Motorcycle Tire Change & Balance - DIY

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A video created by Kirk's Motorrad Shop. Please work at your own risk. We are not responsible for any damage you do.

[@tonyishee3782]

My Yamaha dealer dealer here in Laurel MS just went up from $50 to $100 per tire. Quoted me $215 and I would have to leave the bike and they would work it in when they could. Punishment for not buying the tires from them. The same dealer quoted me almost $500 for the same set of tires I ordered and had shipped to me for $270. I'm buying the tire changer and doing it myself. Great video made up my mind for me.

[@bmfilmnut]

Well done fellow Illinois rider! Just one remark and a couple positive comments: 1) You don't need to make a stand for your Marc Parnes balancer which, by the way is an excellent balancer (I use one myself). You can just use jack stands. A set of two jackstands that almost everyone who does any work on their vehicles has them and they can be set to the same height and they work just as wll as ready-made stands for balancers. Also, it's not really that critical tha they are absolutely at the same level but they will be. Think about it: Even if they were not at equal height, the heavy side of the wheel will still rotate to the bottom. But jackstands are at the same height so that's not an issue anyway. Since you surely already have jackstands, you can safe space and get rid of that wooden stand. Jackstands work perfectly. Comments: I like that you, unlike so many other people on YT showing how they balance wheels do not permanently duct tape the weights to the wheel. That's ridiculous but so many people actually do it. I think that myth may have started because wheel weights will often fall off easily for the first minutes after they are applied and before the adhesive sets up. So it is a good idea to tape them on if they won't stick right away but the tape should not be left on as some people do. If someone has to leave them permanently duct taped to the wheel, they didn't install them correctly and the most common mistake is to not clean the wheel properly. Denatured or rubbing alchol always works fine and with some wheels lacquer thinner is good. But the wheel has to be cleaned carefully for the wheel weights to stick. I also like that you split the weights, having them on each side of the wheel. That's always a good idea and a fine point. It makes for better lateral balancing. That's another thing that you did that so many other people don't do. Thanks for posting this. Very well done! BTW, I don't ride a BMW. I ride a monstrous (2300 CC) Triumph Rocket III Touring. I love the beast! When I park it next to a HD, the HD suddenly appears to shrink! :-)

[@nathanb6976]

The more I watch these types of videos the more I like taking my tires down to the local shop

[@steven.h0629]

IF you can find a local shop that mounts darkside.. else your on your own :-)

[@MrSlowestD16]

Try doing it yourself next time, then you'll REALLY enjoy taking tires down to your local shop. You forget how painful it is to change them yourself in-between times, and then after you change them you're like "I'm fucking taking the wheels to a shop next time."

[@jimgolden9666]

I know this video is older, but I think it's really good! Thanks for making it.

[@BJ0BHAX]

This an old video but one of the better ones. Hope your well.

[@rooster3019]

I am sure others have told you the weights are mostly zinc or steel now days. You can make your job even easier if you change your "Yellow Thing" technique. Next time, after setting your mount bar, slide the Yellow thing in the opposite direction as far as you can by hand, about 90 degrees with stiff tire or more with flexible tire. Then press the top sidewall down by hand in-between the Yellow Thing and mount bar.. Then pull/push the mount tool away from the yellow tool with hip and hands. You will not need the clamp. Preston Drake has pre-made HDPE clamp modification parts for sale and his mount tool (MoJo Lever) is even better for tough MjC tires. If you stand counter clockwise as far as you can against the back upper support and place the main beam of the mount tool against your hip, that gives you a good attack position. Good job!

[@rocklandkcorvic9408]

I apreciate that took the time to make this video , I will ldefinately be getting the nomar .

[@gregoday8449]

I have been using a HF tire changer for years. A couple thing to modify is when braking the bead. Where the rim sets on the frame and you don't need to use a piece of wood like you did is glue a piece rubber cut from a used tire to it. And also you can get rim protector's and glue one that is cut down to the size of the blade and glue it on. Tire lube is your friend to get tires off and on! Great video!

[@kevinwarren369]

Enjoyed the video, very informative. Thanks for taking the time to put it together.

[@oldrider816]

Good video; thanks for taking the time.

[@charliegolmon5430]

Great video. I've always done them by hand but now I have just purchased the car tire changer and the motorcycle tire adapter. I am almost due for the tire change so I will soon see how well these things work. I have spoke wheels so I will have to be a bit more careful in regards to keeping the wheel from moving. Again.....thanks so much!

[@JayDAnderson]

Good video. Great info. You forgot the manufacture marked dot for the "light point" of the tire and aligning that with the tire stem and tire pressure sensor (if equipped). This will reduce the amount of balance weight required to get a perfect blance on the tire. Also, maybe not important unless you maybe do a lot of high-speed distance riding but you can get motorcycle wheels dynamically balanced (spin balanced). I think a good idea from front wheels as it can reduce vibration and provide a more stable overall ride. Also when static balancing and you have two weights to place you can put one on each side of the wheel direcly opposite each other.

[@Umbazooksus1]

Thanks for taking the time to make the video.

[@frankhughes7135]

Brilliant great demonstration

[@lenjames]

love the tree hugger comment as I'm looking at all the dead trees in the shop.lol great vid 8 years later.

[@Atouk]

I mounted mine on a pallet and it works beautifully. It's also portable that way.

[@zthang]

12:29 turns red in the face from trying then says "just that easy" lmao.

[@tomduncan1970]

Nicely done. Thank You!

[@MasterGamer1980]

you're using it wrong. Bar goes through the middle into the tire and the center post is used as leverage and you spin towards it. That way, you are able to make a full rotation and not have to yank the tire off or fight to get the post back in to spin it more than 100 degrees

[@snakeeyes4life]

Ah the old blame the assistant trick huh?

[@wlaukaitis]

Whiny

[@bobbrown2003]

@@roymartin8157 You can hear "Peter" at 19:51

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

Balancing that tire vertically was awesome ... you learn something new everyday. GOOD JOB man

[@leroyamir4361]

you all probably dont give a shit but does any of you know of a trick to log back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly forgot the account password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me.

[@maddoxmaurice9410]

@Leroy Amir Instablaster :)

[@leroyamir4361]

@Maddox Maurice thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm trying it out atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@leroyamir4361]

@Maddox Maurice it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thank you so much, you saved my account!

[@maddoxmaurice9410]

@Leroy Amir glad I could help :)

[@boblewis5414]

When I modified my HF changer I used the No Mar spools that they use on the screw clamps. , I mounted them to a plate that mounted to the HF clamp. Three units for the 3 clamp points , The bar is great, I want to lower the lower base unit so it will match the height of the No Mar wheel clamp, so the attack angel is lower. The Yellow tool is great also, all the no mar components are life time warranty , I have exchanged 3 dismoint tips that other techs bent by improper use.

[@BAHRAMCR]

Great video. Thanks

[@nonaubiz8939]

When you said send me money we need funds, I thought you were kidding until I saw the disclaimer at the end and realized that you are probably a lawyer. I thought of that day last week that was so cold that I saw a lawyer with his hands in his OWN pockets. I saw that this video was something about BMW riders and couldn't help but wonder if a tire is somehow changed different than on my 10 year old Kawasaki that I ride year round in all types of weather. Maybe the other BMW riders with enough cash to pay for initials, like HD riders do, will contribute to your funds, but I will give you a thumbs up even though you sound like you are the type to blame everyone but yourself for tiny accidents.

[@fpreston9527]

While your fucking about with that tyre machine, you be 10 miles down the road already. I like the bead breaker set up

[@hangemhigh2000]

I learned to expect that with the hired help. I'm no expert, but I thought the valve stem was out. They have a "let the air out of your tires" College course I believe now you might want to check into. I think the fee is only $250.000:)

[@marvinwiens2774]

I have used a Snap On wheel balancer for 50 years. It includes a marker to divide the tire in 3 segments. Heavy end down place weight at 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions. Spreading the segments wider or narrower to fine tune the balance. Over 1 1/2 out place weights on each side of the rim. 3 have spots is smoother than 2.

[@VsixtyFive]

You need to dock peter's pay, or just steel from Peter to pay Paul! Thanks for the video.

[@jenny8218]

excellent video. thanks

[@twmcmahan]

Just picked up the Tire Changer and Motorcycle Adapter today - I was shocked they had it. I'd planned on using spoons and 2x4's. If it goes half as smoothly for me as it did for you, I'll consider it worth every penny.

[@jmiddle818]

Thanks for sharing. You looked liked were struggling a little bit with tire removal. You should watch the no mar video. There removal and installation techniques look effortless. The soapy water for removal and no mar tire lube for installation are a must. But lube should be used sparingly especially on the rear wheel so you don't spin the tire on the wheel while it's on the bike.

[@al3xuk]

Can you show how you balanced the rear tyre as ever does the front on single swing arm bikes

[@kickbut101]

You had one job peter

[@Dclovescl]

that big yellow thing is actually called a drop center tool. used to keep the bead of the tire on the bead of the rim for extra assistance. without that a lot of times where you first started mounting the tire the bead will pop back off.

[@JohnG11000]

Hello i have watched a few of your videos with great satisfaction,now then you have to dump the harbour freight changer and get the NO Mar which is far better, i had mine shipped to England in 2007 at great expense well worth the money. however i do like your tyre pincher, thanks for sharing.

[@chrisfriedrich5947]

Use a dishsoap/water mix as a lubricant. It reduces the effort it takes a lot. Also, try wrapping your tire & rim in an electric blanket for about 30 minutes on it's highest heat setting (or use tire warmers if you have them). Warm tires are way easier to work with.

[@MrAlittle5150]

+Chris Friedrich Wow great tip, I'm going to have to try that. Thanks

[@hillie47]

Or just borrow the wife's hairdryer. Lay it in the tire for 15 minutes and it'll warm it up nicely. Just don't tell her.

[@TechnMoto]

like an episode from comedy channel but seriously good info thanks for sharing

[@lhucke1355]

I hate my harbor freight, wheels get destroyed from slipping over time. Little other tip that helped was I removed the arm that holds the bar through the axle. Instead I put in a different bar and use one of the black knobs to hold the bar still so you still have a pivot point.

[@Honda1k]

Can you please give me any additional information on the plastic stock

[@vellotrol]

9:11 a little Pledge or soap water there helps a lot bud. :)

[@viktorantoniocardenas2017]

por favor me podria regalar las medidas de la palanca de sacar la pestaña, la quiero fabricar gracias

[@shawoo]

Wouldn't we want to take the stickers off the tire before balancing? Assuming that would throw things off

[@Tj1056]

is there a reason why you are not using the leverage bar that comes with it that slides where the axle goes?

[@univegaalpina896]

Hello. Excellent Video. One question. Have modified the plastic ends of the red bar? Or is it original? All offers that I have seen before have the red steel bar without plastic protection. Thank you very much and greetings from Germany

[@kirksmotorrad]

use a no mar bar

[@ninerwill9970]

Walk my new tires and wheels in to honda... $64.00 and 30 mins later... done. I'll just stick a $1.23 a week in an envelope year round and that will cover the labor cost at the dealer for my yearly tire purchase.. :-) But.. I admire your spunk and disregard for your clothing..

[@mariogauthier1957]

nice job i have same machine tire

[@zaks9919]

Ya , I've got the bike tire attachment ., it was cheap & wobbly ., & I had to make similar blocks to grab the rim . The dismount handle can be used if taped up ., but the remount head looks like it was copy cast from a badly worn example of an automotive unit. .With a little grinding & tape it works ( unless you are going into business ).. Good video ., you had the balls to show it's not that easy ., & still not put serious folds in the tire other guys did.. I once flattened a car steel belted tire, & inside it stayed creased , later to come apart! If you are doing just one or 2 tire changes on a bike the attachment to the standard harbor freight tire changer may not be worth the effort saved ..

[@smileyrod11]

can you make the plastic cap for me let me know what the part number on your tire changer

[@JamesRoe70]

I did laugh a lot.. ty for your time...

[@RichardT2112]

“My assistant is a lying bastard!” 😂

[@vecino54]

i blame my assistant all the time nice video thanks

[@skennedy1023]

Do you know of a website where we can find the plastic you got from the woodworker shop? I can not find any near me. Excellent video, very useful.

[@beemerfrog]

Thanks, glad you liked it. If you want I can make you a pair just like the ones I used in the video. Just shoot me a message to discuss the details.

[@kingofpayne1000]

Hello, thanks for the video! Where do you get that plastic for making the rim protectors? We have no woodworking stores in our town. Plastic suppliers seem to only sell in 48" sheets.

[@SuperBardley]

Look up Delrin from TAP Plastics or Ebay. You might also find a marine product called Starboard that might work, but Delrin is truly the proper material.

[@gabe321]

Where did you get the motorcycle tire adapter? I don't think harbor freight sells it anymore.

[@203patrick08]

Love jelly?! Peter, you’re in trouble. Run Peter! Run!

[@emmettturner9452]

You never mentioned that the center pole has to be changed because the one from HF doesn’t fit through normal motorcycle tires (like, doesn’t fit pretty much any of them).

[@robertbuehler4619]

I would like to see him work a 180 or larger 16/60 on something. It did not work like it should have. Things needed to be much heavier duty in my opinion. I think I might have damaged my bar end. Not looking forward to the one sitting out there that needs to be changed

[@bobbishop9339]

This a bit late but, 1) I use WD40 for tire lube. 2) Lube both sides of the bead after you break them loose. This will keep the bottom side from resticking to the rim. 3) Your problem mounting the tire is the bead not getting in the center of the rim. A simple push down on that side will fix this, no clamps needed. 4) Bolt the machine to the floor. Home depot carries the inserts to do this.. All else looks good. BTW I have never had the rim spin while in the tire machine, so I have never tied the wheel to the machine. Thats my 2cents worth.....

[@MrTSH3468]

Peter!

[@Pendragon501]

I just use balance beads. Easily the smoothest ride I've ever had.

[@jubiletabustamanteserrano2446]

PERFECTO

[@jawarider2243]

use a vise and big zip ties and it will be much easier.. No need for a "tire changer". Replaced my front tire on my bike yesterday. 50 minutes from the wheel with the old tire got of the bike, to the wheel got on the bike with a new tire fitted and balanced. Just with zip ties, two wood blocks, side cutters, grease, a vise and tools to take the wheel of the bike.

[@CamTheNomad]

When balancing a tire you can lightly press on the tire as it rotates to speed the process up. Dont press so hard to keep it from spinning but just lightly so it doesnt swing back and forth. This is purely out of helping cut time out of the balancing process.

[@MrBigmike7118]

Instead of mounting the plastic to the tire changer and tossing the bar you can spray them with a rubberized spray, like flex seal.

[@hillie47]

Make sure it's better than something like plastidip, because you'll rub that off with a bit of force.

[@newwavepressure6478]

Im about to replace both my tires on my Harley but i noticed that i dont have wheel weights on them so how r they balanced when u buy a new bike cuz there my original tires

[@snowcatxx87]

JT 1200 probably never balanced and why most Harley riders have to “lay er down.”

[@justintheguy6607]

Great video of how it *SHOULD* be done, but frankly I can change a front and rear set with a pair of 10" no-mar spoons by hand in the same time it took you to dismount and mount 1 tire. Just seems like the setup takes way too much time and when its paid time, the less time it takes me, the more I make. I balance them the same way. Good, informative video tho.

[@johnh1001]

Would it make a difference if you stick the weights on one side or the other ? Or would you place half on each side so as not to create a side to side out of balance condition ?

[@14wntr]

It would not make a noticeable difference to have it on one side.

[@marks146]

You're the pilot. You fly the plain.

[@vileric]

I find just a hint of lube and a set tire irons far easier and faster than harbor freight. Old axle does quite well coated with graphite for balancing. Thena gain, I'm cheap lol

[@42pyroboy]

oh shit!! im glad that tire didnt go with the air left in it

[@jhijhopc5337]

esta muy bueno pero amigo me puedes colaborar en donde consigo uno para colombia grasias

[@jddarden7768]

Great video. Where did you get the plastic block. Can' t seem to find it on the web.

[@beemerfrog]

Hey JD, I made the blocks myself. If you want I can make you a pair, just shoot me a message to discus. Thanks. Doug

[@jddarden7768]

I was trying to find out where you bought the plastic so I could make some. Great idea. How did you fasten them to the machine?

[@beemerfrog]

JD Darden It was a few years ago, I bought it in bulk from a woodworking supply house... but I don't recall which one. Sorry. They are attached with recessed bolts into the support arms.

[@jddarden7768]

Thanks. I think I found some on ebay, if UHMW plastic is the same thing.

[@av8dr]

Very nice but man that's a lot of work!

[@brandonrogers1427]

Do you have a link to the Nomar pry bar? Looks great.

[@kirksmotorrad]

www.nomartirechanger.com/

[@j.johannsen1826]

Where or what company did you get the plastic from to make the rim holder?

[@j.johannsen1826]

Just read the other posts

[@nicholaschrysostomou491]

Good

[@msblack2424]

YOU HAVE THE MOUNT LEVER ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE CENTER POST ,THEN IT WILL GO SMOOTH .( READ YOUR MANUEL OR WATCH A VIDIO FROM KZbin FROM SOMEONE THAT KNOWS WHAT THERE DOING.

[@gt150glas]

OUCH !!!!! How about a little lubrication?

[@CulturaJaliscoMexico]

No-Mar has an instructional video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGmTdGqberSsg7s). The method described is to pull on the de-mounting bar when removing the tire; push on the bar when mounting it. A second video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHPQeIyIpNWFqtE.

[@MrStingray186]

Valve stem removal is the first thing ... first tire change huh?

[@leatt4693]

So your criticizing the company that makes the tool but yet you don't even remove the valve stem from the tire before trying to break the bead????

[@59vaughn]

😳😉😝sounds like the ass-instant didnt lube the screwthread either....either....🙄😆...thanks guys great work...no respect...😂you can always use the hatchet.....thanks for the funds...I used it for plasticoat paint on my tank I had to replace...😬😉

[@markwood5477]

Not u that ain't smooth , it's the machine .my brotha

[@CupidFromKentucky]

Where do you buy the bar you used?

[@kirksmotorrad]

No-mar

[@stwhite5135]

That mount/demount bar is $125.00. Sort of defeats the purpose of an economically priced tire changer doesn't it?

[@azrider3659]

St White depends on how many tires you change!

[@SuperBardley]

If you take the wheels off and cart them in to a shop, it will cost $30/wheel for them to do it for you. If you cannot somehow suspend your bike without the wheels on it, then you'll need to ride it in and have the shop remove the wheels: ~$65/wheel. In either case, the rubber will last about 10K miles, so do the math. For me, riding >20K mi./year, the cost alone is much better to do myself, and then there's the travel and waiting around time at the shop....

[@andycapp8843]

Economics not your best subject at college I guess?

[@alangraddock4199]

Great video but I take my tyres off with tyre levers and if I'm honest it's easier than you made that look! 😎 I balance my wheels the same way though its a lot easier than people think!

[@nozmoking1]

I guess the machine makes a difference between impossible and do-able but it's a bit like busting up a brick with a toothpick...

[@loopsprice3128]

Im way to lazy for this sorta work... $30 bucks and I drop it off go have a beer and pick it up in about a hour. (lunch time) I then take it home put it on and I ride... Or spend $100 buck mess with that thing for a week to get it all right and then go ride... I think $30 bucks sounds like a good deal at this time.... Pass a beer I'll keep watching you mess with that tire.... Oops we're out of beer and my tire is done now.... Until Next year.. I like your video, It reminds me not to sweat...

[@ThomasBui02721]

In my area, It's $90 per tire... I called many different shops including small local shops.

[@itethe]

Lankster Price dealer just quoted me $50 for front and $65 for rear. This is without tax.

[@00K1200LT]

Lankster Price Just picked up both parts to do motorcycle tires and tried to bust the bead on a car tire and the arm bent on the first tire... wow, took some pliers and fixed it and after about an hour I got it broke and the tire off.. I see Im going to have to pull out my welder and fix this tire changer.. Most of the videos are true. Your going to have to mod it as its very weak.

[@1995dresser]

Yeah that sounds Great But. about 8yrs ago I dropped off two new tires at a local Harley Dealer and both rims that had the original tires on them . so after $80 dollars for mount and Balance I got back a set of rims that were scratched up pretty bad in some spots. I could not understand how someone could charge an hour and a half time and use a Machine just for bike tires and screw them up ?? so I bought the HF tire changer and changed the tires on my other bikes and guess what I did a thousand times better job then they did. I asked the guy at the dealership how is it that the guy at the Harley Factory can mount and Balance over 100 tires in a shift and not screw them up using the same tire machine that the dealership has ???????????????

[@alphatonic]

Your boyfriend is a lucky man

[@user-wn7tm3tn8z]

Класс! 👍👍👍

[@idrift314]

Why wouldn’t you leave the core out during the whole process? Lol

[@jaredmatthews5626]

Where can I buy that tyre lever?

[@kirksmotorrad]

no mar .com

[@jimmylang8039]

My assistant is a lying bastard 😂

[@Atouk]

You didn't even keep the tire dots in the correct location.

[@jeanbelmont313]

Fire your assistant LOL......Blame the wife in the next video

[@davidd1395]

Wee bit easier to brake the bead once the air is out, eh?

[@revbikerbigd8664]

Take tire labels off before balance!

[@aarsenalfan]

Why is he dressed up like he's going to church lol

[@skennedy1023]

I sent a message to your google plus. I would definitely be interested in that

[@1natedoggy]

First you need to wear the correct clothing to do any mechanical job. You do not wear sandals and shorts to work on anything in the garage. Also you should never buy anything that would take the advantage out of saving money to DIY anything. I can do this very job very easy with a couple pry bars and a bottle jack to break the beads. Windex on the tire beads and your good to go for cheap cost. A good video to show you what not to buy and how not to change the tires you have. Also why blame a ghost assistant when you know your the only one there doing the job.

[@onevote5032]

If you’re using the client brought up against the room that kind of defeats the purpose