Mounting T30GT's by hand?

[Mattthehoople]

So guys,

Have you old timers (50+) had success mounting these stiff SOB's?

I think I may have ruined a back tire trying to spoon these on. I don't have a machine like the No Mar, but its on my bucket list for Xmas.

My favorite shop guy isn't doing it, went to another job that had benefits, so I can't blame him.

I think I may have picked the wrong tire to mount.

I know the No Mar Classic would probably get the job done. I just thought tire irons and clamps would work, but I can't get the tire positioned (squished) down on the rim to give me enough slack on the spoon side. I feel like a little girl. .

[Name Etc.]

I just did mine. I have a cycle hill but only use it as a wheel holder. All the mount tips are too thick IMHO and it's easier with spoons.

[Mattthehoople]

Yes Sir, I agree.

Thats the big elephant in the room, trying to isolate the rim while torquing the tire over the upper lip.

If not for that, the NoMar is really too much for someone like me. But I'm not above getting one.

[Mattthehoople]

So visited Livengood Motorsports in Lawrenceville (Hwy 20, close to where Two Brothers was) and they were able to mount and balance my tire, in like literally 5 mins. Haha!

They have a really nice (but expensive) Snap On tire changer. I think I'm going to have them do my forks.

The guys were cool. I banged up the rim trying to spoon them on, not too bad, but enough that I wouldn't attempt doing it again unless I had an air machine, which I could never afford.

The heavy sport touring tires for my money are better left to those who have the machine.

But if I even get a R1200GS Adventure. . . ???

I'm doing the U-joint cleaning and lubing, then its all back together.

[0face]

They were a nightmare for me to get on too. The sidewalls are stiff!

[ts3doug]

Been crazy busy at work and have a trip coming up tomorrow. Took the feejer into a Harley dealer to have the T30 mounted and oil changed. Now I know I should do this shit myself but it just wasn't working out for me time or ambition wise. I now sit in a bar drinking shitty beers because I'm waiting for them to change the oil. It seems they forgot to do that.

[silverback]

Been crazy busy at work and have a trip coming up tomorrow. Took the feejer into a Harley dealer to have the T30 mounted and oil changed. Now I know I should do this shit myself but it just wasn't working out for me time or ambition wise. I now sit in a bar drinking shitty beers because I'm waiting for them to change the oil. It seems they forgot to do that.

Surprised they would take the work. I tried to use Alef's HD for a tire change and got told "We don't work on f@$king Jap pieces of shit." (Notice the use of quotes.)

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[ts3doug]

they also sell suzuki and can am. service manage told me to consider them for future repairs as well as they we more than happy to service any brand. of course they f@$king filled my oil a bit much, still in the sight glass but bit excessive from what i fill it. good enough though, as i roll out tomorrow for a bit of time away from work and family. it will be interesting to see the wear on this tire when i get back, not expecting much, based on the couple reviews i've read.








i may have started drinking already, sorry.

[Old Guy]

I mounted mine with no problems. Maybe it's because I'm used to mounting those awful Goldwing tires.

I use a Harbor Freight changer with a Mojolever. Works like a champ.

If I were to do it again, I'd make my own stand, like this guy did, rather than buy the Harbor Freight unit.
http://youtu.be/eF8qDxRE98o

[Mattthehoople]

I mounted mine with no problems. Maybe it's because I'm used to mounting those awful Goldwing tires.

I use a Harbor Freight changer with a Mojolever. Works like a champ.

If I were to do it again, I'd make my own stand, like this guy did, rather than buy the Harbor Freight unit.
http://youtu.be/eF8qDxRE98o

He bent the side core though, and hitting on the tire with a rubber mallet probably won't true the tire. Also, my guess is he destroyed the bead.

But I'm maybe a little too anal about tires and balance, etc. I want it perfect every time, and having tried it, I know I can mount my own on a small street bike with sticky tires. Those tires are pretty pliable.

I think a real lesson I learned is that you need good tire lube. The stuff sold at Napa works but isn't as good as what I tire shop uses, at least not the lube I picked up.

Still see a tire changer in my future, probably the No Mar Classic. For right now though, it would take several years of tire changes to add up to what a great shop charges. In my case, $30 (per axle) with your tires, mounted and balanced.

[Mattthehoople]

BTW, by taking the tire off myself, I was able to do a drive shaft and U joint service, as well as a pivot point teardown and lube.

My U Joint had never been serviced.

56,000 mi 2008 model. I was out at Camp Williams in Utah for a couple of years, so the underneath of my bike has seen serious salt and abuse.
Never again will I let things get so far abused.

Some of the bolts were almost eaten through. .

Not good.

[Old Guy]

I mounted mine with no problems. Maybe it's because I'm used to mounting those awful Goldwing tires.

I use a Harbor Freight changer with a Mojolever. Works like a champ.

If I were to do it again, I'd make my own stand, like this guy did, rather than buy the Harbor Freight unit.
http://youtu.be/eF8qDxRE98o

He bent the side core though, and hitting on the tire with a rubber mallet probably won't true the tire. Also, my guess is he destroyed the bead.

But I'm maybe a little too anal about tires and balance, etc. I want it perfect every time, and having tried it, I know I can mount my own on a small street bike with sticky tires. Those tires are pretty pliable.

I think a real lesson I learned is that you need good tire lube. The stuff sold at Napa works but isn't as good as what I tire shop uses, at least not the lube I picked up.

Still see a tire changer in my future, probably the No Mar Classic. For right now though, it would take several years of tire changes to add up to what a great shop charges. In my case, $30 (per axle) with your tires, mounted and balanced.

Yeah, he wasn't that good with the Mojolever. It took me a while to get the hang of it too. I really posted the link to show the stand made. I changed my rear Goldwing tires with the Mojolever. It's a really nice tool if you want to do your own.

[Mattthehoople]

You know what? I didn't really investigate the MojoLever. I just purchased some tire spoons at Northern Equipment.

You've peaked my interest big time.

Anything to isolate the wheel from the torque of the bar? Is that stand isolated from the center wheel bearings? It looks like it threads through the wheel but surely there is something protecting the bearings? I can't really tell. . .