Essential tools to remove/fit tyres and tubes

**Bonez** · 2nd November 2004, 16:32

By hand (the football replesents an air supply of some sort).........

**Kickaha** · 2nd November 2004, 16:41

CRC is a no no,it might make the tyre easier to fit but it isn't good for the rubber,neither is any petroleum based product.

Best stuff is lanolube or a good rubber grease.

**Bonez** · 2nd November 2004, 16:44

Originally Posted by Kickaha

CRC is a no no,it might make the tyre easier to fit but it isn't good for the rubber,neither is any petroleum based product.

Best stuff is lanolube or a good rubber grease.

Well I've been using this combination (used good ol soapy water previously) for 15 years, around 140,000kms or more of road use, with no apperant breakdown or failer of either the tyres or tubes on a number of bikes. Thanks for the input.

**merv** · 2nd November 2004, 17:38

You did mention tubes in the title. To fit tubed tyres (on my dirt bikes) I have always used the rubber hammer and dishwash liquid mixed in water as the lubricant. Leave the tyre levers in the cupboard as they are likely to pinch the tube as you fit the tyre.

**Bonez** · 2nd November 2004, 17:55

Originally Posted by merv

You did mention tubes in the title. To fit tubed tyres (on my dirt bikes) I have always used the rubber hammer and dishwash liquid mixed in water as the lubricant. Leave the tyre levers in the cupboard as they are likely to pinch the tube as you fit the tyre.

I find small levers don't if used properly with the tube slightly inflated and working from the valve stem side and work around. Back heal of a stout pair of boots assists getting the tire on also.

Some tires are more difficult to get on depending on manufacturer also.

**T.I.E** · 2nd November 2004, 18:19

slightly inflated tubes nice work never thought of that, i can see how that would make things so much easier sweet

**merv** · 2nd November 2004, 18:29

With dirt bikes we've got the security clamps on the wheels to make fitting tyres harder. My technique is to fit the rim inside the tyre with both beads hanging off either side of the rim. Fit the tube, then blow it up a wee bit, then rubber hammer on one side of the tyre while holding the security clamp in by having the nut screwed on just at the end and pushing the thing into the rim, making sure the valve stem is well in as well, then repeat the process hammering on the other side of the tyre. If you don't do it like that you are likely to get the tube caught under parts of the bead and that makes the tyre sit a bit wonky which is not good for balance or stability.

**Kickaha** · 2nd November 2004, 19:10

I'm used to tyres which last a lot longer than those on a motorcycle and you'd get away with using CRC because of the short lifespan compared to other vehicles,it wont cause tyre failure but it does make the rubber brittle.

With fitting tubes using tyre talc is another recomendation as it stops the tyre and tube chafing together

**Hitcher** · 2nd November 2004, 19:18

I find all of the necessary tools are found in Motorad's workshop.

**Motu** · 2nd November 2004, 19:31

I've used nearly everything to lube the bead,brake fluid is also good - I used to think something water soluable was the way to go and freaked when I saw someone use WD40,but I've found it does no harm,whatever is handy.Of course I now use a proper tyre mounting lube.

I prefer to use 3 spoon levers,with maybe one longer one for the final tight part,or first lifting the bead over.I was taught that if you have to force things,you are doing something wrong - and it's true.Rim locks are a pain,and on trials bikes we use 2 on the rear,there is an art to these,and we all find a better way,as Merv shows with his silly idea that would never work...but does for him.

Try using an oil drum with the top cut out to put the rim on,then you can work standing up instead of groveling around on the ground.I have bike adapters on my tyre machine,so I have an easy time these days,but have always done it myself the hard way.

**Bonez** · 2nd November 2004, 19:40

New tube and tyre fitted in all it's glory and not a rubber mallet in sight. Ready for the next WOF.

**Bonez** · 2nd November 2004, 19:46

Originally Posted by Hitcher

I find all of the necessary tools are found in Motorad's workshop.

And if you are stuck with a flat in the middle of the Napier-Taihapi Rd?

**Hitcher** · 2nd November 2004, 19:51

Originally Posted by Bonez

And if you are stuck with a flat in the middle of the Napier-Taihapi Rd?

And it's dark and raining and I've just run out of gas because I forgot to return the reserve tap to main last time I filled and the jarring from the gravel has popped a fuse and the filament in my headlight and the sump plug came loose and the oils all gone and I wasn't looking where I was going in the dark after I took my helmet off and stuffed my gloves in it and now I've drop kicked it over a bluff and... "I want my Mummy!!"