Another tire change / Input thread

[JLP]

So I have a PCX that only has 3500 miles on it. The rear tire was probably worn half way, and I didn't really need to change it. However, I've always felt the stock IRCs didn't feel too grippy in the cold and wet, and I live in Seattle. Anyway, I changed the rear to a City Grip, and I'm happy with the results. It could all be in my head, but I think it feels grippier in the rain. I didn't do the front because nobody in the US has them in stock right now. I hope it's temporary, as I'd like to change it.

The stock tires were fine in the dry, but they didn't inspire confidence in the wet. The difference in feel is minor, but it was worth it to me.

With respect to installation, I did it myself just to see if I could and to learn how to do it. I watched some online videos. Everything I found online implied you need an impact wrench to remove the nut on the rear axle shaft. I have one, but I was curious if it was necessary. It wasn't. Just holding the rear brake lever and turning the nut with a socket and a long breaker bar was sufficient.

I didn't have the wheel balanced, and I still feel odd about that, but I was curious if I'd feel anything odd, and I don't. It feels just fine.

I broke the bead with a big bench vise and some c clamps. That was pretty easy. Levering off and on the tires was pretty darned hard.

Working slowly I spent a little over an hour.

[William T]

Thanks BENCH VICE I've been thinking about what I could use to change tires in the future. BENCH VICE hadn't occured to me for some reason. One more option doesn't hurt. It is true! Old Dogs can learn new tricks.

[ScooterMan]

I use my ultra long lack handle off my floor jack to break the bead by standing on the rim and pushing down as hard as I can. I have to spray wd40 into the bead area just before doing so if it's being stubborn. SO far, been able to do them all this way. I have a gravity balancer that I got for $30-40 from Harbor Freight a few years ago that works just fine in the past. Although when I changed the tires on my Honda Elite 110 (Lead 110) the front wheel centerbore was too small and couldn't be balanced with the cone and shafts that came with the balancer, so I left it unbalanced. Didn't notice anything too much, but it only topped out at 55-60mph. Also, it was a 12" rim. A PCX rim being 14" and going 15-20mph faster, you'd prob notice.

I guess I'll find out when it's time to change mine.

[homie]

Interesting, changing your own tires. Did either of your scuff up your rims like the so called professionals do?

[dasshreddar]

great DIY
If I lived in Seattle I would want fresh tires all the time too
I would not worry about balancing them..., only if there are weird vibrations that weren't there before.
My tires aren't balanced and they ride fine.
To break my beads I use one of those cheap red Amazon tire changers.
As long as you don't have metal to metal contact you don't scuff the wheels.(use tape, plastic, cardboard etc. between the levers and wheels)

[iceman]

Re: breaking the beads - is it hard to break them due to long use and them sticking - even with the air let out first?

[gn2]

Bead breaking is easy, takes seconds, lay wheel on grass lawn, place blade of garden spade on tyre, jump on spade.

[JLP]

Interesting, changing your own tires. Did either of your scuff up your rims like the so called professionals do?

Nope. I got these little plastic rim protectors from Amazon. They worked a treat as I think they say on the other side of the pond.

[ScooterMan]

You should be prepared for the possibility that you will scratch your rims changing them by hand. You can combat this with rim protectors, or if you're cheap, cut up pieces from a plastic milk carton to use as you're "spooning" the tire on or off the rim. The rim protectors are nice though. Make sure you use proper tire irons and not screwdrivers to avoid damaging the rim or the tire.

I change all my own tires, but I used to manage a tire shop and also worked as a motorcycle mechanic some years ago. There is a technique to it. My neighbor bought one of those cheap red tire changers from Harbor frieght and couldn't get his tire mounted! I had to laugh and didn't offer to help really...something really funny about the whole thing. I tried to warn him it's not easy even with a manual tire changer machine. There is a technique!

Anyway, it's not a prob for me now. If I can, I'll try to coordinate changing it when my dad is out here. He is former military and they have an auto shop on base where it's $5 an hour to use the shop. If not, I just change it on the floor in my garage using a piece of carpet and some wooden blocks. Be careful not to damage the brake rotor. At least if you do, they're only like $25 or something on the PCX but on a REAL motorcycle (lol) they can cost $200-$300!!! =)

[dem0nk1d]

This is how i do my tires.

To break the rim, you can either do two things... If you have a big a$$ c-clamp that will work, a vise, or a flat nose shovel as we call it here in the states. For the shovel technique, put the wheel on carpet or grass lawn. Align the shovel on the side of the tire and jump on the shovel, this should break the bead. Now removing the tire.. My option is probably the easiest but it smells. Angle grinder and just cut it right off the rim. this way you don't scuff up the outer edge of the rim. Putting it on is easy. Get three nice tire irons and put it back on. I have yet to try the ziptie method or rope method.

[iceman]

Thanks for the video - almost looks easy - I watched another video some time ago and it took the guy almost 15 minutes of hard slog getting the tyre off.

[ScooterMan]

Oh yeah...forgot about the C-Clamp method. I think mine disappeared which is why I used a jack handle with a sock over the end (to protect the rim) and just pushed down on it.

That reminds me. Need to go pick up a cheap 4-6" C-Clamp at Harbor Freight or the Swap meet. Lol.

As far as the zip tie dismount method...interesting. I might just try that. I have some large "releasable" cable ties I can use. Great idea. Worth trying out to see if it's easier than my current method. I used to have professional pneumatic tire mounter/balancer in my personal garage, but had to sell it when I moved to an apartment a few years back.

Been toying with the idea of geting another one and using a cheap gravity balancer. Could be a nice little side gig mounting tires for peeps like I used too, but not necessarily sure I want the liability these days since I have more to lose at this point.

[iceman]

So how easy, if that's the word, is it to inflate a tyre from completely empty having fitted it yourself to properly inflated? I just wonder if the tyre is not pressing firmly against the rim all round and on both sides, trying to inflate at home using domestic pumps would seem difficult as too much air would just leak out?

[gn2]

There's various interesting how-tos and techniques on't web, I've never got any of them to work.
So in my experience you need an airline.
My local Landrover specialist did the deed for me last time in less than half a jiffy and free of charge.

[scooter steve]

Today I used the jockey wheel on my caravan to break the bead on my pcx rear wheel result

[scooter steve]

Today I used the jockey wheel on my caravan to break the bead on my pcx rear wheel result

[homie]

I finally found a good use for the parking break! breaking loose the rear axel bolt.

[Mel46]

OK everyone, here is the latest dope on the City Grip for the front. I just ordered one. Here is the thread.
http://www.hondapcx.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3492

[homie]

Glad you were able to get a 90/90 Mel
Here is the latest dope on mounting one yourself... never do it!

The zip tie method on youtube - OH SURE!
Breaking the beads was no big deal but what kind of gorilla can pull a 14" tire off the rim? I tried like a somebish... I did do that! Then I just went to Goodyear and they made it look easy. Lost some wheel stripe but DaHam... those are tight fitting little tires.

[gn2]

what kind of gorilla can pull a 14" tire off the rim?

Me.
Piece of piss with a decent pair of 450mm tyre levers.