Ok, today I decided to try changing out my rear tire on my own. I thought that i would try to do it with only the tools i have on me when I ride. I've got three tire irons and the necessary wrenches to get the wheel off.

I couldn't do it. I got the old tire off and half of the new tire on but it just won't go all the way. I feel like a loser but Monday I'm going to have to bring it to the shop to get it mounted.

Why is this so hard?! My hands are hamburger and I still didn't get it mounted.

 

I'm guessing you mean the last part of the tire when you have to slip the last 8" or so over the lip??

If that's so - be sure that the other side the bead hasn't seated yet.. If it has, you'll never get the tire over the lip.. 180° from the last part that needs to go over the lip - that's where you need to make sure that the bead hasn't seated.. Press it in and move the whole tire towards the side that needs the lip pulled over.

That may sound Japanese, let me know if it made sense! haha

 

I had to start the tire on the opposite side of the stem so you can get the bead compressed into the center of the rim. this gave me the extra little bit i needed to get the rest on. it still wasn't easy. used lots of soapy water and 3 eleven inch tire irons.
The second time was easier after you get a system down.

 

i had a tube replaced friday on my sons motorcycle , i watched the mechanic use the tire
irons to remove the tire but not to replace the tire.
he sprayed a soapy solution all over the tire and like cousinlarry said, make sure the bead has not seated 180* from the last part you are working on then use both hands
and press real hard on the tire.
i was amazed how easy it went on.
now i will do my own.

 

Well, the other part of the problem is that I'm not sure how the new rim locks are suppose to work. Does the tire go between the rim and the rim lock or on top of the rim lock?

 

If your fighting it your doing it wrong, Not trying to be sarcastic but if it starts getting tough it's time to take a step back and see why.

 

As stated, make sure on the opposite side the bead is in the rim well, not the outer edge. Also, try some of these tire irons, these are great, best ones I've used:

http://www.blueridgeracing.com/t7Tools.htm



Very light, too.

That said, I'm no expert for sure. I can do it, and I don't hesitate to pull the wheel off and jump in. But it probably takes me 5 times longer than someone whose good at it. And when I'm done, my knuckles are bloody, sweat is rolling off my forehead, and I've insulted its mother mercilessly. But my tire is mounted and holding air.

 

I bought one of this after watching a you tube video it works well.

http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/...ad_bead_buddy/

 

Motorcycle tire changing is 80% technique and maybe 20% tools. A decent pair of tire irons does help. In the shop I use a pair of 14 and 18 inch big irons that makes short work of any tire, but really good techique is more important. Motion Pro makes a tool called a "Bead Buddy" that is super helpful too. It's like a 3rd hand that keeps the bead down in the spoke valley while you're working away with two other irons. Of course all tires aren't created equal either, but a good set of irons and good technique will tame any tire. A Terraflex tire may be the meanest tire to work with, but even it's doable. That's a ruler in the pic with these irons...and no...I don't carry these on the bike.

 

Allow me to demonstrate.. Please forgive the crudeness of my diagram!

Imagine a side cut:


Catch my drift?

Basically loosen the rim lock, and push it up into the tire with the tube sandwiched on top. You want to get the tire bead down seated, then you tighten the rim lock which pulls the slug down and clamps the bead into place.