Rabaconda vs Constands Motorcycle Tire Changer: IS RABACONDA WORTH THE MONEY???

[@chrissunde1104]

You have done a great service to the motorcycling community; excellent video tutorial.

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@ronducharme2766]

I also mounted my Constands to the wall (I saw a KZbin video on this) and it works great and saves from working on the ground!

[@michaeltait3783]

My father and uncle was single engine pilots in 70s and that heat gun tire trick you did brought back a flood of forgotten memories. Thanks for bringing back that forgotten helpful tidbit to me 😊 Have a 2 motorcycle garage now and the new Burro Verde KlR650 will be going thru rubber quicker than the now antique Valkyrie. Changing my own rubber is now more important.

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

You are welcome, but I usually just put on my tire warmers or set them out in the sun on a warm day. The hair dyer works good in the winter time when the weather is poor. Not everyone has tire warmers, but everyone has a hair dryer.

[@CVMA_Stretch]

Great side by side comparison. I just changed the tires on my bike the old fashioned way; been doing it that way for 20 years and can make quick work of it most of the time. But, like you, I'm getting older and that has a vote.

[@ejnl72]

Great video and many thanks for the hair dryer trick. I've never thought about doing that way. For me, priced locally, 2 sets of tire change at the dealership would pay for the Constand tire changer vs 7 for the Rabaconda.

[@user-ku4yk4ut4z]

Nice comparison ! The reason your tires are slipping when trying to dismount the tire is because of soapy water on breaking the bead....Rabaconda does not use lube to break the bead as it not necessary only lubing the area the duck head sits to remove.... that allows the friction of the rubber to keep the tire from rotating ....ive done a couple dozen tires with my Raba and never had a tire slip on removal or install , thanks for the comparison !

[@duncanidaho84]

Excellent video!!! Just to reinforce one of the tips: HEAT THOSE TIRES UP TO THE MAX U CAN!!! The tires in the video are relatively soft easy to mount sport bike tires. Heat and Lube for sport touring, cruiser, Gold wing tires!!!!

[@richardkoehler9917]

This really cares about the finish on his rim . Great job 👍🏻🇺🇸🙏🏻

[@mariusmuranyi4941]

Thank you for taking the time sir. Great job.

[@grounded7362]

I have a constand and it is a pain to use when changing the tires on my Road King. Looking to invest into the Rabaconda in hopes it will be much less hassle to use and portable for traveling. The tire you mounted is nowhere as stiff as what I run on my bike.

[@jbean530]

I don’t understand how so many people don’t use the rim guards. I used mine, but still shredded the rim. The ones included with those Amazon spoons really fell apart. The laundry detergent container ones worked.

[@thenovalabs]

Very few people comparing street tire changers Ive used rabaconda, no complaints, gonna try olmax

[@SuperSneakySteve]

I've done tires the hard way for years. The Rabaconda is worth the price for me.

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

I hear you! I'm in the camp of cry once when you pay for it instead of crying every time you use it because it is a cheap tool that does not get job done.

[@wernerxldata]

For the bead breaker on the constands I added a rubber u like strip, just glued it on, works like a charm. And there are actually similar tools like it on a stand, makes the position to work a lot nicer, but you will need to mount it on the floor as it rotates quite easily, and it'll take some space as you need to be able to work around it... Love the ratchet style in the Rabaconda for that... For me, I've got a constands right now... works pretty good. If the amount of tyres to mount will grow I'll switch to a complete electrical tyre changer. By the way thanks for pointing me to the bead clamps, brilliant option ! Already had a 'bead buddy' for motocross tyres but it needs spokes to hook after. I ordered me a set of the same ones you used in the video ♥

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

Good idea on adding the rubber protective strip and the bead clamps do help a lot. Thanks for watching the video.

[@maxhoonigan3757]

Iv just received mine in the UK looks good quality compared to the rest 🎉 Once you own it you got it for life. I will get my money back in 2 years iv worked it out 😂

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

I wish I had one 30 years ago as it would have made it a lot easier.

[@LeeEvans-oc4qz]

Hi whats the the custom charges in to the UK please im wanting 1 of these and not sure of charges when purchased.

[@maxhoonigan3757]

@@LeeEvans-oc4qz Mine was 102 pounds but I did buy some over stuff as well nothing really expensive.

[@LeeEvans-oc4qz]

@@maxhoonigan3757 great 👍 thanks.

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

@@LeeEvans-oc4qz Not sure, I'm in the USA and I think it was $60 for shipping to my home.

[@RYwoodview]

Thank you, Mark. Very helpful comparison between 2 effective tire changers.

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

You are welcome!

[@ayowser01]

One of the added benefits to owning a Rabanconda is that the dealership will no longer damage your rims. If you have expensive wheels, they're safe from careless hands.

[@zeus9855]

Liked your tire changer review. Not sure it’s usable on Harley fat boy rims. Checking with them to find out.

[@ernestgerardo6843]

It does work on those wheels and goldwing tires

[@zeus9855]

@@ernestgerardo6843 I contacted Rabaconda they said it couldn’t. It matters not I use a mobile tire changer.

[@MrSlowestD16]

I have a bunch of bikes and I furthermore buy/sell often so one bike doesn't get a bunch of miles & I find myself not changing tires as often as I did when I was younger. But when I do, rolling around on the ground with tire spoons is about the least appetizing thing in the world. Both of these look pretty cool, but that Rabaconda is totally next level. Being able to push downwards on it and with the rubber bill and ratchet is a total game changer, as-is being able to pack it up and stick in the corner until it's needed again. $650 is a lot for not using it often, but that's a serious unit right there. IDK, I'm really really tempted. Does it go on sale at all?

[@stanwerner7484]

Great job, thank you

[@j.t.8759]

Great review. Well done!!!

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@jreberanlc]

You can also warm the tyre using tyre warmers

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

I have tire warmers too with 3 settings so that works great, but most riders probably don't have those so the hair dryer will have to work if it is cold and not sunny outside.

[@williamdrinkard2418]

It looks like neither one of those would work with a Harley Fat Boy solid disc wheel because you couldn't put the pin in to keep the wheel from spinning. Thanks for making this video. I can scratch both of those off my list.

[@mickeymouse4897]

Shame on u for buying a Harley ... joking aside, disc style rims need to be treat like car rims & rims needs to go into a car style tyre machine with 4 rim edge clamps, tyre is a breeze to fit then, just like a regular car tyre.

[@williamdrinkard2418]

@@mickeymouse4897 You're gonna rag on me for buying a Harley when you don't even know how to spell tire? Just kidding! Thanks for the input.

[@RevelationEndTimes-YiG2024YiG]

So I hear the Rabaconda does not work for tubed tires?.

[@jreberanlc]

Great review - thanks

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

Thanks for watching!

[@christian1316]

Awesomeee video!!

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@plap.]

Rabaconda needs to be half the price. $700 is absolutely ridiculous. You can buy a full size, stand up electric tire changer for the same or just a bit more. They are being greedy because you know it doesn't cost anywhere near even half price,$350, to make the thing. Then it will be fair and competitive on the market. They would sell a hell of a lot better and with quantity profit margins will go up as well. Would fit nicely between the cheapos and the expense of an electric. Right now the price doesn't make it competitive in either direction. They want full size shop changer money and won't get it from most people including me. Just being more portable is not a benefit enough to charge what they want. As it happens many inventors are not business men at all, this is a perfect example.

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

It's all about what's worth it to you. Some might think it's overpriced, but others might appreciate the quality and portability.

[@scotthartley5386]

I'll stay with my Nomar tire changer, since i can do the whole job standing up. Just watching these makes my knees hurt.

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

Those are really nice if you have the space for them.

[@pb222221]

Thank you for the review. I cant stomach the cost of the Rabaconda and have been looking for an alternative. The price is great but I saw the dreaded warning ... Does not ship to Hawaii. I can literally have this shipped to the mainland US and fly to pick it up for cheaper than a Rabaconda...

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

Bummer, It took about a month to get the Constands to Atlanta where I live since it is coming from Europe.

[@pb222221]

@@MarkMitchellHomes I was thinking of ordering one and having it delivered to Augusta since I'm going on leave early next month but with 30 day ship time, it wouldn't make it. Thanks for posting the timeframe.

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

@@pb222221 At least 30 days...do not expect 2 day Amazon delivery from these guys. I should have put slow shipping as a con. HA! HA!

[@mygaragerules1990]

Great job on this video! It’s a clear, practical review…super helpful. Thanks!!!

[@RoiaMoto]

solid video! thanks for sharing

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

Thanks for watching!

[@RYwoodview]

Mark, would the Constands compare well to the Rabaconda if used on a table to raise it higher?

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

The Constands would be much better if secured to a table, but it is still not the quality of the Rabaconda and the bead breaker is much better on the Rabaconda.

[@RYwoodview]

@@MarkMitchellHomes Thanks. I think I would do that. Found a YT about the Olmax tyre changer (European) that looks identical to the Constands. Used it on a table, which worked well.

[@RabacondaJenn]

Great job! 👏

[@deep4soul]

would the Constands work on tube type dirt bike tires?

[@이또한_지나가리라-x6w]

Hello! Is it possible for Fatboy Solid Wheels?

[@jreberanlc]

Failure to bed into the drop centre can destroy the bead

[@icecreamsikeyuhasz5689]

Nice video! Question, will either of them handle ATV tires? Predator 500, LTZ400?

[@dittman2564]

I use a Harbor Freight unit for my ATV tires, works great, 50 bucks. Will handle up to a 14" automobile wheel.

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

I think the wheels have to be at least 12 inch wheels or they will be too small for either machine.

[@darkdre2020]

Awesome Video Thanks Bro…

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

You are welcome!

[@RosieAdriano-s5u]

how to buy that..how to order where the store

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

You can just order from Rabaconda and Motea.com for the Constands.

[@thbigshot101]

Where did you buy it from the Motea website doesn't let me order to the USA, or they have some 130 dollar shipping. They jst gave me back my money when tried to order a few says ago. Any way I can grab the condtands? Or do I need a 3rd party to ship it from Eur. to usa? Its looking like the rabaconda maybe worth it so there is no hassle. Also noticed that the EU rabaconda after conversion rate ends up being 100 dollars cheaper

[@RYwoodview]

Both the Rabacondas and the Constands are available on Amazon in the U.S.

[@jammerrcful]

You can't use either tire tool for vintage bikes.the axle stays in the rim.no way to slide rim on tool

[@ronducharme2766]

For heating the tire up I like to just put them in my tire warmers for about 30 minutes or so!

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

I have tire warmers too, but most people don't. Most everyone has a hair dryer though! It amazing the difference a little heat will make when changing the tires.

[@dittman2564]

Which of the tools that you used does NOT come with either unit? The 3 clamps do not I believe, but what about the bead tool? (The long pry bar). I believe you used the same one with both units so I'm assuming it does not come with them either? Do you have any links for getting those clamps and that bead tool?

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

The Rabaconda comes with a very nice pry bar with a plastic cover. The constands does not come with a pry bar. The Rabaconda comes with 2 plastic bead tools. The plastic bead tools you can get on Amazon for about 10 bucks a piece. I would get 3 just in case you have a very difficult stiff tire as usually 2 will do the job.

[@dittman2564]

​Cool, thank you. Any ideas on where to get a similar pry bar? I wonder if rabaconda sells one separately. I ordered the constands months ago and I believe it arrived at my home a few weeks ago, I'm away from home currently. My neighbor picked up the package for me.​@@MarkMitchellHomes

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

@@dittman2564 you can get the bigger pry bars at Harbor Freight for a lot less money than Rabaconda will charge.

[@dittman2564]

I have a harbor freight tire changer that I purchased for my ATV tires, it will do up to 14" automobile wheel/ tire sizes, it has a fairly long bar but no wheel protection on it. Kinda figured the Rabaconda would be pricey, but it looks like a nice one. @@MarkMitchellHomes

[@dittman2564]

@@MarkMitchellHomes made for tire bead with nylon or ? protector on them?

[@spinebreaker4507]

Would be nice if rabaconda tone down the price a bit

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

Agree totally.

[@therdhood]

It takes about 10 tires to justify a Rabaconda. I have 5 scooters and replace about 4 tires per year. This year it was 7. Payback is about two years for me.

[@therdhood]

BTW, for ME: Cyclegear is 30 miles away, $35+ to change a tire. When you figure in 120 miles of driving, gas and 20 cents a mile, the loaded cost to get a tire change is nearly $70. 10 of those is $700!

[@ArcanePath360]

Rabaconda is only worth it if you are changing tires on a weekly basis I'd say

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

I agree with you as it is not cheap, but if you are a track day addict and are constantly flipping rear tires after each track day or at lunch if you are on a 1000cc bike it can pay for itself. If you have a group of friends who ride together pitch in and buy it together. If you buy tires once every 3 years, just let the shop do it. I have the cry once mentality...when you buying quality ($$$) instead of crying every time you use it because it is a cheap tool, but you were able to save money.

[@ArcanePath360]

@@MarkMitchellHomes Agreed. I change about once every 2 years because I get touring tyres for my R1200RT and they last. I'm thinking of just buying some box section, cracking out the welder and making my own copy of the Constands one. It's pretty simple to replicate. I think if they made it for about £100 I'd just buy it, but £150 it's going to be about 6 years before I break even. I can make for about half the retail price and knock it up in a day. The other reason I want to do it myself is the TPS sensor will eventually need a new battery. They don't make batteries for them, you have to replace at huge cost, but there's a hack to cut away all the epoxy and it's just a watch battery inside that can be soldered in.

[@bryantsteele805]

I'm a tight wad. Last time I paid to have tires mounted it was $900 bucks. That was tires at almost 600 for the set tax and shop labor. I ride a different bike now than what I purchased new rubber for but the new bike makes more power. Which means more tire wear more frequently. And the cost of tires is gonna be at or near the same. So even if I only do tires every 2 years it will pay for itself eventually. If I shared it with my ridding buddies it might pay for itself sooner. I'd never charge them but they will kick down something.

[@jreberanlc]

I do track days 5-6 times a year - would love to do more but too much money! I have always changed my own tyres, always used motion pro bead breakers plus two other tyre levers. I use Rin protectors to protect the rims but they are not great. The whole thing is a mission so I think I may go for the constand - I’d love the Rabaconda but cannot justify the cost 😞

[@ayowser01]

Not unless your local bike shops charge $95 for wheels off-bike 😑

[@percussion44]

It looks like neither of those will work dirtbike tires where the axle is less than 20mm. That center pin/shaft won't go thru the hub.

[@NeonLuvBar]

Rabaconda sells a 12 - 18mm spindle for dirt bikes

[@TheDervMan]

The price diffeence between the Rabaconda and Constands is signigicant. Here in the UK I can get 3 Constands for the price of the Rabaconda. Like someone else mentioned I'm not prepared to pay over the top for the Rabaconda, it's hugely over priced.

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

The constands will definitely get the job done. Mount it to the floor or a table to make it better to use.

[@TheDervMan]

​@@MarkMitchellHomes I've bought the Constands and tried it out. Worked really well 😎👌🏻

[@mickeymouse4897]

Constands tools are made of toffee compared to a Rabaconda, yes they're both over priced, Rabaconda is way way overpriced, but it'll do it's job out of the box unlike Constands crap, which is just a total waste of money unless you're willing to modify it ( welding required) it'll drop to bits after a couple of uses. I bought one, it's a pile of shit, badly designed, shit steel, just not fit for purpose, done 4 bike tyres on mine, 2 car tyres, centre spindle thread ripped out after 2nd tyre, lock pin is made wrong, also far too short to be of any use for most wheels, a strap is required or you've no chance dismounting any tyre. Guy on this vlog is using a soft squishy slick race tyre, they're as easy as a mountain bike tyre to fit, plastic spoons will get a slick off & on.

[@TheDervMan]

​@@mickeymouse4897the Constands works brilliantly for me, absolutely not made of butter.

[@PeterR0035]

♥♥♥

[@Gibix2007]

That tire looks like chewing gum. Try them both with a Dunlop Trail brand new one for GS, especially a Constands not firmly fixed and screwed to the ground. Good luck.

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

I put a rear 190/60 Dunlop GPA-PRO new racing tire that was very hard carcass with Constands. The Michelin slick 2 in this video was soft carcass rear tire. The Dunlop I sat on in my Constands video and I put all my 170 lbs on it and it hardly flexed the tire. It was definitely hard carcass and it took more effort, but the Constands did fine. Secret is warming up those tires so they work with you and not against you. I put that one out in the sun for a little while and it went on fine. Cold would have been a different story!

[@pjtoms79]

Bidon vos essais vos pneus sont tellement souples que je peux les monter à la main .perso j'ai tordu le bras de levier.

[@MarkMitchellHomes]

If you can change them by hand with no tools then you the man! The front tire in this video was definitely not soft as it was brand new. Heating the tires make them much easier to work with. I did a dunlop 190 GPA Pro that was very stiff hard carcass older generation race tire with the Constands in another video that did not budge when I sat on it with all my weight. You can change them with tire irons as I did for 25 years, but these tire changing machines just make it much easier and less likely to bust knuckles, talk like a sailor and scratch rims. HA!

[@mickeymouse4897]

I like how you use a squishy slick race tyre to make it an easy dismount, I can dismount race slicks with plastic spoons, they're that easy. 1st error is using lock pin the wrong side of the rim spoke. Try a regular road tyre on that piece of crap equipment, you'll be spitting feathers & filling up the swear box in not time...I speak from experience. (Constands) can be made into a better tool, needs some fabrication & welding & elevating to 45 degrees like the Rabaconda, it then become half decent unlike a useless piece of crap in its current form. Constands tools are a piece of shit ... poorly designed & made, poor quality steel, bead breaker slips easily, no protection for the rim (use rim protectors), wheel rotation locking pin is insufficient, it's poorly made, bottom section is too short, it's just not long enough in general (use a strap) way over priced for what you get. Centre spindle thread rips out after 1 use, needs a longer thread section so it can take a locknut on the bottom end, the whole design is just wrong, it's a mega fight to dismount a tyre. (Rabaconda) is a high quality piece of kit, way over priced tho, all the resellers must be making a hell of a profit, as they're likely assembled in a Chinese sweat shop.

[@markoilic7475]

I use mine for my trackbike, so slicks and spoons it is😂🔥

[@TyStyckify]

I just found a Rabaconda deal for $35 via China!

[@edcarver8557]

I saw the same deal. $46.99 with the balancer.

[@jbean530]

Well, let us know if it’s legit and you get it.

[@TyStyckify]

@@jbean530 It was a scam. They used some BS and wanted me to pay shipping for an item I didn't receive. CC honored full refund - paypal was going to let them get away with the ripoff.