Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Front tyre change without center stand?? Front tyre change without center stand??
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree2Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 22 May 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 7
Front tyre change without center stand??
Hi Guys,
this might be a silly question but how does one get the front wheel off the ground in order to change the tyre on a bike which only has a side stand. Assuming there no one about to help you lift it onto a block. The only way I can think of it is to put the bike on its side on the ground, this seems a rather clumsy way of doing it. Any suggestions would helpful.

Cheers
Stephen.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 22 May 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 15
Front Wheel
Hi you could either buy or borrow a rear & front paddock stand or get bike onto a block or milk crate. I can get my TTr600 onto a wooden block on my own qite safley.
__________________
2005 TT600re
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 22 May 2006
mustaphapint's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Brittany, France
Posts: 401
If I were stuck out in the field, I'd be looking for some rope (block & pulleys would be good) and tree to hoist it from or a stout branch or timber and some rocks to lever it up and block it.
__________________
If you think you are too small to make a difference you have never spent the night with a mosquito.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 May 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Cornwall,UK
Posts: 63
Hi

Off roading we normally lay the bikes on their side - it's always useful to have someone else about when you are trying to get the axle bolt back in though...

In the workshop I use a trolley jack under the lower suspension pivot - you can quite safely jack the XT quite high enough to put a decent size crate underneath the sump and have both wheels of the ground.

Hope the advice helps.

Cheers Bish
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 May 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: montana usa
Posts: 547
changing front tire
It really depends what you want to change the tire into! Every day during the summer I change front tires on bikes without centerstands. I first make sure it has a unbent normal sidestand then I unload the rock collection off the back rack. then just go to the side opposite the sidestand and jack up the frame till the front wheel is off the ground. out in the field I would use a branch or stick. Another way is to tie the bike off to a building, tree, or rock outcropping. just pull it over against the sidestand and tie the rope to hold it there.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 May 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Cornwall,UK
Posts: 63
Bill

My experience with the XT is that the (standard) sidestand won't take the loading when doing this (It's a pretty weighty machine) - I used to do exactly that, yank it onto the sidestand and spin the rear wheel to lube the chain... I cracked the welds at the top end of the stand and then had to weld it up with extra reinforcement
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 24 May 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 7
Thanx for the responses.
I guess the typical worst case scenario would be a full tank of petrol, side of a road with no one about and a punctured flat front tyre. From what I can gather one will have to put the bike on its side, ensure petrol tap is off, and repair the front tube...or get a centre stand....does any one know of a stand that would fit a 34L, or has anyone had any experience of making one?

Cheers
Stephen
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 22 Jun 2006
bm bm is offline
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: durban, south africa
Posts: 19
i'm a bit late on this one but anyway - i've tried all sorts and some systems work better than others. i've broken my sidestand when tipping the bike over so i've stopped doing the tip over and slide crate in trick. easiest and quickest is just drop it. push a rock under the clutch coverplate and that will pick up the front end nicely to do the repair.
happy puncture fixing.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 22 Jun 2006
Sime66's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Wild West (of Crete)
Posts: 283
Aerostich sell a mini jack thing which I've used to take off both front and rear wheels. It weighs about a kilo and is about the size of a big spanner.
__________________
Simon

London-Cape Town 2004-06
Buenos Aires-Vancouver 2008-10:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/fitzpatrick
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 21 Feb 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: London
Posts: 300
I know this is an old thread but I'm thinking of buying a centre stand for my xt. But if its ok to just lay the bike on its side then I won't bother.

Although someone has told me before this may cause problems and to never lay a bike on its side for long periods of time.

Is it a problem?
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 24 Feb 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: London
Posts: 300
anyone?
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 25 Feb 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: London
Posts: 53
I had considered getting a centre stand for the XT too, in the end used a trail stand made by a guy in the US:

Enduro Star / Trail Stand

Its just a basic third leg stand, not amazingly stable but would do for a roadside repair.

I'll see if i can find it, if i can you are welcome to it.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 26 Feb 2013
Lifetime Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 365
I cannot see why laying the bike on it side for awhile should cause any problems. With the exception of the petrol tank all the fluid systems on a bike are basically closed and shouldn't be upset by it (assuming they are not running of course). Only issue you occasionally see on some bikes, especially older ones with very basic vent systems, you may have a problem with fuel coming out the tank vent (and then it simply a question of lifting the end of it higher.

My bikes have all at different times spent time on their side for tyre changes and never appears to have had an impact - although I always allow a minute or two for the fluids all to drain back to their correct locations when I stand it up again before I try and start them. Only negative is picking them up again after the tyre change.
__________________
Martin

finally back on the road again


http://awayonmybike.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 27 Feb 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Personally I would invest in a centre stand. They are very useful even just for parking

Many old Brit bikes had pivotable mudguard stays so you could raise either the front or back wheel for easy removal. I have even seen hinged rear mudguards to make it even easier.

If you have round feet on your centre stand (like Enfields) you can carry little slide on extenders to use for maintenance, or to have big wide feet for parking on soft ground.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 27 Feb 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Desert, SoCal, U.S.A
Posts: 35
2 dollar Crutch Jack?
This has been done to death on a number of internet sites over the years, but try searching "crutch jack" on the internet if you're interested. No end to the creativity some have put into these. This is a basic one I use for my dualsport and street bikes up to about 450 lbs. Some skidplates, frame configurations and heavier bikes will sometimes call for something other than the simple rubber crutch tip on the "bike" end in order to get a good purchase on the swingarm, skid plate or frame. Weighs ounces, made from castoff crutches. Acts as a "third leg" depending upon placement, and also works in uneven terrain where a centerstand can sometimes be problematic. Lifts either the front or rear. Goes everywhere I go:





Last edited by lizrdbrth; 27 Feb 2013 at 09:00.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« 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
Enfield front tyre question abakan Other Bikes Tech 5 14 Dec 2004 15:25
Front Tyre for 1VJ highway Yamaha Tech 3 15 Nov 2003 23:23
Front Sprocket Change hunternielson BMW Tech 1 16 Sep 2003 07:35
Tyre change 275/70/16 LANDCRUISER mike 1 North Africa 1 3 Feb 2003 21:43
Center stand for a 650 Paris Dakar DIDIER MARTIN BMW Tech 1 4 Jun 2002 21:37

 
 

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 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

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 travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

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!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



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 05:57.

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