but the wheel clamps were not good so, i will change them to your design they look good. I changed a 190 rear 120 front. I will make up a lever bar like you have too. Do they call them a Duck head?

[@zappa916]

brilliant

[@vinuezaer]

Where do you find that item ? What is it called? ( found the info in one of the comments below) . Great video.

[@tomthomsen11]

What do you do if there is an inner tube like on an off-road bike?

[@Lapeerphoto]

Id like the link to the duck head you have. Also, does this come with a bead break tool?? My spoke wheel beads can be bugers to get off!! Esp these Metzlers I'm running. I've changed my last tire with spoons. Too old for that crap. I'm investing in a machine, but I only do 2-3 tires a year, so investing in a high $$ machine doesn't make SENSE! THIS DOES. THANKS!!

[@yulmynrodriguez4408]

You da man. The magic tool

[@Baseball_Soccer]

Using it counter clockwise but I guess it works

[@tofuandsoybean6218]

Very well done job! I do not know or have access to any welding tools, would you kindly make and sell me the bar and I can get the duck head part on my own?

[@marklauraerskine5667]

I really want this to work, but having the dickens of a time. On BMW GS wheels and tires, the tires seem to be a MUCH tighter fit against the wheels than the one you demonstrate. Worked okay on removal of top bead. To remove bottom bead, was quite a bit of work. And we used tire lube. And to remount the replacement tire, couldn't use tool as you did to remount the bottom bead. Needed to use irons. Also, once bottom bead is in, have not figured out how to get the tool inside the rim to mount the top bead! It's as if the red part of the tool is too thick, from metal plate to lip of red tool. Seems like this

[@johnmcclung6735]

Like the tool mod, great idea. How does it work on dirtbike tires with innertubes?

[@averageguyantics409]

I don't have a dirt bike to see but I'm sure it would work about the same, just put the tube in before dropping the top bead in.

[@dougfresh1341]

Using it the first time I ran into a problem because my HD Glide has dual disc brakes. The problem may be solved by putting a 30 degree angle in the bar. ???

[@JustinTwilley]

Any chance a wooden pole would suffice? Or atleast a wooden mounting plate bolted to a steel pole? How much force does this thing need to take? Thanks again for this video! Freakn genius!

[@MikeLuca]

Dude this is awesome! I ordered a duck head from eBay. I am going to have a buddy fabricate the bar and plate to mount. Do you happen to have the dimensions of the bolt pattern or know where I would find it? Thanks in advance.

[@grahamchiz6076]

OK. Just seen your link. Graham, Bundaberg, Australia

[@glennbuchanan5780]

Where did you get that duck head tool.

[@shawnnoname9291]

Any idea what to do if I don't have a welder? I honestly don't want to learn to weld.

[@lynskyrd]

good idea on making your mount / dismount bar using that head, the question is- WHERE do you find the plastic head? I'm wondering if I could just get a block of teflon and grind it to shape.

[@Js-rq9uj]

www.amazon.com/Mount-Demount-Head-Hunter-Changers/dp/B00LC4MLPK/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&dpID=41HG9zAGUGL&dpPl=1&keywords=duck%20head%20tire%20changer&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&qid=1487620653&ref=plSrch&ref_=mp_s_a_1_2&sr=8-2

[@RIDERsxv]

Found this tool wouldn't mount stiff sport bike tires, although it would demount well. The bead would force the tool up out from under the rim. With someone forcing it down with a spoon it would stay in, but it was impossible to turn it 1/3rd of the way around. Also the bottom bead would not go on by hand by, required a lot of spooning. As long as you can do that part by hand this tool should work.

[@MrBetts71]

make sure the tire is not on the bead and it will mount alot easier I do them and harley tires with spoons.

[@joedelgado8555]

where did you get your red piece on your DIY tire tool?

[@newwavepressure6478]

Bro u should sell that tool u made thats a nice set up

[@dougiequick1]

I dont do much dirtbikes but go through a lot of street tires so I bit the bullet and spent several hundred dollars on the No Mar tire machine with nylon dog blocks. But I dont think it is gonna work on spoked tube tires so I am looking for solutions I have an old Harbor Freight changer that cost like nothing many years ago but it is a POS all I ever have used it for was the bead breaker lol. I was hoping to find after market clamps that I could adapt to the No Mar....the No Mar posi clamps alone cost more than your entire setup I bet and I already have too much money into this money pit

[@davidwhynot6432]

on and off can go the same direction

[@BilgemasterBill]

Thanks for taking the time to show this. Sadly, it seems Harbor Freight has since discontinued that model of motorcycle tire removal attachment. Who knows? Maybe they'll come out with a new and improved one using something similar to your modded version. In the meantime though, what brand of "professional tool head" did you use? You never seem to have specified that.

[@t.s.racing]

Bill, do a search on the website for some of the stores in your area. I bought mine yesterday, January 3, 2021. I drove 50 miles but it was worth it. Another store 50 miles in the opposite direction has 5 in stock. I don't lie. I hope this helps, good luck. T.S. RACING

[@bartleyives1355]

I got it to work a little. How in the world do you keep the rim and tire from spinning around. The entire motorcycle part would spin also when mount on the regular tire changer. I ended up just using my tire spoons. Heavy Duty Shinkos were a bear.

[@dcurzon1973]

You could ratchet strap the wheel through the spokes to one of the arms

[@k1ghz960]

Can you please tell us the Model # of the head? I'm having a hard time guessing cause there are many. Thanks for the good vid.

[@loathsomedong]

www.ebay.com/itm/201375641273 I used this hunter head and it’s identical

[@mikedayitt]

now why dont they make the lever part as standard...looks easier than the poles they give you

[@TrialAndError8713]

Pittsburgh area?

[@djalexdrake6271]

You should make them and sell them I would totally buy one from you

[@nunyabusiness3082]

@12:09 it wouldn't twist if the bar was square like your new version.

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

You should make and sell these .. !!

[@thewishmastur]

Will this tool work on car tires? I have Harbor Freight stand, but the bar is useless for mounting the tire.

[@bobmcl2406]

Yes, a similar bar will work on the car changer. I am making one now. Waiting for duck head.

[@danielpollock28]

one of the best homemade tools I've seen, good job. I just went ahead and forked over my arm and leg for a no-mar bar. About how much would the head of your tool be? And did you use plastidip for the teeth?

[@averageguyantics409]

I paid $19 with prime shipping tinyurl.com/y7efcx4j , and it was a plasti dip type stuff. Think it was called tool dip or something .

[@jackroberts7585]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Should save me lots of time and aggravation. I just ordered the tool head off of Amazon that you referenced . I've been levering motorcycle tires off and on for years and I am looking forward to finally not fighting and scratching the work up.

[@markmeyering7627]

Looks awesome, BUT... I did exactly everything thing you did except I used tire lube that should make it easier. Nope it don't! There was absolutely no way I was able to get the second bead on! It was wat to tight. Yours looks like a 16" going on a 15" Rim! So I had to take it to a tire shop to have it finished.

[@bobmcl2406]

You need to make sure that the other side of the bead stays in the drop-centre area of the rim. Otherwise it is impossible.

[@DavidM2002]

It's interesting that you suggest mounting by running the tool clockwise. All of the videos that I've watched of commercial machines with duckheads run them counter clockwise for both mount and demount. But, after having said that, your method seems to work just fine. I guess it's just less critical than I would have thought. Great video. One example. Start at :30 kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6WUZKKomqljgaM

[@emmettturner9452]

This. It’s supposed to turn the same direction but with the tire bead crossing the other way. Imagine an X on the outside of the duckbill. When demounting the bead crosses from the top left, over the pry point, and goes under the protrusion on the bottom right, forming one diagonal of that X. When mounting the bead goes OVER the same protrusion and UNDER the pry point, forming the opposite diagonal of that X. The pry point doubles as the part that pushes the bead down.

[@thenuthing8258]

What is the diameter of the center pole? Thx

[@DavidM2002]

I made my own platform and my online research found that most bikes use a 22mm axle so that seems to be the most common size for the center post. You can buy 22mm drill rod from your local machinist supply store but it can be a bit expensive. I used 3/4" drill rod and it is just a tiny bit under 22mm and it works great. Be sure to make sure that it is mounted very securely to the machine and the support for the center post as close to the wheel as possible so it doesn't bend.

[@JohnSmith-sf8gj]

Does the duck head work with tube tires?

[@JohnSmith-sf8gj]

Made it, answered my own question. Nope. Can't get the duck head out to remove the tube. Works good for tubeless though.

[@aaronhushagen9889]

@@JohnSmith-sf8gj I see what you mean, where at 7:23 he says it's a b*tch to get the duck head out if you're not going to remove the bottom bead, but can't you simply leave the tube in, push the valve stem through its hole in the rim, and then remove the bottom bead (the whole tire) using his process, and get the tube out that way? I would like to know if this will work for changing dirt bike tires.

[@TrailBusterBrute1]

I was finally able to get the tool out but it took some strength and effort. I did successfully use it with a tube. Use lots of soap!

[@keitharvd]

tire lube!

[@davidwhynot6432]

i do need a nylon duck head

[@yammerhaw101]

I noticed the tire is not a low profile 17" sportbike tire. Those a bitch to get off and on by hand with tire tools. I made my own tire changer and head as i guess it's called. 180/55/17 rear came off easy. Reinstalling, the 1st bead went on easy. 2nd bead didn't work. I even greased the sucker with axle grease. I did the zip tie method to get it on. That works quite well... Have you tried your head from Amazon with a low profile tire? I'd rather do it with that vs. zip ties. I seen a guy install a low profile tire by hand. Took him like 20-min just to get the last few inches on. Pain in the ass these low profile tires!!

[@eCitizen1]

Could you please post a video of the tool you made?

[@yammerhaw101]

I've heard it's nightmare to post on YT. I could email you a jpeg, or i could look here on YT for the identical one i copied.

[@yammerhaw101]

This is the video: "Idiot's guide to Suzuki V-Strom 1000 Rear Tire Change." See the tool at 13:27 (it's the demount end)