Tire Plug/Tire Independence a MUST

[LAF]

After getting my son home last night I noticed an "object" in the dead center of the rear tire :( No worries I have a plug kit, too late will do it in the morning.

Get up and do it and the plug kit worked flawlessly. Copious amounts of soapy water and the tire gage say it is holding.

So I say let me call my Yamaha Dealer and see what he got. No go. Said if I found one he would mount it for me. Been taking Harley's and now my BMW for inspections and tires for 10 years. I just trust them.

So now I forced to call a BMW dealer I hate. I tried to buy my bike from them and they totally tried to sell me a left over demo and were not willing to get me a 07.

So I swallow and call, ask for service, the lady says no worries, understand your on a plug and let me get you over to parts, have them put you back to me so I can get you in, thank you, parts. This guy is cool and goes looking . Told him I wanted to try Storms, but would do a Metz rear if that is all he could do. He went to verify stock, took a bit, came back on to tell me he was looking, went looking came back on and said I have the Metz and the Avon front but not the rear. I said you laid hands on the Metz and he laughed and said yes, I said trow me over to Service.

A flame answers and says he don't care who told me what, he would "try to get to it today" he had no BMW mechanic on (like they need to change tires), I explained it was a "down" bike and their policy was always get a tire on the road, he said yes but we stacked up and I have no BMW Mec....... I hung up on him.

Now this was AFTER I already knew it was 247.00 for the tire and 55 to put it on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So I ordered a pair of 55/56 Avon St 250.00

Marc Parnes tire Balancer and weights 106.00

2 No-Mar 22" and 2 16" tire spoons,
1 Yellow Thing, and Lube paste,
Rim protectors thrown in 168.00
524.00

The people from No-Mar were great and flat out said in the situation I am in, a C clamp and block of wood will break the bead. I have NO room for any changer stand, period. Anyway No-Mar was very helpful and if I had room I would have one. :D

I just refuse to be held hostage any more on a tire. I know it is work, but at least you are seeing the stuff first hand. Inspecting rims, balancing the rim, then the tire (I am sure ALL BMW Technicians do this), brakes, wheel bearings a visual and hand check to feel how they spin, fork inspection, rotors, you know bonding with the bike :D

Anyway this sites Search Function convinced me with a C clamp, some old carpet, and some 4x4's, I can change a tire. Also seemed that a lube was recommended instead of soap water so I bit on the No-MAR paste :rolleyes:

I refuse to have my blood pressure up as I did this AM over a tire :eek:

Hell if I don't like the Storms I can go back to Metz for the cost of tires, and wont be getting bent over by greedy dealers. How can it be 55 to mount a MC tire? Why is it so much different then it's 4 wheel cousins?

Rant off

[alabrew]

Have not tried the c-clamp method but have had success with laying the tire under the car and using the scissor jack, parallel to the rim, to push down on the bead to break it.

The harbor freight tire changing stand really doesn't take up very much room and sure makes for a much easier unmount and remount.

Don't for get to replace the valve stems, preferably with non-BMW metal ones.

[dandiver]

$55.00 is a little too much. I have tire work done in Tampa for $25.00, balance and install. I bring them the wheel and it is done in about 30 minutes. They just installed and balanced a set this week and also installed the TireMoniter for $30.00 total per wheel. It might be possible to do better by calling around.......

[Sunderland]

I sure do enjoy doing my own tires now, even though it can be challenging. This NoMar video really helped me the first time. The little blocks of wood really help.

http://www.nomartirechanger.com/video/show/9

[grifscoots]

Count them leetle blocks of wood before you seat the bead. Kind of a bummer when you go to balance the tire and hear one kicking around inside of it.

[GlennM86]

Is it possible to use a normal car tire change machine for motorcycle tires?

I ask this because I want to know if I am limited to going to a Motorcycle repair shop for tire work or can I take my tires to a local car tire shop.

[grifscoots]

Is it possible to use a normal car tire change machine for motorcycle tires?

I ask this because I want to know if I am limited to going to a Motorcycle repair shop for tire work or can I take my tires to a local car tire shop.Nope. The clamping systems are different animals.

[dukey33]

Nope. The clamping systems are different animals.

How are they different?
The ones I see the tire jockeys at Discount Tire using are rim clamp type, just like the HarborFreight motorcycle adapter does except with 4 clamps instead of 3. I'm not talking about the old Coats 4040 machines, but any of the newer ones that tote 'touchless mounting'

You may have a difficult time finding an auto tire shop willing to deal with a motorcycle tire. They'll claim they're not trained/equipped for it, but usually just don't want to deal with the liability.

[grifscoots]

How are they different?
The ones I see the tire jockeys at Discount Tire using are rim clamp type, just like the HarborFreight motorcycle adapter does except with 4 clamps instead of 3. I'm not talking about the old Coats 4040 machines, but any of the newer ones that tote 'touchless mounting'

You may have a difficult time finding an auto tire shop willing to deal with a motorcycle tire. They'll claim they're not trained/equipped for it, but usually just don't want to deal with the liability.Prolly so. Changing the tires on these bikes are a tough go till you get used to doing it. Nada like spooning a Harley tire on and off. I get a leetle faster every time and the knuckles bleed a leetle less.

[BecketMa]

I rode down to SWmototires yesterday.

Got my bike on the center stand, removed the rear mud flap, took out the tool kit, selected the lug wrench, removed the 5 bolts, and rolled my tire to the tire changing machine.

They installed a new Metz rear tire, new valve stem, balanced the tire and gave it to me.

I rolled it back to my bike, jiggled the center bolt until it caught, spun the new tire until a bolt lined up with one of the outside holes on the rim. Bolted every thing back up, and reinstalled the mud flap.

I went in and paid them $200 for the tire and $20 to install the new tire. Since I paid in cash, Blaine gave me a 2% discount.

In the past, I ordered tires through AZmotosports and had them delievered to one of their near by stores. I'd ride down there, after making an appointment, they'd remove the old tire and install the new one for $35, but it would take 2-4 hours.

Seems as if I got disoriented on my way to SWMototires. These funny wet drops of water hit me as I was headed there; wound up on the wrong road at first. Fortunately, when I remembered what road they are on, the wet things stopped attacking me half way there.

Close call. But, they messed up the dust on my LT.

Bob

[dandiver]

Removing and reinstalling the BACK wheel is a breeze. Doing it on the side of the road in the rain wouldn't be that big of a deal.

Just wish it was as easy and quick to do the front. I have read all of the tips and really take my time, but getting the BRAKE (S) back is a royal PITA. I can't imagine having to do it on the side of the road without all of the garage accessories. Maybe it just takes more practice!

[LAF]

I totally agree 55 is way too much especially if you are paying retail for the tire. They did say 30 off the bike which is what I would have done had they said sure bring it in.

My regular dealer was closed and 50 miles away but I would have supported him if it would have went differently.

I guess I am in for some work but I feel I should learn this. Seems Tires are going through the roof, dealers are jacking the prices for them, and mounting them, to a premium. I really don't like being held captive.

I will run the plug until the stuff gets here then do them. I guess I need to find a regular spoon somewhere for the last bit over the rim as I don't think a No-Mar is made for that.

I guess money is the driving force here, but more then that is the ability to do it when I want or need to.

Also I feel I will fuss with it for cleanliness, balance, rim and tire, and just the time inspecting and going over those areas of the bike.

I also feel that one of the knocks on the LT is no hands vibration and most seem to think it is tires/balance. This way I can proof that out to a point, and rebalanced as my tires wear. As I do have this issue this is something I would like to prove out. And no I don't ride with no hands very often but I feel if it is doing it at 40 then it is doing it at 70 just masked or lessened, but still there.

I am pissed though all but 8000 on these Metz and the Rear had another 3-4000 no worries. The front is as new and probably would have went 18000 no worries.

Thanks for the input and any other thoughts and help all of you have.





$55.00 is a little too much. I have tire work done in Tampa for $25.00, balance and install. I bring them the wheel and it is done in about 30 minutes. They just installed and balanced a set this week and also installed the TireMoniter for $30.00 total per wheel. It might be possible to do better by calling around.......

[grifscoots]

I I guess I need to find a regular spoon somewhere for the last bit over the rim as I don't think a No-Mar is made for that.

After busting the bead, I use the Harbor Freight mounter to hold the tire. Using a rim protector and a regular moto tire spoon to get the first bite on the tire. Then I use the NoMar bar to remove the tire.

The NoMar spoons (4 of them) are sufficient, with the wood blocks, for seating.

Lubrication and a holding system are both important. Till you do a few times, you will cuss and prolly bleed.

[PMitchell]

Bought a set of Metz's from SW last fall. Just Joe clued me onto the local Honda dealer that changes and balances for $25 bucks. Dropped them off at lunch and picked them up after work. Q.E.D ! :thumb:

[Wolfgang]

Nope. The clamping systems are different animals.

Actually the newest style automotive changer handle LT rims like they were made for them. I changed mine recently on a Coats machine like the picture attached. Two minutes a wheel, nothing to it. With run-flats and 22inch rims becoming more popular many car dealers and tire stores are buying these (very expensive) tire changers.

[grifscoots]

Actually the newest style automotive changer handle LT rims like they were made for them. I changed mine recently on a Coats machine like the picture attached. Two minutes a wheel, nothing to it. With run-flats and 22inch rims becoming more popular many car dealers and tire stores are buying these (very expensive) tire changers.And what did the worker bee's think of the boss in their domain sweating? :D

[Wolfgang]

And what did the worker bee's think of the boss in their domain sweating? :D
They think its cool to have a boss that rides to work on a bike (sometimes) and knows how to work on bikes and cars. :)

[grifscoots]

They think its cool to have a boss that rides to work on a bike (sometimes) and knows how to work on bikes and cars. :)I changed the oil in Andy's "Mercedes" yesterday. Never dreamed they made a 0-40w oil.

[BecketMa]

Many moons ago, someone on this site suggested getting a small C-clamp for dealing with the front brake pads--works like a charm!

Bob

[rab1967]

I totally agree 55 is way too much especially if you are paying retail for the tire. They did say 30 off the bike which is what I would have done had they said sure bring it in.

My regular dealer was closed and 50 miles away but I would have supported him if it would have went differently.

I guess I am in for some work but I feel I should learn this. Seems Tires are going through the roof, dealers are jacking the prices for them, and mounting them, to a premium. I really don't like being held captive.

I will run the plug until the stuff gets here then do them. I guess I need to find a regular spoon somewhere for the last bit over the rim as I don't think a No-Mar is made for that.

I guess money is the driving force here, but more then that is the ability to do it when I want or need to.

Also I feel I will fuss with it for cleanliness, balance, rim and tire, and just the time inspecting and going over those areas of the bike.

I also feel that one of the knocks on the LT is no hands vibration and most seem to think it is tires/balance. This way I can proof that out to a point, and rebalanced as my tires wear. As I do have this issue this is something I would like to prove out. And no I don't ride with no hands very often but I feel if it is doing it at 40 then it is doing it at 70 just masked or lessened, but still there.

I am pissed though all but 8000 on these Metz and the Rear had another 3-4000 no worries. The front is as new and probably would have went 18000 no worries.

Thanks for the input and any other thoughts and help all of you have.


I bought the Harbor Freight tire changer and the Nomar mouting bar and replaced my front tire with no major problems. I Used Dyna Beads to balance the front tire and removed the weights from the rear tire and installed them in it as well. So far I have 3000 + on the LT and the ride is as smooth as it gets. The front tire seems to be wearing evenly and the same for the rear. I'm running Avon Storms on the front and Metz on the rear until its shot and then I'll put a Storm on the rear.

[ka0mlh]

How did you deal with the front breaks when changing the tire?

[grifscoots]

How did you deal with the front breaks when changing the tire?Just take the bolts loose on the front brakes, wiggle them back and forth on the rotor until they slide off. That simple.

[CharlieVT]

It took my a while to find my old post on tire changing, but here it is. I now have a Harbor Freight tire changer. Honestly, using my old technique for tire changing described in the post linked below worked just as well as the harbor freight machine. Both techiques have a learning curve. The Harbor Freight does take up some space. The real advantage is the bead breaker; bead breaking with big "C" clamps works but it is more time consuming. The Harbor Freight machine makes it a little easier to do mounting, de-mounting single handed, my old technique using the car rim can be done single handed once you figure it out, but a second pair of hands makes it easier.

So, with a Marc Parnes balancer, a couple of tire irons and mounting bars, a piece of carpet, worktable, and old car rim you can change tires pretty efficiently:

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=168656#poststop

After getting my son home last night I noticed an "object" in the dead center of the rear tire :( No worries I have a plug kit, too late will do it in the morning.

Get up and do it and the plug kit worked flawlessly. Copious amounts of soapy water and the tire gage say it is holding.

So I say let me call my Yamaha Dealer and see what he got. No go. Said if I found one he would mount it for me. Been taking Harley's and now my BMW for inspections and tires for 10 years. I just trust them.

So now I forced to call a BMW dealer I hate. I tried to buy my bike from them and they totally tried to sell me a left over demo and were not willing to get me a 07.

So I swallow and call, ask for service, the lady says no worries, understand your on a plug and let me get you over to parts, have them put you back to me so I can get you in, thank you, parts. This guy is cool and goes looking . Told him I wanted to try Storms, but would do a Metz rear if that is all he could do. He went to verify stock, took a bit, came back on to tell me he was looking, went looking came back on and said I have the Metz and the Avon front but not the rear. I said you laid hands on the Metz and he laughed and said yes, I said trow me over to Service.

A flame answers and says he don't care who told me what, he would "try to get to it today" he had no BMW mechanic on (like they need to change tires), I explained it was a "down" bike and their policy was always get a tire on the road, he said yes but we stacked up and I have no BMW Mec....... I hung up on him.

Now this was AFTER I already knew it was 247.00 for the tire and 55 to put it on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So I ordered a pair of 55/56 Avon St 250.00

Marc Parnes tire Balancer and weights 106.00

2 No-Mar 22" and 2 16" tire spoons,
1 Yellow Thing, and Lube paste,
Rim protectors thrown in 168.00
524.00

The people from No-Mar were great and flat out said in the situation I am in, a C clamp and block of wood will break the bead. I have NO room for any changer stand, period. Anyway No-Mar was very helpful and if I had room I would have one. :D

I just refuse to be held hostage any more on a tire. I know it is work, but at least you are seeing the stuff first hand. Inspecting rims, balancing the rim, then the tire (I am sure ALL BMW Technicians do this), brakes, wheel bearings a visual and hand check to feel how they spin, fork inspection, rotors, you know bonding with the bike :D

Anyway this sites Search Function convinced me with a C clamp, some old carpet, and some 4x4's, I can change a tire. Also seemed that a lube was recommended instead of soap water so I bit on the No-MAR paste :rolleyes:

I refuse to have my blood pressure up as I did this AM over a tire :eek:

Hell if I don't like the Storms I can go back to Metz for the cost of tires, and wont be getting bent over by greedy dealers. How can it be 55 to mount a MC tire? Why is it so much different then it's 4 wheel cousins?

Rant off

[Steve_R]

Till you do a few times, you will cuss and prolly bleed.Or you turn Thor loose with a welder.

[dandiver]

Many moons ago, someone on this site suggested getting a small C-clamp for dealing with the front brake pads--works like a charm!

Bob

How do you use the C-Clamp? I simply wiggle until it comes off and them play with them on the way back.

[Wolfgang]

I changed the oil in Andy's "Mercedes" yesterday. Never dreamed they made a 0-40w oil.

Works great on LT's. It is supposed to save you gas. Did you guys use a felt type oil filter as opposed to a pleaded paper type?

[CharlieVT]

I changed the oil in Andy's "Mercedes" yesterday. Never dreamed they made a 0-40w oil.

0-40W oil? Never heard of it. Seriously?

Or is that the kind of oil that's good only if you don't exceed 0 RPMs?

[grifscoots]

0-40W oil? Never heard of it. Seriously?

Or is that the kind of oil that's good only if you don't exceed 0 RPMs?Actually it should have read 0W-40, and dammit, Charlie, I'm not starting any steenkeen oil thread. http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&q=0w-40+oil&um=1&ie=UTF-8

Yeah, it amazed me, too. In one of those Crossfires, which is really built on a Mercedes based vehicle. Wolfgang says just replacing that Mercedes motor with a new one is about 18g without labor. I was real careful to make sure the drain plug was snugged up.

[Dick]

Actually it should have read 0W-40, and dammit, Charlie, I'm not starting any steenkeen oil thread. http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&q=0w-40+oil&um=1&ie=UTF-8

Yeah, it amazed me, too. In one of those Crossfires, which is really built on a Mercedes based vehicle. Wolfgang says just replacing that Mercedes motor with a new one is about 18g without labor. I was real careful to make sure the drain plug was snugged up.
Well, sheeeet - Bluebonnet there in New Braunfels sez they have 22 of them Xfires and are discountin' 'em 11gs. Might just as well buy a newbie as to swap motors!!! :eek:

BTW - if you read their ad in the S. A. paper, they kinda, sorta, did a beeg mistook. In additon to spelling out the discounted price from ~$36g to ~$25g, they also said "save $25,995" - wonder if anyone tried takin' 'em to task?!?! :D

Cheryl knows I've lusted after one of them Xfires since seeing the first one during their crosscountry stopover in Junction coupla years ago. Buttt - since ole Blue Truck and ole Toad have ripped the wallet pretty serious lately, I ain't pressin' the issue!!! Much! ;)

[grifscoots]

In additon to spelling out the discounted price from ~$36g to ~$25g, Andy, Lanette and I were laughing about that. What they paid for the car, minus the engine was around 4 grand.

[Wolfgang]

Works great on LT's. It is supposed to save you gas. Did you guys use a felt type oil filter as opposed to a pleaded paper type?

When I said felt filter I should have said "fleece" That is the filter MB recommends for the 13k oil change interval with 0/40.

* Disclaimer: This is NOT the start of a new oil and filter thread, simply stating what MB recommends... :rotf:

[grifscoots]

When I said felt filter I should have said "fleece" That is the filter MB recommends for the 13k oil change interval with 0/40.

* Disclaimer: This is NOT the start of a new oil and filter thread, simply stating what MB recommends... :rotf:6k oil change, I think the filter was made out of gold:D