Mounting new tires on the HD Pan America laced rims

[@ironmanbox]

This and your other videos have been massively helpful and have saved me a lot of time and frustration. You present the information very well, and have a natural ability to instruct. Thank you.

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

Thanks!

[@MinnowMoto]

Great video. I really appreciate you showing us all the steps. The production value on this one is top notch!.

[@VVoltz]

This channel needs like 10 to 20K more subs. Quality stuff for sure

[@gertklay]

I totally agree!!!

[@14sgs]

Smart enough to do the job and kind enough to show others the method. Thank you!

[@johnwoodworth329]

Your videos on the Pan America are among the best, if not the best, on KZbin. Very complete, well filmed, no nonsense description of what you are doing. I got 4 bikes in my garage and I would have to take out a loan if I replaced tires on all of them in one year. As it is I've replaced the tires on two this year and that took a bit of scrounging.

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

It doesn't usually line up that so many of my bikes need tires in one season, but just happened to this year. The tires on the Road King lasted 4 years, and the XT250 only needed tires because I switched it from full knobbies to a 50/50 tire.

[@paulwojnar2291]

Totally in agreement with you John. Mike has one of the best and informative videos. Thank you Mike

[@canyoudigit3709]

Very good video. Just what I was looking for. Thanks 😎

[@rustyragsdale2691]

Thorough, professional, no BS, much appreciated! New to your site but already see the value in your presentation. Thank you!

[@GerhardGiller]

Mike, i really love the way how you do that all!

[@harleyrider883]

Excellent video -- thanks! Used it to guide me through my first ever motor vehicle tire change (first and only previous practice was with screwdrivers and bicycle tires as a 10 year old!). Your video gave me everything I needed and was really helpful. Thanks!

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

Awesome, glad it helped.

[@HagsRideOrDie]

I've been changing tires with a set of $20 Napa pry-bars for 40 years until I finally got nice motorcycles. Now I let the dealership do them but I like this tire changer rig, I might just get one.

[@nevillegreg1]

Fantastic. Another easy to follow and well explained.

[@michaelvadney5803]

Very nice, thanks. You even mentioned the colored dot on most tires to line up with the valve stem!

[@hughmac7423]

Fantastic demonstration video Mike.

[@steveo634]

I can relate to everything you do, I have the same Promar tire changer. My Springer 08' has a 200 rear that gets a bit tricky trying to keep the tire in the lower chamber of the rim when changing. I even have the same propane heater lolol 😅, anyway glad I came across your vids

[@bfheng]

Another great video Mike! I like the step by step process!

[@BGPD70]

Another great video Mike, thanks for the info. Fixing to change mine at 5400 miles, back tire from to much pressure at the right hand and front from uneven wear I think from heat taking psi to high.

[@LAHAL1]

fantastic video, thanks for being so detailed. keep up the great videos

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Great job Mike.

[@coreyyancey9272]

Great video! Extremely helpful! Thank you

[@depthsounderdave]

The axle measurement for alignment is super crucial for chain noise and wear. I had my bike serviced at a dealer and they were off by 1/32". It made the chain very noisy and ate away at my rear tire. The dealership claimed it was "in spec", but the service manual doesn't give an acceptable limit, just says make the measurements "equal". The 1/32" number they referred to I think came from the belt drive spec.

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

To me, “equal” means no measurable difference. If you can measure a difference of 1/32in, then that is not equal.

[@johnmyers8588]

Awesome video, sir. Appreciate the detail!

[@manzamotovlog]

Very nice video!!! Professional explications! Tks!!!

[@PanAmericaFritz]

Thanks for the info!

[@zareengazi3206]

Hi, I like all your video on Pan America as I am riding one myself. :)

[@zareengazi3206]

Would be great if you can have a video on changing brake pads and bleeding brake oil too.

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

when I'm due for new brake pads I'll defiantly cover that in a video. Unfortunately this bike needs the dealer to do the brake fluid flush due to the ABS.

[@zareengazi3206]

Hi Mike, just curious, what happen to the ABS if we do the brake fluid bleed by ourselves? Would it affect the engine transmission? Any idea?

[@zareengazi3206]

Recently i had clutch slippage after changing the front brake pads. Not sure if that's the cause of it.

[@ByronRutland-g4n]

A other great video. Thanks for all you do. Is it possible for you to draw a schematic of the plate you made to place between your lift and the underside of the bike, or perhaps market the complete insert? We recently purchased a '23 Pan America and would like to do as much as we can for maintenance. We have a PitBull lift but have yet to try and lift the bike. Thanks again for all you do.

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

the easiest way is to use your stock skid plate as a template for where the mounting holes need to be. But I don't use my frame style lift on the Pan America much anymore, I now use a scissor style lift. I'll add that to the list of things to make a video of.

[@Terry_McKay]

Hi Mike, First, thank you for all the informative Pan Am videos. I was curious if you had a video of your Clearwater lighting installation? Thanks again!

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

Sorry, I did not get any video or pics when I installed the lights. Next time I have the bike apart for service I may be able to get some shots of how I installed them.

[@Terry_McKay]

@@MikesMotorbikeChannel thank you sir! Thank you for doing these videos with the Pan Am. It's helped me tremendously and I'm sure it's helped others as well.

[@rickeyvarga5432]

Another great tutorial Mike, thanks! Quick question, how do you like the balancing beads, any issues?

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

only issue is the cost. They cost a good bit more than weights. But easier for DIY if you are not skilled in balancing with weights.

[@rickeyvarga5432]

@@MikesMotorbikeChannel …good to know …Ty!

[@patrickhigginbottom1319]

Hey Mike thanks for the walkthrough. Any advice for lifting the bike without the jig you made? I have a harbor freight atv motorcycle lift and now that the skid plate is off I’m not sure where to position the lift without damaging the bike. Thanks!

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

if you watch my 5K service video, part 2 I think, you will see how I used my lift with just a board under the motor with the skid plate off.. However, it was very wobbly, even after I strapped it down, which is why I made the metal jig. I need to make another metal jig at some point as the center of gravity on the bike is very rearward. Centering the jack with the center of the engine still only lifts the front of the bike and lets the rear hang down a bit. Using a board should work, just make sure you use plenty of straps to secure the bike and I would recommend a spotter to help as you lift it up and until you get it fully secured.

[@BGPD70]

Mike how have the balancing beads worked out in your pan america? Has it affected tire pressure sensors readings?

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

I've used them in other bikes with no issues... 2K miles on my tires so far since this video, no issues with the pressure sensors. I use Counter Act beads, which advertise that they are fully compatible with tire pressure sensors.

[@BGPD70]

@@MikesMotorbikeChannel nice! Thank's for the update.

[@Glitched-PanAmerica]

Good morning, absolutely great content! The best how to’s out there.. I was wondering if you have ever came across the usual issues people are having ? Like the battery issues, starting issues, software issues or just any issues at all? Lol. How did you Address those issues if any? Thanks in advance .

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

a couple issues, working with my dealer now to sort them out. I'll be making a video soon to go over the issues I've experienced and what the resolutions have been.

[@Glitched-PanAmerica]

@@MikesMotorbikeChannel thanks for the quick reply and I know I’m it the only one looking forward to a new video from you. I purchased one two weeks ago , put 800 miles on it ! It’s at the dealership with a check engine light . So looking for as much information to share with the dealership .. lol .. anyhow it’s one of the best motorcycle I’ve ridden so ima going to have some faith ..

[@richardcole1280]

I see so many people loosen the adjusters to get the chain off, it’s totally unnecessary and makes you have to do a full new alignment every time. Instead: 1. Take off axel nut 2. Take out the axel 3. Push the wheel forward 4. Now you have chain slack!!! 5. Take chain off. Now you won’t have to mess with the adjustment.

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

Good tip.

[@gregschroeder6574]

I'm interested in bracket you made for your jack. What are the dimensions?

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

rather than sharing exact dimensions, let me share the steps I used to make it and some lessons learned as I could certainly do better and may make a new one some day. 1 - I started by using 4" wide, 12" long strips of 1/4" plate steel. Use the skid plate as a template to drill holes in each so that it mounts to the skid plate mounting holes on the engine. 2 - mount the plates, I used 1/2" aluminum spacers to have the plates low enough to clear the exhaust. You will need longer bolts. I forget the exact pitch, but they are metric. I just took the stock ones into the hardware store to find ones that were the same thread pitch but about 1/2" longer. 3- with the plates mounted under the engine, use 1" square tubing across the bottom of the plates, positioned so that your motorcycle jack will lift on the tubing. I used some c-clamps to hold them in position until welding. 4 - I tried to add a cut out for the side stand, so that I could extend the side stand while lifting, lowering the bike with the handle of my jack on the right / brake side of the bike. I did not leave enough room for this.. should have tested before welding! That's why in the vid I on the left / clutch side of the bike so I can hold the bike up until I get the jack out of the way, and then lower the side stand. 5 - the Pan America it's center of gravity more towards the rear of the bike compared to my Road King. With my jack centered under the engine of the Road King, I can pretty much lift the bike up evenly. On the Pan America, the bike will tilt and lean to the rear. I need to use longer square tubing so I can get my jack more rear-ward to be able to lift the bike more evenly. Hope that helps... and easier way would have been to just buy a 3/4" thick piece of 12" by 16" aluminum plate and make something very similar to what the dealers have for this engine but I was too cheap for that, had some scrap pieces of steel already from other welding projects :D.

[@gregschroeder6574]

@@MikesMotorbikeChannel Thank you so much! I have learned a ton from you!

[@harleyrider883]

Question: wondering if you've ever done this and found your ABS/Traction control codes came up. If so, would be interested in hearing what approach you took. Not asking for advice, just experience! Thanks!

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

No codes, no issues.

[@harleyrider883]

Update: In case this is ever useful ... not sure how I did it, but I somehow got the sides mixed up and installed the front wheel in the opposite direction of how it was supposed to go. I had tied a string to the correct side, I thought, but clearly got it wrong. All good now!

[@johnmurphy7331]

Mike great videos. Question? Do you sale that plate you made to jack the front up?

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

No, it's just something I made with some left over materials I had. But if you are looking for an easy method to just get the front wheel off the ground, I'll have another video out next week with a quick tip for that.

[@johnmurphy7331]

@@MikesMotorbikeChannel perfect Thanks mike

[@nevillegreg1]

Should you use Locktite or Antiseaze (not sure which one, if any) on the brake caliper bolts?

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

service manual does not call for anything to be applied to the brake caliper bolts.

[@nevillegreg1]

Thank you. I would nonetheless put a thin smeer of grease on the caliper bolts just to mitigate any corrosion.

[@paulsachse5267]

I was unaware of balancing beads. Do they work well?

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

they are more expensive per tire change / balance compared to weights, but easier for DIY. I use them in all 3 of my motorcycles and have not had any issues.

[@paulsachse5267]

Thank you. @@MikesMotorbikeChannel

[@tvd1188]

Is there a video that explains that under bike mount you have to lift the front end? And why'd you go with the tires instead of the stockers?

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

No more details on the lifting plate, but I need to make a new one someday that balances the center of gravity of the bike better. When I do that I may film it and provide more details. As for the tires, the Anakee Adventures and stock tires are nearly identical, with the exception of a slightly different tread pattern.. but they are much less expensive since they are available from just about any parts retailer. I got mine from Revzilla.

[@richardklovstad151]

The torque spec. for the skid plate (engine guard screws) is 18-22 ft. lbs. not 14-18.

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

Where are you seeing that?

[@AdventuresonZero]

For some reason, my left fork is out of alignment/rotation. I cannot get the left caliper mounted, as the bolt holes are offset by about 3mm, no idea how that happened.

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

Both bolt holes off by 3mm? That’s odd.

[@AdventuresonZero]

@@MikesMotorbikeChannel yeah not sure what’s up, perhaps the fork was rotated off when I installed the axle

[@fragglerock15]

Why does the rear axle get anti-seize, but the front does not.

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

Good question, service manual doesn't really give a reason why, just states to only put it on the right wheel bearing bore.

[@Robert509Marquez]

How many miles did you get out of the original tires ?

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

I changed them at just over 8k miles. Probably could have gone a bit more but I usually change all my tires a bit early to play it safe.

[@Robert509Marquez]

@@MikesMotorbikeChannel thanks for the reply! Have you tried the knobbies?

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

@@Robert509Marquez not yet, since I’m on pavement 80 to 90 percent of the time, and the dirt / gravel I do travel on tends to be pretty mild. I’d like to take an ADV riding course either later this year or next. I may swap to a more aggressive tire for that.

[@Robert509Marquez]

@@MikesMotorbikeChannel either way I’m sure we all appreciate the info you’re putting out there! I know I do!

[@paulwojnar2291]

Mudcat should have watched your Video before changing his front tire.

[@scootjockey]

Mine are knackerd at 8,000 km ? mmmm

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

That just means you ride hard! Enjoy.

[@timothywhieldon1971]

NAH BRO, small spoons from amazon on the floor on a blanket with soapy water and a cheap balancer like you have.. ...

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

Used to do my tires with spoons. Getting too old for that now. 😀

[@timothywhieldon1971]

@@MikesMotorbikeChannel imo ITS FASTER AND EASIER and i have a bad back and im "old"

[@cbgunworks7891]

Unnecessary to loos the calipers!

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

No, not really. But I find it easier than trying to mount the wheel and line the discs back up at the same time.

[@cbgunworks7891]

Well....I'm in the garage changing tyres right now ....don't find anything that makes it harder....just pop the wheel out and pop it back

[@HollowPointNine]

@@cbgunworks7891 the bracket holding the calipers tends to slide out of its groove without the axel supporting it so taking the caliper off makes no sense when the entire bracket is coming out anyway. I found that having the caliper and bracket together made it easier to get it all lined up again when reassembling. I also didn’t agree with the way he puts the chain on. Notice the quick cut out in the video? I put the chain over the sprocket and then put the board beneath the wheel then spacer, then axel. No risk of kinking the chain.

[@joeholden6129]

Your video is broken

[@joeholden6129]

Whoops, works now excellent video!