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  #1  
Old 10 Feb 2020
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Grant Johnson's Tire Changing Instructions
I've taken notes at least twice watching Grant ballet through a tire removal/mount as if it were spooning whipped cream into a hungry toddler's mouth. And now, I can't find them! I've changed tires myself on my travel bikes several times but this is on my '72 BMW 750/5 and I REALLY don't want to screw up the rims.


Does anyone out there have a written version of Grant's "how-to" on changing tires? Sure would feel safe with them in my shirt pocket. :-)
Thanks
JohnD
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  #2  
Old 4 May 2020
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Wondering, with most sitting at home now, does no one have notes from Grants demos?
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  #3  
Old 4 May 2020
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thanks for the nice words! PRACTICE is what matters.

I think everyone keeps a copy of the video on their tablet / phone / computer!
Remember it IS all available for download or streaming on vimeo.com/horizonsunlimited and currently HALF OFF an already great price - or wait till it comes up in the rotation for free - but who knows when it will be free? - see details on this thread
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Old 5 May 2020
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Like Grant says.

Practice, practice, practice..


Changing tyres is like sex. Lots of lube makes it far easier.

Carry a bar of soap which you smear soap onto the bead with a rag. Or a small bottle of washing up liquid.

Forget tiny toy tyre levers which are so popular. They may work on flexible MX tyres, but they're almost useless on stiff Adventure or road tyres. You want strong and long levers. They're usually much cheaper too. I like the ones with spoon ends and rubber handles.

The top tip I could give you is to always take little bites. When removing and refitting. The biggest 'noobie' error I see people doing is trying to take 'Big bites' of the tyre. Go slow and do a little bit at a time. Using two levers at once. And make sure the opposite side of the tyre is pressed into the centre of the rim. This makes a HUGE difference.

Tyre levers and nice rims don't go together. They just don't !!! You can buy plastic rim protectors but they make the job more awkward again.

Either use a tyre machine or let your rims grow battle scars.

Good luck
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Old 11 May 2020
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Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
Like Grant says.

Practice, practice, practice..

Changing tyres is like sex. Lots of lube makes it far easier.

Carry a bar of soap which you smear soap onto the bead with a rag. Or a small bottle of washing up liquid.
A "film can" of dish soap - remember those? - is easily enough to do two tires mixed with about a cup of water.

Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
Forget tiny toy tyre levers which are so popular. They may work on flexible MX tyres, but they're almost useless on stiff Adventure or road tyres. You want strong and long levers. They're usually much cheaper too. I like the ones with spoon ends and rubber handles.
Gotta disagree here - the longest levers I've ever needed are 10" and I only use those because they are also my Motion Pro Bead Breakers for tubeless. Normally 8" levers will do any tire - but I use three, one to hold the tire in place opposite where I'm working, OR a "Motion Pro Bead Buddy"

Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post

The top tip I could give you is to always take little bites. When removing and refitting. The biggest 'noobie' error I see people doing is trying to take 'Big bites' of the tyre. Go slow and do a little bit at a time. Using two levers at once. And make sure the opposite side of the tyre is pressed into the centre of the rim. This makes a HUGE difference.
Totally agree with both! And we mean CENTRE as in all the way into the valley / drop center of the rim. That's CRITICAL.

Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post

Tyre levers and nice rims don't go together. They just don't !!! You can buy plastic rim protectors but they make the job more awkward again.

Either use a tyre machine or let your rims grow battle scars.
With care and good levers, any scars will be very minor if any. Secret: If it's HARD - STOP - something's wrong. You WILL damage the tire or rims if you're sweating. Soap, deep in the valley, 2" bites, slow and steady not big muscle.

Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
Good luck
Yup - good luck!
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  #6  
Old 11 May 2020
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And never make your first tyre fix on a new to you bike at the side of the road. Soap, grease and tyre lube are an alien concept to BMW, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Triumph, Enfield and probably every other factory with a huge hydraulic press.

My first set of Moto-Guzzi tyres came off with a hacksaw after I'd failed with levers and a screw press and a tyre fitter failed with an electric/ hydraulic one. Shallow rims, a Pirelli marked TL and the nearest factory lube inside the gearbox.

Andy
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