Changing tires, what are the options?

[cessna151]

When i bought my PCX the local shop would happily mount any tire i brought to them for a nice flat fee of $15. I've since moved to a new area and none of the local shops will touch any tire i bring to them, they require i purchase the tire from them directly. Of course their tire prices are ridiculous. I attempted to remove the tire myself with irons but it was impossible. So it seems i have 2 options: pay their ridiculous prices or buy a tire changing machine.

Is there another option i've missed? What is everyone else doing?

[gn2]

Go to a shop further away.

[PCX150Rider]

For my motorcycles I found that ordering the tire from a dealership and bringing in just the wheel to have them remove the old and replace with the new works OK. There are still enough dealerships in my area to compete. But in areas where the dealerships are far and few between I can see where they sort of have you over a barrel and may lean towards price gouging.

I did look at some different tire changing machines and was seriously thinking about getting one but I had to ask myself two big questions.

1) How much longer do I think I'm going to live and how many tires do I think I'll actually have to have changed before my riding days are over?
2) Where the heck am I going to find space to store the thing?

I concluded that it's just easier to have the dealerships do it. . .. But that's just me.

[easyrider]

Not impossible. Using enough spoons its not a bad job to take off and put another one on. Just use enough screw drivers and take little bites at a time and you will see its rather easy. I don't think you need to balance scooter tires of this size.Give it another go !

[PCX150Rider]

Dishwater soap or tire lube helps too. Maybe leave the tire out in the sun for a bit so it will be more pliable as well if you DIY. Easy Rider has a good point.

[d1ckyh]

I have experience from my Chinese scooter 10" tires before I got my PCX, And while I was able to accomplish many tire changes on my own, the biggest challenge is getting them filled up after changing. I've literally had to tie a rope around the tire to help set the bead. It is not a fun experience. But many tire shops won't touch such a small tire. The one time I had them mount a tire, they tore up the rim pretty badly. I'm guessing a motorcycle shop has the equipment for these smaller tires. and when it comes time to change my tires, I think I'll probably have them do it.

[mhdgraphics]

I have experience from my Chinese scooter 10" tires before I got my PCX, And while I was able to accomplish many tire changes on my own, the biggest challenge is getting them filled up after changing. I've literally had to tie a rope around the tire to help set the bead. It is not a fun experience. But many tire shops won't touch such a small tire. The one time I had them mount a tire, they tore up the rim pretty badly. I'm guessing a motorcycle shop has the equipment for these smaller tires. and when it comes time to change my tires, I think I'll probably have them do it.

instead of a rope, try a ratcheting tie down next time...

[flyingzonker]

I changed my own tires the last time. I asked a shop about it--they had done it before for 20$ a tire--and they quoted me 50$. I complained. They said that was the only way they could make money on the deal ( it was a small shop too and as far as I know they don't sell tires there). Anyway, I used long tire irons and lots of Murphy's oil soap. It is not really that hard. Breaking the bead is probably the most difficult part. I used a couple of big c clamps. But there are other ways. Look on youtube. There are a lot of good videos of people making short work of it.

[Mel46]

Well, I may be willing to take all of the panels off, and even take the rest of the bike apart, but I will not touch a tire change.

[cessna151]

Breaking the bead was very easy. I simply could not get the lip of the tire over the rim. Sure there's lots of good videos, they all make it look so easy but it certainly is not.

[lillypinkjenny]

We're lucky to have a few independent small motorcycle shops locally, as well as two main dealers within easy riding distance.

What I figure is that I do what maintenance I can myself but I'll need these guys for things I don't want to, or don't have the time to tackle.

For that, they need to stay in business and make money. For the convenience of being able to ride in, leave my bike, and pick it up with fresh tyres fitted I'll quite happily pay. If more folks do the same, they'll stay in business and be there when I truly need them.

[Mel46]

The dealers here charge $55 to change a tire out. I order the tire online, ride over there with the tire secured to the back of the bike, and they take care of the rest while my wife and I go off to lunch in the same area. Nothing is cheap around here. If you don't want to attempt it yourself they will be glad to take your money...but they also wash your bike before giving it back. I like that.

[d1ckyh]

Breaking the bead was very easy. I simply could not get the lip of the tire over the rim. Sure there's lots of good videos, they all make it look so easy but it certainly is not.

The videos look easy cause the people doing them have done it so many times, it's second nature. Not to mention the time is takes just to get the wheels off and then back on. With my new PCX, it will be a job I leave to someone else.

[dick the den]

We're lucky to have a few independent small motorcycle shops locally, as well as two main dealers within easy riding distance.

What I figure is that I do what maintenance I can myself but I'll need these guys for things I don't want to, or don't have the time to tackle.

For that, they need to stay in business and make money. For the convenience of being able to ride in, leave my bike, and pick it up with fresh tyres fitted I'll quite happily pay. If more folks do the same, they'll stay in business and be there when I truly need them.

Which ones lillypinkjenny.Thanks

[lillypinkjenny]

We're lucky to have a few independent small motorcycle shops locally, as well as two main dealers within easy riding distance.

What I figure is that I do what maintenance I can myself but I'll need these guys for things I don't want to, or don't have the time to tackle.

For that, they need to stay in business and make money. For the convenience of being able to ride in, leave my bike, and pick it up with fresh tyres fitted I'll quite happily pay. If more folks do the same, they'll stay in business and be there when I truly need them.

Which ones lillypinkjenny.Thanks

Recommended independents: KC Motorcycles, Portslade; TPG Motorcycles, Southwick; Sussex Rolling Road, Worthing

Recommended main dealers: Alf's Motorcycles, Worthing; On The Wheel, Southwick

[springer1]

Breaking the bead was very easy. I simply could not get the lip of the tire over the rim. Sure there's lots of good videos, they all make it look so easy but it certainly is not.

I sometimes use a dremel tool to cut thru the bead in order to remove a tire. Just use a tire iron to lift a portion of the bead over the rim and then cut thru it, wire and all. But it’s a messy job with all that residue dusting everywhere.

[dick the den]

We're lucky to have a few independent small motorcycle shops locally, as well as two main dealers within easy riding distance.

What I figure is that I do what maintenance I can myself but I'll need these guys for things I don't want to, or don't have the time to tackle.

For that, they need to stay in business and make money. For the convenience of being able to ride in, leave my bike, and pick it up with fresh tyres fitted I'll quite happily pay. If more folks do the same, they'll stay in business and be there when I truly need them.

Which ones lillypinkjenny.Thanks

Recommended independents: KC Motorcycles, Portslade; TPG Motorcycles, Southwick; Sussex Rolling Road, Worthing

Recommended main dealers: Alf's Motorcycles, Worthing; On The Wheel, Southwick

Thanks lpj,is there a small,i think motorbike/scooter place in Littlehampton.

[k2apache6.0]

Dishwater soap or tire lube helps too. Maybe leave the tire out in the sun for a bit so it will be more pliable as well if you DIY. Easy Rider has a good point.

THIS /\