Honda XR650L Gets New Tires! | Tusk Waypoint First Impressions

[@SwankyCatProductions]

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[@johncoleman1935]

I can do that!, thanks for the reminders

[@wessidevibes2686]

Keep it coming. The XR650 is one of my favorite bikes and I've never seen anyone do what your doing with on. I'm all in with your channel.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I'm glad to hear that! I'm pretty excited about it too! Should be lots of fun!!!

[@roberteddy1951]

Murphy’s tire compound makes that job so much easier,give it a try next time. I’ve been mounting my own motorcycle tires for almost 50 years and it doesn’t have to be that hard. Love the videos and choices in bikes,keep them coming.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks! Huh, alright. I'll have to give that a try!

[@joellikness2121]

Thanks for showing you popping yourself in the face with a tire spoon because up until that point I was thinking, "this is going NOTHING AT ALL like my tire changes at home!" 😂😂😂

[@SwankyCatProductions]

LMAO 🤣 yeah it's always something isn't it!?

[@dboutdoors6180]

Damn you....! I picked up a 2023 XR650L and it has 1 mile on it and somehow it has over $1000 in upgrades already, Somehow I need new tires now, LOL!! Keep the videos coming, I love them!

[@billcotton1551]

I admire you for doing that yourself! At my age, I don't think I could still do a tire change.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks Bill!!!

[@wudntulike2no32]

I use c-clamps or wood clamps to hold the tire in the valley. Large zip ties can work too.

[@jamesbower5995]

Blood, sweat, and tears! Well maybe not tears. Thanks for the great content! The XR is shaping up to be a great build.

[@josephthornton8560]

Last time I changed tires (was first time I ever changed tires), Perelli MT21 (front 21") bead would not seat evenly all the way around. I spooned it on and off a bunch of times. Bounced it, aired it up and down, hammered them with a rubber mallet. Nothing would work. So I put it back on the bike and went for a 50 mile ride. It was seated then. That's only a possible solution because I dont worry about wheel weights on a Dual Sport so after I had it bolted on, there was no need to take it back off.

[@spacetruckin6555]

How do you like those tires so far?

[@painsrides]

So therapeutic watching tires go on to that music.... 🤣😂

[@SwankyCatProductions]

🤣 right?!?!

[@randyh5465]

Thanks for posting. Have you posted a Tusk Wavepoint tire review yet?

[@brentstratton2224]

I like to clamp the tire to a work bench with a large c clamp. It keeps the tire in the rim valley and keeps the rim/tire in place while you work around the rim. It's almost like having an extra hand to keep the bead from slipping off the wheel.

[@underthedrone2735]

I was just going to suggest he use a C clamp or two on the opposite side for the second bead.

[@ArcticJeff]

I've been using baby powder on my tube, but after watching this video, I'm going to use it around the bead of the tire instead of soapy water. I have the same spoons as the Tusk one's. I have pinched a few tubes with them before and I have to be super, super careful when putting the tire one, especially the last few pry's. I made my own rim protectors by cutting up 1 gallon oil containers, it works.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah it's definitely not the same as soap and water but idk, not having the tire slide around on me was kind of nice. Old jugs are a good idea! I could use a third, but actually having three thin ones might be better!

[@davidl546]

Lost count on how many tires I've replaced on my bikes. Those Tusk tires really look cool.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Nice! I think this was number 9 & 10 for me. Not counting the popped your l tube during my very first attempt 😂.

[@chrisspain6780]

Enjoyed watching you spoon this tires on way more than I expected to, definitely excited to see how these tires perform and last and hope tusk will make them in a 17 soon

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I'm glad to hear that thanks! It's snowing again today, but the nicer weather should be back next week!

[@bobkelly2447]

I tried Talk ONCE I've used Dish soap every sense then they just go on much easier and it cleans off with a garden hose ! I noticed that Your risking a pinched tube Ben ! when spooning in the last hard part with the tube in the tire I have a rule that I do NOT go past 90 degrees with the spoon.... sure every once in a while you have to but almost never as a rule of thumb going past 90 degrees is when you will pinch the tube and I typically add more air in the tube than you did...I make it round...not floppy and soak it real good with soapy water get the valve core in and nut on it just on the top threads not half way down... then start at the oppisit side of the rim and spoon it in trying not to go past 90 degrees with the spoons. On my old 1968 Honda 305 Dream I put on about 3~4 sets of tires on it and Pinched tubes were a constant problem... having the golden rule of not going past 90 degrees with the spoons /Big screwdrivers or prybars cured that problem along with inflating the tube before instillation. back then I had a pallet with a few boards missing for my tire mounting stand !LOL....the rim of the tire laid on the pallet boards and the hum went in the space where the boards were missing ! that worked great. YOU are DEFINATELY RIGHT on balancing it NEEDS TO BE DONE ! I used long worm led fishing weights wrapped around the spokes as my balance weights later I taped them with black electrical tape and never had a problem with them coming off ! .... I had a front tire out of balance once after I switched the front tire and first time I hit 65mph the bike got into a tank slapper high speed wobble that I never want to repete ! the out of balance tire brought it on..... I balanced the tire and never had the same problem again...... throttling back was the only thing to save me....I went back home immediately ! LOL get that windshield on the XR650L and see if you like the bike more...I think you will since you've been spoiled by the KLR650 HAHAHA !

[@underthedrone2735]

Great job! As others have already said, using a C clamp or two to force the opposite side of the tire into the valley might help you next time. Keep up the great work with the videos. Your editing and sound adjustments are spot on.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

That's a good idea! Thank you!!!

[@osimnod]

How many of us were going through the same motions with each tire iron bite? Nice advantage of talc is that it doesn't evaporate and easy to carry extra for on the trail/road flat repair. The Waypoint tires look like a worthy 50/50 or 60/40 (off/on) tread pattern. More aggressive than Shinko 244 but less than D606 -- almost more like a Kenda Big Block. Am interested in your evaluation of its performance.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Right? I could definitely see bringing a small amount of talc powder with for trail repairs! I just got a ride in on them yesterday and they are pretty darn good. Sort of reminded me of the Motoz tractionators!

[@secondarymachine7521]

Waiting on a set for my 701. High hopes that I will really like this tire..

[@johncoleman1935]

Looks like a fairly easy tire to mount. Just took off two very old stiff non-dot tires on a DRZ-E. No fun. Put on some Kendra K760's. Fairly stiff tire, rims had rim lockers too, my first encounter. :)

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, not too bad! Oh man, I had to pull some original ATV tires off 1987 Suzuki King Quad rims a while back. Worst tire change ever!!! Nice, I've avoided those so far!

[@tylermears480]

Peice of cake nice job i do all mine and my friends as well. If you want a challenge try spooning truck tires by hand haha im running the tusk d sports and so far I love them.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Nice! I should start doing that too, maybe I'd remember better from one time to the next then 🤣. Glad you like the D-Sports! What kind of bike?

[@tylermears480]

@@SwankyCatProductions 2022 dr650 I bought new and have done a ton of mods. Was taking my 2001 klr places my 2 stroke went so it was time for something new and little lighter. Very happy with my decision.

[@caseyf8054]

I never thought I would ever consider buying a DR650 until watching your videos as well as a couple of other channels I have looked at. I have honestly never been a big fan of Suzuki although I will give them credit, they have made a couple of legendary machines over the years. Because of my short inseam and lack of cush drive, oil cooler, or larger tank, I’m wondering if buying an XR would be a wise decision. Decisions decisions…. 🤔

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah it's definitely a tough one! The Honda is cool, but it's definitely a BIG bike. I'm interested to see how that affects my feelings towards them both. Should be interesting!

[@Jarvis60]

One issue I see is when you are spooning on the second bead you really want the lubricant (powder or whatever) between the inside of the bead and the rim where it is needed. All the friction as you spoon on the tire is coming from the inside of the tire dragging over the rim and that is where you want the lubricant.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Agreed! It's definitely not easy to get the powder to stick there!

[@gripsanity]

28:27 You were comically generous with the baby powder. You can just use windex. Or invest in a tub of Murphy's tire compound. Also baby power is the old school now. The new school is silicone lube on the tube, like what is used on mousse's. Nice video!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Huh, I had no idea this was out of date already 😂. I've been hearing a bit about Murphy's compound though. Seems like a good thing to try next time! Thanks!!!

[@CHUNKYNUGGET666]

On the floor you can stand on the tyre to help it find the centre of the rim👍

[@larrytucker1945]

I’m a windex guy. I’ve heard ammonia is bad for aluminum rims but I’ve never had any issues and I have some pretty old dirt bikes

[@frostbitevinnie]

Baja No Pinch is da bomb!😁

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Think it would've been able to tackle these tires? I've seen people say they've had issues bending them on really stiff tires ...

[@frostbitevinnie]

@@SwankyCatProductions I've had no issue with it. I did install Mitas E 07 Dakar and Tusk Dsport on my 690. The Mitas is a very stiff tire!

[@elwood62]

I’ve only changed one set of tires and that was on my old gen1 KLR. It was enough for me to know I never want to it again without the proper tools. I’ll happily pay someone else to do it.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Haha, yeah I don't blame you one bit for that. I've got the tools and I change tires at least once a year, yet somehow I still manage to forget how to use them, every time 🤣.

[@anthonymalfino1]

Dammit swanky I just jab d-sports installed on my klr. Awesome vid as always

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Oh no! Haha.

[@adamj1326]

Just put some d605s on my XRL last night. Waypoints will probably be my next tire if i can get my hands on a pair.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I've never tried those, they do look like a good option though!

[@ckyrooster]

Go back to your front axle clamp. (4) studs - the holding clamp should be torqued so that the gaps are equal ( centered ) over the axle.

[@jctoth]

Can’t wait to see how you like the tires. A word of advice after watching you struggle mounting those things. Ditch the powder. Use Armor All or silicon spray. Apply it liberally everywhere you applied the powder. Beware that you will love the Bead Buddy when using this method but it’s much easier than the powder. Keep up the good work.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I'm pretty excited to see how they feel! Seems like they should be a great fit for the XR. Ha ha yeah I like how I didn't use any ground, but it was a bit of a fight! Maybe I'll pick some up and try that next time!

[@centralcoastcruiser2084]

Did you really get that rear valve stem back into the rim so easily?

[@retiredwaterdoctor]

New tires are like new babies....need lots of Talc. 😁😁 great video...here in East Canada, they charge 40.00 to mount and balance a tire off bike.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Hahaha 😂. I think that's what it used to be here too!

[@mikerichards3248]

Haven't seen that much powder since I watched Al Pacino in "Scarface"! And put some ice on that knot.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

🤣 Yeah I suppose I had more than enough on the back, didn't I. It's not too bad, only swelled up a little! Haha.

[@doubleone3]

Is that the stock XR650L rear rim that you installed the 130/90-18 on?

[@spacetruckin6555]

You're a beast Ben! No lube?!?! I use windex, when it dries it seems to grab a little bit. Last time I changed the tires on my DRZ, I pinched the rear tube FIVE times. I thought heavy duty tubes couldn't be patched? Is that true?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Haha yeah I thought someone had told me they did it this way and wanted to give it a try. Not the easiest thing, but it worked! Not sure on patches, I've never looked into or tried it.

[@josephthornton8560]

I saw that you and one other affiliate already had these waypoints. I couldn't find ANYTHING on them compared to the d sport until today. RM ATV-MC released a video on them today. It seems that its a higher mileage road tire compared to the D Sport. So odd they market it as an ADV tire but most ADV bikes are not 18 and 21".

[@jimgarcia6317]

I would love to see that tire side by side compared to a Kenda K270?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Interesting, it's been a while since I've had a set but I'll see what I can do.

[@jkmarshall3553]

Nice work!!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thank you!

[@dboutdoors6180]

What are your plans for performance? I have a 23 and did the Dave's mod, 48 tooth rear sprocket, front sprocket upgrade.

[@fernpark8880]

I changed my front tire and I'm currently working on the rear, quick question, does your rear wheel have a rim lock? Mine does but it's fallen apart so just ordered a new one. In your opinion is it necessary or not? I'm new to tire changing.

[@onewetwilly-b1k]

What's the difference between those and the sports?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

These are a little more road oriented, but still a pretty aggressive pattern!

[@jasongoodrich8914]

Is the rear taller than the d sport?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

It is, but just because the rim diameter on the DR is 1" smaller than the XR.

[@jasongoodrich8914]

@@SwankyCatProductions Thanks. I was just trying to see if it was the same height as the 120/90-18.

[@takenotesadv]

So nice

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks

[@sactomoto9108]

They look mean!

[@gregweeks4980]

Ouch to the face. I haven't done that one yet, but I have smashed several fingers. The stands are great. Texas on the prairie

[@VetJeeper]

Tires are never fun.🍻 Now have a beer!🍻

[@SwankyCatProductions]

True! Will do!!!

[@BrianSmith-ql5nj]

Looks like you need 2 more blue pads

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah haha that would help!

[@Bfalco71]

Yamalube tire lubricant on the tire bead before mounting. You can thank me later.

[@davidl546]

I keep forgetting about that.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Maybe I'll give that a shot next time!

[@johndougherty8296]

no bead lock for rear

[@clvrswine]

Bead locks are only for bikes that might have enough torque to actually cause a problem.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Nope. I've never used them.

[@ridenm7748]

Dual sport bikes usually run 15+ psi in the tires so they aren't necessary.

[@ridgetop8161]

Maybe my eyes are fooling me, but that looks like D605 clone. EDIT: Just realized the tread knobs are rotated 90 degrees. Just looks similar.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Mmm yeah I think I can see it. They kind of remind me a little of some of the Motoz tires as well.

[@clvrswine]

These are a 70% dirt / 30% street tire.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yes indeed! Seems like they should hold up to!

[@GregLanz]

Those tires look great, but the sizing seems pretty limited so far. This also reminds me that I need to change the front tire on my theft recovery KLR soon as the meth-heads cut half the tread off

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah idk what the deal is. I had assumed they'd have a second size for the 2 Track tires by now. I suppose it just takes time to get DOT approval and all the other tests and what not. Oh man, that's awful!... and weird. I'm sorry to hear that.

[@daveshanholtzer7056]

Try using a makeup brush

[@timlubbers2884]

Umm, Rabaconda …