K8 Rear Tire Change

[Robot]

After being inspired by Rockadous's recent tire change thread. I decided to do mine on my own. Years ago I did my own dirtbike tires.

    My OEM Battlax started showing thread at 7297 miles. Pretty good, 90% of my driving is interstate.

    WooodWheel suggested using Dynabeads for balancing, the concept has been around for decades and the physics is solid. In my searches, I could not find anything of substance that was negetive.

    I went with the Dunlop Qualifier this time around, darn Battlax slips too easily on downshift, yes I have read where it isnt the tires fault, jury is still out with me on that one.

    This post is NOT intended as instruction on how to install, we already have that in the maintenance section of this site. It's intent is to offer some suggestions on how to do this on your own.

    I made a jig rather than buying a changer, and did this change myself without assistance from anyone.

    I have about 30 pics coming, so please be patient as I put them in with text.

    Here is some useful dynabead and tire changing links:

http://www.innovativebalancing.com/
http://www.whitehorsepress.com/product_info.php?products_id=5614
http://www.napaonline.com/MasterP....RuGlyde
http://www.clarity.net/~adam/tire-changing-doc.html

First pic is of thread/belt showing on my tire. Comments welcome as I post. Thanks, John

[Robot]

Secured Rear Brake

[Robot]

Don't have stands yet, here is how I stabilize. Note eybolts temporarily in end of bars, and ratchet straps going to the ceiling. Did a post on this long ago. Some loved, some hated. They keep working great!

[Robot]

Close up of ends

[Robot]

Made this axlerod, also talked about in previous posts. 1/2" NPT pipe and 5/8 solid insert.

[Robot]

Jack up the rear with the axlerod inserted, then support with upper/inner part of swingarm.

Remove axlerod so you can remove the wheel.

[Robot]

1/2" NPT through swingarm

[Robot]

Removing these 2 bolts on chain guard helps

[Robot]

My experience was, the rear brake would love to scratch your rim while you remove the tire

[Robot]

Not sure if you can do this with stands, but having the back end waaaayyyy up in the air helps

[Robot]

Just a back view, the axlerod gets pulled for use in my homemade tire changing jig

[Robot]

Valve stem was finger tight

[Robot]

New Qualifier, Old Battlax

[Robot]

My 2x12 Wooden tire jig, supported by my workmate. Hole for axle in middle

[Robot]

My JUMBO C-Clamp Bead Breaker

[Robot]

Axle AND homemade Axlerod go through the wood and secure the wheel. Pic is the axlenut and shaft collar holding the axlerod in place.

[Robot]

Napa tire lube and brush

[Robot]

Breaking the bead

[Robot]

Rim saver in place, 10" tire spoon held in place by "S" hook on axlerod

[Robot]

Here's where I cheat. I used and dremel/fiberglass cutoff wheel to cut the inside cord of the wheel. DONT HIT THE RIM. PoP, Pop, Pop and wheel is real easy to remove.