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I just ordered a pair of new tires for my Triumph. I've used a local shop for tire changes for years. He's reasonable on price for carry-in tire swaps, and is the only guy to never scratch my wheels.
I called to get an appointment, and found that he's recently gone out of business. I called around to a few shops, and was quoted some pretty high prices. Higher than buying a set of hand tools and doing the job myself.
Tire swaps have been one of those jobs that I've relegated to a shop but know that I could probably do myself, but the convenience factor has outweighed the price until now.
I've changed tires on bicycles and lawn mowers. Plenty of YouTube experts and Harbor Freight coupons. How hard can it be?
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On a Triumph it can be harder due to the tubes. Ever hear of a snake bite?
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You still need to bring it somewhere to get balanced, no?
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I think the CB1100 and Triumph street bikes like the Bonneville are within range of many owners. I say this only because the tires are more forgiving than those on larger bikes and adventure models where the sidewalls can be extremely stiff and best to still take to a motorcycle garage.
Balancing the wheels is the easiest activity when replacing the rubber.
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Yes, it’s got tubes, so that’s an added factor. For balance, I was going to get a balance stand and some weights.
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If I had purchased a tire mounting stand 30 years ago when I first considered it, I’d be a rich man by now. But I never did. I say go for it!
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I bought this tire balancer
[url=https://www.amazon.com/Black-Widow-Wheel-Balancer-Truing/dp/B00A0XTTJK/ref=asc_df_B00A0XTTJK/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312061076067&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7510587322887281459&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033572&hvtargid=pla-623483420607&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=61856009493&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312061076067&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7510587322887281459&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033572&hvtargid=pla-623483420607]Amazon
or one similar and I tried it out my KLR tires for practice--seemed to work fine. I'm coming up on new tires for both my CB1100 and the W800, so I might give it a go to save some $$. But I am concerned about scratching the rims.
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Thanks pdedse, I’ll check that one out. Since the Bonnie has chrome rims, I figured it would be good to try that one to start, but I’m also planning to pick up a set of rim protectors. I really hate scratching stuff.
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I'm surprised no one has mentioned dyna beads for balancing. I've used them for years with no problems, 2oz in the rear and 1oz in the front poured in through the valve stem and wheels are perfectly balanced at any speed its like riding on glass.
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(05-26-2022, 04:48 PM)Mixagon_imp Wrote: I'm surprised no one has mentioned dyna beads for balancing. I've used them for years with no problems, 2oz in the rear and 1oz in the front poured in through the valve stem and wheels are perfectly balanced at any speed its like riding on glass.
Don't think I have read about [url=https://www.royaldistributing.com/dyna-beads-bike-pack-applicator-and-beads-combo.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrt2b8cj_9wIVFE2GCh0LsgYYEAQYASABEgL3HfD_BwE]Dyna Beads until now. Interesting nonetheless.