Rim dings from tire changing

[Tim]

Hey boys,

I was just wondering how you guys who change your tires regularly keep from getting nicks and scratches all over your rims from the tire irons?? I usually take the tire and rim into the local shop and pay the $20. I changed my first tire on the 426 (all my prior experience was way back before aluminum rims..) and I could imagine after a few times, the rim will look terrible. Any thoughts?

Thanks

Tim

[mor]

ithink u should start to live with it its a dirt bike not a harley....

[Ga426owner]

It is part of the deal. The harder you ride the more dings, scratches etc..that you will notice. Get used to the Excel logo wearing off also.

[Scott_F]

With good tire irons and good technique, you can change tires without scratching and gouging the rims. Practice makes perfect.

[Tim]

Believe me, I have plenty of scratches on the 426, and if I DID have a harley, I would change the tires with a hammer instead of tire irons...... the performance would stay the same. I was just wondering if there was a trick to getting dealer like tire changes without spending the $$$$ for the tire changing machine....

[sirhk]

One of my friends has Blue excel rims and he does it without scratching the rims. He takes his time and uses three pieces of rubber cut from an old inner tube. He usually uses three irons instead of two (it's just his preference, I don't think it's any easier). Basically he slips the iron into the bead and then lays out the rubber on the rim and pries against it. It's a slow process but it works.

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Khris

"What's that?"

"It's a Yellow 99' YZ400!!"

[Scott_F]

Yeah, I use some very old MotoRace irons that are similar shaped to the MotionPros. Changing tires is a fine art, and there are many tricks that make it way easier.

[IBWFO]

They make little nylon "rim savers" that you can buy. I don't pay to have my shop change my tires and am consideringbuying a tire machine since my kid is getting serious about racing. If you are interested I can ask where they get them.

Regards

[motoman393]

You can also goto the hardware store and buy some rubber coating for tools (it like $8) and you just dip your tire irons in it and let it dry! This will help keep scuff marks off.

Garrett

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I get my kicks on a 426!

Motoman393's MX Site

[randyWRF]

Try using a " Breezer Tool " It works great with two irons and doesn't score up the rim.

You just hit it around the rim with a rubber mallet and it peels the tire right off! I've been using it for 20 yrs. without any problems. Check it out! ?

Randy

[Boit]

IBWFO is correct. I use those nylon rim savers and they protect the rim very well. It slows down the process a bit but I'm never in a hurry for these jobs. Since I have more than 1 dirt bike and plan to be riding for many years, I invested in a tire changing stand from MX Toolz. A good fabricator could make his own, but I don't know how to weld. This thing holds the wheel at about waist level and totally frees your hands to work on the wheel. It almost makes changing tires fun.

[forloop]

You can. Like Scott F said practice.

I will add this. I have found the motion pro tire irons to be the best. They have a curve on one of the ends that just seems to make things easier. I use two of them. If you get in a bind, were you have to stick the tire iron in a tight spot, some duct tape on the end of the tire iron will help protect the rim.

Good Luck,

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Rick

01 YZ426F #85 Vet C

[*mike68*]

Randy,

What is a breezer tool and where can I check one out?

[forloop]

I have a tire breezer tool and I like the concept of it. I have trouble with it on tight tires so I quit using it.

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Rick

01 YZ426F #85 Vet C

[Scott_F]

I had a Breezer about 20 years ago, but it has long since disappeared in the sands of time. I used it some, but seemed to be "sticky" with the tire and rim. Maybe some lube would have helped.