Anyone here change their own tires?

[47Norton]

I'm ready to replace the tires on my Road King (spoke wheels). Wondering if this is a DIY or not. I used to always change the tires on my other bikes, though not so large a size. What do you think?

[ride4daze]

I changed the rear tire on my RK. Not as bad as I thought
at first, had to pull the mufflers and modify my floor jack
to get it high enough. The hardest part is breaking the bead loose, mine are tubless, but it's not hard to get off and on the rim. I scratched mine a little, not really noticable though. To balance it I used a piece of threaded rod and two small bearings that came out of a small elect motor, tightened up against the wheel bearings, they fit inside just a little, put the rod between too jack stands and let the wheel roll till it stopped, add weight till it dosn't stop in same place twice. Took some time, but I like to do stuff myself, if I can. Hope this helps.

[xxxflhrci]

I change mine. I bought a Harbor Freight portable tire changer for 30 bucks just for the bead breaker attachment. They make a MC adapter, but I didn't get it. I use a couple of tire spoons and do it on the floor on an old piece of carpet. I just match the sidewall dot up with the valve stem and don't worry about balancing. I've been riding on tires mounted in this fashion for 15 years. My tire life is good and bikes always seem to ride smooth.

[47Norton]

Thanks guys, Just needed a little encouragement. Like both of you, I like to do whatever I'm able to do. Funny you mention the dot on the sidewall. Every time I get a set of tires on one of our vehicles I have to tell the guy mounting them to line the dot up with the valve stem. They always say it doesn't matter. I always reply, "Why do you think the manufacturer bothered to put it there?" Usually no answer.