Well after a long 'break' from doing my own tyre changes (after my trip to A&E on my last attempt ) I'm back in the swing!!!!
I got myself a bead buddy after reading a few posts about them and decided to tackle the rear tyre on the lads little Rijeu the other night to test it. It really helped, there was no drama or swearing I used what I had seen on shared knowlege (tube in tyre 1st, squeeze down on tyre and shove rim in, loads of lube etc) and twas done in 10 mins
So tonight I just swapped the front on the KTM - and no cussing, no blood, still have all 10 digits and didn't throw anything across the garage!!!!
Well after a long 'break' from doing my own tyre changes (after my trip to A&E on my last attempt ) I'm back in the swing!!!!
I got myself a bead buddy after reading a few posts about them and decided to tackle the rear tyre on the lads little Rijeu the other night to test it. It really helped, there was no drama or swearing I used what I had seen on shared knowlege (tube in tyre 1st, squeeze down on tyre and shove rim in, loads of lube etc) and twas done in 10 mins
So tonight I just swapped the front on the KTM - and no cussing, no blood, still have all 10 digits and didn't throw anything across the garage!!!!
2x tyres done and no tubes knackered result!
tyres are like women...not all the same!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bead buddy, poofs, never needed or wanted such rubbish seriously whatever it takes to ease the tyre on or off is ok by me as long as you do it yourself
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Took the Queens Shilling and disappeared for 23 Years !!
Bead buddy, poofs, never needed or wanted such rubbish seriously whatever it takes to ease the tyre on or off is ok by me as long as you do it yourself
My thoughts exactly, 3, 6 inch levers, a valve key and a bit of something slippy
I wonder why there is so much hassle with tyre changing, it is technique thats all, you dont need all the fancy gadgets or have to warm tyres up.
Its the same technique as changing a tyre on a tractor or excavator, bad technique you struggle.
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Riding with enthusiasm upon the ragged precipice of disaster
I don't think the issue was one of "need" just a small gadget which helps some of us mere mortals. It helped me, whereas before I was chasing the bead around the rim. Some more proficient than I obviously don't need it. Fine. I, like JT had read up on here that the bead buddy might help...and it did. Good job all round I say and thanks to the forum guys for the help.
I find that warming the tyre up helps, it's also nicer in the winter to handle a warm tyre than a cold tyre.
It must help because A, the rubber will be more pliable and B, the metal wire bead and radial plies inside the tyre will expand a little. It all helps to make it happen easier.
You have to take into account that everyone's experience of tyre changing is different. Different makes of tyre and even different shaped rims can effect how hard or easy a tyre is to fit.
Who cares how many tools you have/need - I've got loads now, several different levers, a bead buddy, a bucket for resting the wheel on, special gloves.. al sorts of stuff - I just love it!
Probably a bit like fishing I suppose - my dad told me "there are more floats catch anglers than catch fish!", maybe the same is true of motorcycle tyre changing doodads!
) I'm back in the swing!!!!
I used what I had seen on shared knowlege (tube in tyre 1st, squeeze down on tyre and shove rim in, loads of lube etc) and twas done in 10 mins 
result!
