Tusk vs Rabaconda | Battle of the Tire Changers!

You can spend a lot and get arguably the best dirt bike tire changer in the Rabaconda! BUT. . . is it possible to get something just as good for 1/4th the price?
I put the 80.00 Tusk portable tire changing stand / bead breaker against the 375.00 Rabaconda!
Thanks to My Patreons
Become a rockstar Patreon at
/ joerockstar
Get that KTM running right!
www.ktmandhusky.com/
Join AMRA and the AMA and race! www.americanmotorcyclist.com/
www.amraracing.com/
Check out the Desert Enduro Channel
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoU-5...
Join a club in Southern Arizona
www.trsaz.org

[@Toldea34]

Joe, you should have done both a front and a rear with each changer. And, watch for the clearance between sprocket side and other. That was one item that gave a different perspective with the different leverage you had between reaching out to the 18 inch tire, or having the 21 inch tire under the lever. I think you said at first both bikes needed new tires. Should have had one rear and one front on each changer for a more complete and scientific test. The Tusk changer is lighter. I have one and I used a wooden frame that only cost a couple of dollars to raise it up - a two by four and a piece of wider plywood. Agreed, it is lighter, but also, the Rabaconda has a wider base and better support. That is an issue whether you use a tire changer of any brand or not. The more you can lock that tire down from rolling around, the better. But, please do not take my comments as a trash talk. I really appreciate the comparison, very interesting and easy for me to watch and see how they both work side by side. From what you showed, it definitely looks like the Rabaconda is a better overall setup, but the Tusk is effective as well, especially if you solve the base support issue. Thanks for the Review, nice!

[@JoeRockstar]

It was like a 120 degrees in there, and I was dying. really I was just showing how they work with mousse's. The Husky uses Tubliss so I would have had to do it all over again. I wasn't about to take the tires back off and do it again lol.

[@Toldea34]

@@JoeRockstar All good. I noticed that that rear tire was giving you more problems and the sprocket seemed to make you need a different position and leverage. Actually, you showed me how I have been mis-using my Tusk tire changer and just in time. I happen to have a worn out set on my bike right now. Probably be changing them within the week - Thanks again!

[@danielc5205]

I've had good luck with the el-cheapo tire changer from Harbor Freight. I actually welded one onto a 2x2 square tube so I can slip it into a receiver hitch for portability.

[@scottbrown4928]

I own the el-cheapo. With the bead breaker press being too short I slip my bead buddy over and I can press the tire completely off that way.

[@MALVSMACHINE]

Really glad I came across this video. I’m waiting for my Rabaconda to be delivered and am now confident I made the right decision. Thanks 👌🏻

[@jamespolucha6911]

I have bought every tire changer they make ( not really but a few ) and the rabaconda makes tings so easy and I don’t have to get on my knees, I do believe you get what you pay for

[@Nicsiq]

Great job on the video. Good music and editing was done well!

[@mrrrrr1rob590]

Didn't expect to find a comparison video out there, but you've done it. A big thank you.

[@havoc010101]

After watching the video, even thou the Rabaconda is extremely pricey it will pay for its self in the long run. Some of the features that stuck out to me was its portability, the ability to store tire irons directly on the machine and how quickly you were able to change tires with it. As you stated, if you have a couple of bikes in the garage this is worth every penny. Great video, keep the content coming!

[@billybobbubbawubba9457]

Thank you, just the info I was looking for.

[@CUdetoom]

Joe Rockstar, Great video, again! I knew which would be "better" before you went through the process...I do enjoy and miss your regular videos, though!!

[@JoeRockstar]

Well better is a relative term I didn't use. I think the tusk could be considered better because it's only 80.00. The rabaconda is easier and higher quality though so if that's important to you, you would think that one is better.

[@mikehent3479]

Brilliant video. Thanks

[@noControl556]

I'm not sure if the arm is really needed, I can see it helping for getting tires off, but not that must faster than just reaching an iron across to the outside bead and pushing down. Having a solid stand is number one vs. trying to use a bucket or just be on the ground.

[@Kelseymiller0]

Great comparison video. The music choice was amazing also

[@stelio37]

I have a similar one to task, I ended up raising the top ring (welded it higher) so I can pop the tyre down. After quite a bit of modification mine works well.

[@stringbender247]

I have the same Tusk tire changer. I took mine and had a 18" base welded onto it that cost me less than $50 dollars at my local muffler shop works like a charm. Just like you found out, first time I used it I knew it needed to be taller and more stable now it's awesome

[@sampep]

thanks for the review!!! That rabaconda sure looks sweet! I think at 4:54 you could use the notch made for the tire lever to press vs pushing on it. Not that you had issues with it but there is a feature for it. Ill go back to changing my tire manually, and spend 3h doing it vs 3 minutes.

[@dagaines152]

I use the cheap harbor freight tire changing stand. With practice, it works perfectly well and for less than the Tusk.

[@mmallay]

Excellent review. Good music!

[@auffantre]

Rear tire on most tires, Is way harder to change, should have done same tire with each tire change

[@k1ghz960]

Pleas do more of these I need an affordable, effective changer for my 4 trucks and the cost at the shop is not o.k.

[@2wheelsoffroad730]

I love my Rabaconda. Makes it so easy. Even the hard to fit tires go on fairly painlessly. Their tire irons are really good too.

[@WildAzzRacing]

Good comparison Joe!

[@Zeus33rd]

Sweet video, thanks for this

[@chihuahuaverde425]

Great video. Thanks!

[@silinusvers]

Does the rabaconda work good for Harley tires as well? Like the fat rear tire? I'm thinking of trying to do my own tires for a change. Thx

[@scottkennedy2097]

I have the moose brand tire changer and it is very close in desing and function to the rabaconda, very nice to use. I would put it right in the middel of these two changers. Cheaper than the rabaconda, a little bit more than the tusk but seems quite a bit nicer than tusk. But it almost always boils down to technique.

[@franciscoortiz8104]

Great review!!!

[@Ironsja11]

Hmmm, looks like what I really need is a set of those sweet curved tire spoons you used! I'm still not sold on either changer.

[@egary1974]

That was great. I’ll subscribe. What are you going to do worth two tire changers now?

[@bobbyrobbins9816]

You are a great salesman for the Rabaconda.

[@pandasman8657]

I've had both. Kept the tusk. In short, once you master using both machines with their own special technique, the tusk is only 30 seconds slower, but 20 times more comfortable, cuz it's low enough to sit on a stool comfortably, where as rabaconda is too tall to sit, but too short to stand up straight, which puts strain on your back. In detail . Tusk is low enough to ground that you can do entire tire change sitting on stool comfortably. Where as rabaconda forces you to stand, but it's at that awkward height where it's not tall enough to stand up straight and not shirt enough to sit down, so your stressing your back bending over it/squatting knees. There's really only two benefits to rabaconda, and both are on the removal stage. (3 benefits if breakdown and putting into bag is useful to you) On removal the, only 2 benefits to rabaconda is wheel spins without having to pick up wheel to turn, and yes the arm pushes tire completely off wheel in one push, eliminating an extra step. But that extra tusk step only takes 30 seconds once you figure how to efficiently use the tire levers to pry remaking bead off rim. On install, there's no beneifet to to rabaconda, as tire levers are doing the entire tire install. In your video it woulda been easier installing tire the way tusk was designed, and that's having the wheel lock at 6oclock, rather than 12oclock at the bead/arm. There is a slot/opening at 6clock to put lever in to push on bead lock in while mounting tire. The idea is to start levers beading tire on and 12 o'clock, and end at 12 o'clock, like you did, but rather have rim lock at 6oclock, so it's at the 50% point through to where it goes in easier when tirebead isn't super tight, like it is in your video at 98% finished when the bead lock was trying to push it up, while also trying to get the tight bead on at same time. Also forgot, another rabaconda benefit, When pushing the the tirebead off rim, is rabaconda lever always lines up onto then tire sidewall without guidance of second hand, so only one hand to lower arm is needed, whereas tusk you need 2 hands, one to lower arm, and 2nd to guide the arm onto sidewall. Small perks to rabaconda, but definitely not the worth the money. Rabaconda gets job done 30 seconds faster once you master both machines, by eliminating one step. But tusk is way more comfortable cuz you can sit on short stool comfortably. Tusk for the win! :)

[@lukefish7562]

Cool review, thanks. Seriously. But ever seen an adjustable stool? I have. 😝

[@jeffromoto874]

Great to know . Kudos 👍🏻

[@desertendurochannel8727]

I know folks do it, but i absolutely will not try to change a bib'd tire without the Rabaconda. I'm too damn old to wrestle tires. let the machine do the work. I even use the Rab on tubed tires. good vid brother.

[@gmr228]

Can you compare the Rabaconda to the Moose tire changing stand?

[@gregsearle5347]

Slanted comparison! Two fronts with Greenie, and two rears with the cheap one???

[@lukefish7562]

Sweet! Need this video. 🙂

[@Danman1972]

A curve in the handle with the tusk one would do wonders or make the "axle" on it shorter. Really an apples to oranges comparison. You are paying for ease the tusk stand was designed to use to use the straight end of the lever to pry the bead over the second side. That stand was used for years by the ISDE guy and they knock it out in under 3 minutes. Rabaconda makes so and average smoe can do it quickly. IF I didn't already have an old school stand without a lever on it I'd buy one, but I would use the the moose racing knock off or rebadge for 100 bucks less.

[@SRPARKER69]

Good information, but those of us who with limited hearing would enjoy the video more if it had quality audio. Thanks for the review!

[@lowrider9367]

Funny how you did a front on one and a rear on another!!! Apples to oranges comparison.

[@JoeRockstar]

What's funny about it? Change about six tires on that damn thing now fronts and backs. My opinion still the same.

[@lowrider9367]

@@JoeRockstar I must have caught you on a bad day or maybe your a little bummed that most of the comments are very similar to what I have stated that are already a year old. No Hearts for me?!?!? With a skanky attitude like that of your reply wreaks of, then your channel will likely be as successful as the current administration. "What's funny about it" !!! LOL really. Joe Rockstar = a man who knows very little about fair comparisons. Even if you did 2 tire's of the same type. You failed to sell me on the Robaconda anyway. #getofftherag #saynotobeingrudetocommentors #Ineedtotakeconstructivecommenting #Ishouldlistentowhatpeoplearesaying

[@endurotruckererniedesjardins]

Thanks for the review, I'm gonna build my own , mostly for shits n giggles. Rebaconda copy

[@alanfoster7346]

Make a video

[@gnomonty3908]

I use my kick stand 2 spoons and a 5 gallon bucket from lowes

[@JoeRockstar]

Good for you. Keep up the good work.

[@egary1974]

I do too. But I just got a Baja no pinch to help get the sucker back on. I could get it done with three spoons and a bucket but man what misery.

[@qb7384]

Does depending on the rabaconda make you less efficient if in the woods?

[@JoeRockstar]

I'm not changing a mooses in the woods lol forget that. The whole point of a mooses is they don't get flats.

[@humboldttimberfallerreconz3260]

Jeez. Those rims didn't have a scratch when you started..that's my first concern after bead breaking...do they make polymer irons or is there a way to mitigate? I'd freak out if my $700 rim looked chewed ?..

[@JoeRockstar]

Maybe dirt bikes shouldn't be your thing then LOL. You don't want a garage princess,, go scratch it up.

[@dougderby9454]

A harbor freight cycle stand. Tack or bolt that Tusk on top of it.

[@Speedytrip]

In Canada that Rabaconda is now around 1000$...still waiting for someone to make a cheaper copy...

[@JeffreyKretzler]

ok.. but how do you prevent puncturing the tube? Because I have replaced one tire and 5 tubes.....

[@JoeRockstar]

There's no tubes here. These are Mousses.

[@JeffreyKretzler]

@@JoeRockstar yeah, I didn't know they existed, I am intrigued, but I need long haul reliability on the road.

[@JoeRockstar]

In that case you have to go with Tubes. The key is to be careful not to pinch them with your tire spoons. If you use a heavy duty tube along with putting some grease on the tube it helps prevent the spoons from pinching.

[@Velolion]

Joe, a couple things you didn't do that would've made changes using BOTH stands much easier is to have kept the spacers in the hubs, screwed the hub spindle on the Rabaconda all the way in so it was secure, and used the top hub nut on the Tusk stand...all of these would've secured the wheels much more. The way you were doing it with both stands there was all kinds of slop at the stand-hub interface, so the wheels were just flopping all over the place (and, btw, leaving the spacers out while using a tire changing stand is also a great way to f up your bearing). You weren't getting near the "press" out of either devices that you should've been getting. At 7:15 you're also using the bead press on the Tusk changer right against the rim lock, which isn't going to get you anywhere. I've found over the years that successful tire changing, using any device, is all about technique and not taking shortcuts. Btw, you maybe should've pointed out that the four tire irons you were using come with the (much more expensive) Rabaconda (as does a nice carrying case), and would be extra $$ with the Tusk.

[@JoeRockstar]

The bead press over the rim lock worked perfectly. Not sure what your on about there. But good tips all the same, and thank you. Regardless if I did something wrong though, still the easiest tire changes I've ever done.

[@JoeRockstar]

Oh and the tire irons are great, but not 300.00 good lol.

[@andrewsoldan6050]

you did front tire which is way easier on more expensive rabaconda and harder to change rear tyre on cheap tusk :) still tusk did very good.

[@robsonenduro3316]

rabaconda price is ridiculous...

[@ow-my-achilles1106]

I love machines that do great things. BUT, I would not use one that makes me kneel on the floor. No thanks. I'll keep using my stand up $83 Tusk tire changing stand. It does't have a bead breaker bar, but works well and keeps me off my knees. I wonder if the Rabaconda has a stand? I realize it's meant primarily for guys who race and need to change tires/mouse during the day for big events, so it's made to be portable, but a stand attachment. would be cool

[@JoeRockstar]

The rabaconda is plenty tall, it's the tusk that made me get on the ground.

[@ananghadi1528]

Dimana saya bisa mendapatkan benda ini

[@haeryvlog7757]

Nice choose rabaconda is the best.

[@bobbyrobbins9816]

Looked to me that you were just fooling around with the Tusk.

[@molson62]

2 different tires …. Not fair

[@jal187]

For $650ish you can just buy a No Mar tire changer. You could even do car/truck and street motorcycle tires with it. You can use it on your receiver hitch if you want. Buy once, cry once and if these options are expensive to you idk what to say honestly. The pay themselves off quickly imo.

[@JoeRockstar]

That's not practical when you can change your tire with just some spoons.

[@Defsquad]

You scratched the wheels right up

[@JoeRockstar]

It's a dirt bike, not a garage queen.

[@kevintribbey4313]

the rabaconda machine alone is $400. to get it fully equipped with levers and axle adapters is $500. 🙄

[@geneswiech4381]

Nice video… music had to go !!!😵‍💫😵‍💫

[@tjpatte100]

If you're going to do a comparison, do a comparison. Should have used both on the same wheel....

[@JoeRockstar]

You think?

[@tjpatte100]

@@JoeRockstarHonestly I do. I was searching for reviews on tire changers and came across your video hoping for an honest apples to apples comparison. I have no doubt that the Rabaconda was better than the Tusk, just wanted to know the difference. Unfortunately your video didn't provide that.

[@JoeRockstar]

Well I can tell you that I've done a lot of tire changes using those things and the rapid Honda is definitely easier but the price is crazy. The problem with the tusk is that it needs a stand 100%. But with the right spoons and a little more patience it's probably worth it if you don't do a lot of tire changes to go with the tusk.

[@tjpatte100]

@@JoeRockstar Completely agree with everything you said. My hope was to see how a rear tire worked between the two from a everyday person as most of the videos I've seen so far are from folks who do it for a living. It's nice to see someone who is an enthusiast using these products for real world results. Since I only have two bikes to deal with I might just go with the Tusk and weld up a stand. Thank you for the conversation.

[@k1ghz960]

The music blows real bad.

[@JoeRockstar]

Oooh a royalty free music critic. Thanks for your opinion, I'll be sure to consider it nest time.

[@lukefish7562]

@@JoeRockstar 😂🤣😂 🏅

[@human1513]

Front tires are lot easier to change than a rear tire. For a far comparison a front pair or rear pair of tires need to be used on both changers. You dismounted a front (easier to change) on the Rabaconda and a rear (always more difficult to change) tire on the tusk changer which is not fair nor an equal test. Zip ties work as good as the Rabaconda for dismount and mounting. 100% complete off in a few seconds and less than 60 seconds to mount a tire. Rabaconda is still too low to thew ground. There are much better stands. Where is your BeadBuddy? You skills need improving. 2 - 3 spoons max is all that is ever required at the start pull. Then 2 spoons max. and faster than you did either tire.

[@JoeRockstar]

Yeah thanks. By the way everybody skills need improving. nobody's Perfect.

[@nickd698]

Tried to watch this video but the music was so bad i couldnt, great idea though thanks for sharing.

[@lukefish7562]

😆 Why would you comment? Just move on. No one needs to know about the videos you don’t watch. 🤣

[@nickd698]

@@lukefish7562 Thaought it was a great Idea and a great video, I wanted to watch it to find out the differences. The reason I commented was to try to help you with youre uploads. I wasnt trying to offend anyone. The best informative videos, if they use any music at all, use music in the back ground at low volume. Sorry but full on rock music limits the appeal of what could otherwise be a great video. Apologies if you don't want costructive critisism. In the end its only an opinion which is what comments are about on a platform shown to the whole world. :-)

[@kevinrowe3272]

Tusk for the win! I won’t buy a Rabaconda out of spite. Lol. It’s ridiculous.

[@briangc1972]

The Tusk is supposed to be mounted in your 2" receiver on your truck. That gets it off the ground and gives you more leverage. FAKE REVIEW!!!

[@JoeRockstar]

I promise you the review is real and not a figment of your imagination. The rabaconda comes mounted above the ground. The tusk version that did not. I used both of them the way they came out of the box. Good luck on your search for a good tire changer

[@DaWafflenator27]

Make another video with out music

[@JoeRockstar]

Nah, I'm good. Thanks. Maybe you can make one.

[@spoonfedintencity3736]

Crap comparrison... Do front or back tires, back is always harder!

[@JamesGarton]

Use someone else's levers while your changing with the Tusk. NOT Rabaconda's Make it fair. Then put the Tusk in a bag and toss it in your truck.

[@JoeRockstar]

Yeah huh? What levers? You mean spoons? Those are nice spoons, but you don't have to buy a rabaconda to get them.

[@kyl3dr]

You can buy the same tire irons rabaconda sells under the tusk brand for cheap

[@deanbrown1216]

Dude you need lessons

[@JoeRockstar]

Tell me about it! Glad there are experts like you out there, to notice things like that and let us morons know. Thanks bud, you made america, and my day just a little better today!

[@mattprice37664]

Tusk is adjustable, definitely long enough

[@Wabbit1961]

Ummmm.... you pushed the new tire on the rim no problem. Before that you moan about the prying tongue of the Tusk being too short? Why didn't you just pull it off by hand? Sheesh. Lazy people.

[@JoeRockstar]

Kind of missing the point. I can do all of this by hand, and I have for years. I got money and want to buy something to make it easier and faster. Some people might be in the same boat. Thanks for watching.

[@caroltenge5147]

music sucks. is a turn off.

[@lukefish7562]

Ahhhhh, ever think you whine too much? It’s a tire changing video. Not a music video. 🙂

[@caroltenge5147]

@@lukefish7562 I have a tusk changer. Works great. I dont play music while fighting tires on and off.👍

[@r.l.mashburn4851]

I have used a 35 gallon drum with rubber hose on the lip. With 3 tire tools for 38 years. 😂😂😂

[@jefferyjohnson6344]

This was not a fair test since you did two different size tires .