tire changer from harbor freight really works! : Kawasaki ZX Forums: Kawasaki Ninja Forum

ericzx7 · 12-18-2007, 01:49 PM

I just changed my first set of tires today with the tire changer from harbor freight tools. Works pretty darn good, too. Priced right at $100.00 for the tire changer, and the motorcycle tire attatchmant as a pair, I think it is a wise investment for any do-it-yourself type motorcyclist. Very easy to set up/put together, as there are reletively few parts.

One word of advice though.....Don't just set it up and rush into changing a tire. Upon close inspection of the tire lever you will notice that(especially on the "install" side of the lever) there are a few rough edges that could scratch your rims or pain/powdercoat. I just used my dremmel tool and ground it down smooth, then sanded it with a drum attatchment. After that I ran it accross a buffing wheel and made it nice and shiney and smooth. Also, I would advise you to cover ALL of the clamping points that come into contact with the wheel with duct tape, including the shoe at the end of the bead-breaker.

Other than that, the machine worked well. Plus, I will not likely have to visit a tire shop again, except just to buy the tires, and with access to the internet, I probably won't even have to do that. I hope this may help someone out there who might be concidering purchacing a tire machine. It may not be as nice as a NO-MAR machine, but for those of us on a tight budget, it fits in nicely and does the job well.

P.S.
Soapy water in a spray bottle works just fine as a lube for the tire. Oh, and it works for car and truck tires as well!

Good luck!

BlueBomber14 · 12-18-2007, 04:39 PM

I'm not sure where I saw them (I'll keep my eye out) but a good addition to your changer would be the no-mar plastic rim protector. they go on the tire tool to keep it from marring the rim. I think they make them for the rim also. Might help keep those rims in good shape??? I'm sure a little internet search would turn them up.

BUCKAROO · 12-18-2007, 05:35 PM

What about balancing the tire after you mount it? I am on a buget my self and would to do this my self!

Sev · 12-20-2007, 12:13 PM

You can build yourself a static balancer relatively cheaply... or you can buy one for about $100.00

ridn92zx-7 · 12-20-2007, 12:32 PM

hey eric did you buy the floor mount one or something else?

dattaway · 12-21-2007, 02:04 PM

I balance the tire with the axle it was mounted. The axle can be suspended from two chairs or the bike itself. Rocking the shaft slightly will overcome any friction in the bearings. The weight can be calibrated VERY accurately this way.

ericzx7 · 12-24-2007, 01:04 PM

1st....yes, I bought the floor mounted tire changer. Actually, it was a gift from my Dad. Anyway, the motorcycle wheel attatchment is sold seperatly, but both together are only around 100 dollars. That's cheep.

2nd....I'm building my own balancer. I figure on building a permenant one out of steel, with leveling feet. As simple as it is to balance a tire, I see no need to spend 100.00 on one , when I can build it for free!

I wish I had known about this tire changer a LONG time ago!

Sev · 12-24-2007, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dattaway

I balance the tire with the axle it was mounted. The axle can be suspended from two chairs or the bike itself. Rocking the shaft slightly will overcome any friction in the bearings. The weight can be calibrated VERY accurately this way.

That works so long as you keep the axle level. If the axle isn't level everything will be a little bit off.

But, some balancing is better then none.

45acp · 12-30-2007, 03:37 PM

If you have a vise, you can build a balancer out of some square tubing. Just build a "U", wide enough for the rear tire. Cut some grooves for the axle to sit in. Stick the thing in your vise, put a level on it, and there you go.

ericzx7 · 01-02-2008, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 45acp

If you have a vise, you can build a balancer out of some square tubing. Just build a "U", wide enough for the rear tire. Cut some grooves for the axle to sit in. Stick the thing in your vise, put a level on it, and there you go.

Yeah, that would be a simple way of building one. I was gonna build one with leveling feet that would sit on the ground, but it may be simpler to use a vise, as you suggested. Thanks.

ericzx7 · 02-16-2008, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueBomber14

I'm not sure where I saw them (I'll keep my eye out) but a good addition to your changer would be the no-mar plastic rim protector. they go on the tire tool to keep it from marring the rim. I think they make them for the rim also. Might help keep those rims in good shape??? I'm sure a little internet search would turn them up.

That's a very good suggestion, thanks!

n8dagr8 · 02-26-2008, 11:51 PM

where did you get the machine???

ericzx7 · 03-04-2008, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n8dagr8

where did you get the machine???

Harbor Freight Tools. Around $100.00.