zip tie tire change

[dlong]

This thread over on BMWSportTouring drew some interest. Haven't seen any discussion of the method on this forum. Anyone tried it? Any tips?

Zip Tie Tire Changing - OK I'm Impressed - BMWSportTouring Forums

[nail24fac]

Very intresting techinique. My R1200RT had a very shallow well in the rim to work the bead into so that the last 6" or so could be worked over the rim. With a Bridgestone that has stiff sidewalls it was quite a job on the NoMar. This appears to make keeping the bead in the shallow well easier.

[1100s nut]

Interesting. I bought a No Mar a while back that I have not mounted yet...my GS tires are getting close. Zip ties and duct tape, two wonderful items. For the off road guys, if you pop a tube it is very difficult to ride, especially the rear....wants to spin....if you have about 10 or more zips...zip tie the tire every few inches and it will stabilize the tire for the ride out. It works.

[signit98]

Originally Posted by 1100s nut

...zip tie the tire every few inches and it will stabilize the tire for the ride out. It works.

Lane, THAT is the best tip I have gotten in a while... Zip-Ties added to the carry on!!!

Had a flat on the dirt bike a while ago... miles away from anything. Ripped the valve stem out of the tube... tire walked off the rim after just a few yards. with the zip tie method I might just have been able to ride out...

I'll have to test that...

[BumbleBeemer36]

Webbing tie down straps are the more Eco-friendly tire mounting method (reusable).

Mount a Motorcycle Tire Without Using Tools - ADVrider

[nathanmargolis]

Tie down straps for mounting- very interesting. Might try that for the next two tires.

In the past, I have had issues in breaking the bead. I have stomped on, rubber ballet, used 2 x 4s, and even carefully used the weight of a car with no success. Did recently purchase a deadblow hammer that might do the trick though.

Any suggestions for this problem?

Also, is balancing really necessary or do most home mounters use the plastic beebees in the tire for balancing.

Thanks,
Nathan

[throttlemeister]

I have found that most Michelin tires require little to no balancing if the rim is balanced.

Having a electro-pneumatic motorcycle tire changer available in my dad's mancave, I have no issues removing or mounting tires. I can change 2 tires, including getting the wheels on/off the bike in about 15 minutes without breaking a sweat.

[ckcarr]

Originally Posted by throttlemeister

I can change 2 tires, including getting the wheels on/off the bike in about 15 minutes without breaking a sweat.

Wow!

I can change two tires in four hours with little tire irons, beer, and a TV...

Including balancing with my Marc Parnes balancer... Good for 142 mph with no shake at all...

[throttlemeister]

The beer and tv sounds good.

[ckcarr]

Life's not all about speed!

[signit98]

Originally Posted by nathanmargolis

Tie down straps for mounting- very interesting. Might try that for the next two tires.

In the past, I have had issues in breaking the bead. I have stomped on, rubber ballet, used 2 x 4s, and even carefully used the weight of a car with no success. Did recently purchase a deadblow hammer that might do the trick though.

Any suggestions for this problem?

Also, is balancing really necessary or do most home mounters use the plastic beebees in the tire for balancing.

Thanks,
Nathan

In the field (or when to lazy at home) I use the sidestand of one of my bikes to break the bead... works very well.

Balancing is a play it by ear thing... in the field I don't care much... at home I usually do it on the bike that have a propensity for moving me along faster...

[throttlemeister]

Originally Posted by ckcarr

Life's not all about speed!

Ain't that the truth!

[BumbleBeemer36]

For tires under 150 width I use the bench vice to break the bead.

Before I got my HF tire changer I would break the bead on car tires with a High Lift jack under the bumper and the foot on the bead. Then I'd change them out with 3 x 10" tire levers. I was younger, stronger, and apparently had more time and no money.

[poldar12s]

Always something to learn and try.
Any one pull out the rear tire from the rim using this method? Or, not possible?

[PFFOG]

I too find zip ties useful when changing tires in the barn

They hold my cup holder (bottle holder) so my beer does not fall over, haven't installed the TV yet!

[signit98]

Originally Posted by BumbleBeemer36

Webbing tie down straps are the more Eco-friendly tire mounting method (reusable).

Mount a Motorcycle Tire Without Using Tools - ADVrider

Yeah, but only feasible at home.... unless you constantly want to lug 8 or 10 of those things around with you.

Zip-Ties are easier to carry and you can get reusable ones as well.

[BumbleBeemer36]

I carry at least 4 already on the GS but I also carry spoons. On the dirt bike I run Tubliss with Slime and hope for the best.

[nail24fac]

I only carry one spoon for stirring my coffee.

[signit98]

Originally Posted by BumbleBeemer36

I carry at least 4 already on the GS but I also carry spoons. On the dirt bike I run Tubliss with Slime and hope for the best.

I don't really rely on "hoping for the best" anymore... hasn't helped much so far and I doubt it ever will.

So, my mantra is "being prepared"... much easier to deal with.

[1100s nut]

Originally Posted by BumbleBeemer36

. On the dirt bike I run Tubliss with Slime and hope for the best.

How do you run tubeless on dirt bikes with spokes? I have seen the Michelin mousse rubber core doohickey, but they wear out. I have been running higher pressures which I hate doing but the stuff we ride it's a fine line between too much pressure and beating you to death or lower, comfortable pressure and pinching a tube. It seems like 15-16 psi front and 12 rear is well for me. Some places less depending on rocks.

On the zips, I have given more away to other riders than I have used for myself...mostly for broken plastic, head lights hanging off, kick starter broken input shafts, side stand spring breaks, seat coming off and more. important and handy gagets.
Lane