Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
Using tire levers to get tire back onto wheel?? Using tire levers to get tire back onto wheel??
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By Gipper

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Jun 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 15
Using tire levers to get tire back onto wheel??
I'm trying to teach myself how to get out of the one in a million situation whereby the hole in the tire is to big to plug and you need to insert a tube.

I own a 2016 GSA1200 with Karoo 3 tires front and rear.

I decided to start with the rear. I got the wheel off no probs, removed one half of the tire to put the tube in then I removed the tire pressure sensor so the valve of the tube could go in the valve stem hole on wheel without issue.

Now the tube is in the tire and I'm trying to lever the tire back onto the wheel. I can get about 3/4 of it done and the rest is just bloody difficult. I'm using Motion Pro tyre levers and some WD40 as lube.

I put all my weight and muscle into it with just no movement of the tire onto the rim. Its like the rubber is trying to stretch but it can only go to a certain point.

If I was out bush by myself I'd be stuffed as I've spent the last 2 hours trying to get this wretched tire back onto the wheel but just can't get that last bit on.

How on earth do you guys that know how to do it - do it!??

I tried a 3rd tire lever but that wasn't of great assistance.

Any tips of words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

benok
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Jun 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: UK
Posts: 38
You need to keep as much of the opposite side of the tyre in the well of the wheel.
If the tyres are hard, it can be quite difficult, I run Mitas E-07's on a Tiger 800, I've avoided the Dakar variants as from experience they're just too bloody hard to get on and off.

One tip I can give you, try using cable ties to hold the tyre in.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 18 Jun 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: UK
Posts: 38
Oh, and I wouldn't be using wd40 either. Soapy water is a better bet.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 18 Jun 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 15
Thanks XS

I've heard soapy water is good but I'm trying with WD-40 as its easier to carry in the tool box but I guess I can give it another go tomorrow using a little bit of water and a bar of soap and see how that goes - is that what you mean?

Nice pic btw - I might try that cable tie method
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 18 Jun 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: UK
Posts: 38
Soapy water evaporates where as oil doesn't. You really don't want a tyre moving on the rim! I usually use a little washing up liquid and water in the bottom of a cup and apply with a brush.

A lot of its practice, the cable ties mean you can hold it in place tightly and free up as much tyre to make fitting easier.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 18 Jun 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 15
Cheers mate,

I realise that I carry a bar of soap in my wash kit so I'll just make some soapy water and try that. The zip ties are a great idea.

Thanks again.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 18 Jun 2016
Gipper's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
leave the tyre out in the sun and get it as hot as possible before you try and mount it, it expands it slightly and makes it more pliable.
I use 50% dishwashing liquid and 50% water and make sure you get it over the wheel rim and under the bead, so it will help the underside of the bead slip over the rim. As mentioned if the opposite side of the tyre is not in the deepest centre line part of the rim you will never get the opposite side you are trying to spoon back in, I kneel or stand on the opposite side of the tyre to keep it down and in the rim, take very small bites with the levers.


Good luck!
__________________
Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 18 Jun 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW France
Posts: 304
The problem with wd40 is that when it dries out it tends to stick the tyre to the rim making it very difficult to break the bead should the tyre need removing at a later date.

I think your problem with getting the tyre on is, as XS says, that the side already on the rim needs to be in the recess in the centre of the rim. Working at home I usually put the wheel on an old tyre which helps to protect the disc, and I kneel on the tyre being fitted which pushes it down into the well and then lever the tyre on in small chunks using two mp tyre levers. How easily it goes on depends to some extent on the tyre and the temperature ( leaving the tyre in the sun for a while can make a big difference). Lube can help as well although can also cause the tyre levers to slide around too much. The main use for the lube is to help the tyre seat on the bead when it is inflated.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 18 Jun 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 15
Cheers fellas - I'll put the tire in the sun for a bit - theres not much here at the moment so might have to get a hair dryer onto it for 10 mins or so
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 25 Jun 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Overijse Belgium & UK
Posts: 1
Bead buddy from Adventure Spec will greatly assist in keeping the tyre in the centre of the rim well. Won't help you now but will in the future.

Sent from my SM-G903F using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 26 Jun 2016
Pongo's Avatar
R.I.P. - 2020
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Cotes d'Armor, France.
Posts: 377
One last tip, apart from lots of soapy water, is the way you put the tyre on the rim when you've got an inner tube inserted. You don't want to pinch the tube or disturb the valve so make sure you start on the opposite side the valve and finish with the tyre levers either side of the valve. Once you've got the tyre past the 10 past 10 or 10 to 2 ( clock face) position on the rim it should quite easily pop over without getting the levers too close to the valve.
__________________
-''It is better to walk alone than with a crowd going in the wrong direction''. ( Herman Siu)
-'' Live life then give life '' (www.lltgl.org.uk)
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Tales from the Saddle klous-1 Ride Tales 88 4 Feb 2016 20:30
Cooking and braaaaaping around the world SBSRTW Ride Tales 35 8 Jan 2014 12:21
No Jobs, No Responsibilities, No Better Time then Now bigalsmith101 Ride Tales 269 19 Jan 2013 14:34
RTW on 100cc underbones - Underboning the World Underboning Ride Tales 300 4 Jan 2013 08:24
A Gringo in Colombia Ride4Adventure Ride Tales 13 20 Apr 2012 02:15

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 18:33.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top