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Post by isellscoots on Jul 29, 2012 10:52:59 GMT -5
hello all, well, i've had a flat tire on my scooter for awhile. been looking for someone to change it for me. i got rate quotes as low as $10 if i bring in the tire to as high as $50. folks have told me i can get the tools and materials to change tires myself from harbor freight. just not sure what tools and materials i need, no clue as what to even ask for. can someone help? Thanks!
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Post by derbi on Jul 29, 2012 11:40:01 GMT -5
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Post by isellscoots on Jul 29, 2012 11:53:25 GMT -5
hi again,
wow, thank you so much for your nice reply. it is greatly appreciated. one more quick question the ad states, "This mini tire changer takes the hassle out of changing tires on golf carts, ATVs or other small vehicles with rims up to 12" in diameter! With a height of only 16", this tire changer is not only easy to use but easy to store as well! This mini tire changer is a must-have for owners of any small vehicle."
Am I wrong to assume that I would have to get a bigger tire changer machine for 150cc scooters since the tires are sometimes 13 inch tires?
Again, thanks so much for your help. :-)
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Post by hardd1 on Jul 29, 2012 15:14:06 GMT -5
nope, machine works on 13" as well
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Post by isellscoots on Jul 29, 2012 19:22:42 GMT -5
OOOHHHHH...... THANKS!!!
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Post by skuttadawg on Jul 29, 2012 21:41:02 GMT -5
My scooter dealer has a commercial tire changer just like the car ones but smaller . NEVER GO TO A CAR TIRE SHOP ! I read read several threads where the wheel was damaged as a car changer is not intended for scooters . With the spoons I like to wet the bead with soapy water in a spray bottle and light hammer to tap it around . My Honda CR 125 the tire was thick and tough it bent the spoon and I sawed it off as I was mad and paid the shop to mount it for me . I had a TaoTao with 10s and 3 times the bead came off of the rim even though it was not low on air . I think the tire was far from being perfectly round as the original had a knot and was replaced after only going a quarter of a mile from the scooter shop and I returned as it bounced so much I could not ride it . Now with 10s its not just tuck in the bead and inflate as I learned . You will need a buddy or have a ratcheting strap around the outer edge to hold the tire on the wheel so that it seals . I tried removing the valve stem and over inflating until it pops like car tires and it did not work . I strongly suggest everyone to get the tires balanced as its truly so much of a smother ride with less bounce and much safer . I had my tires on my Echarm done with and old school balancer like this www.harborfreight.com/motorcycle-wheel-balancing-stand-98488.html and the weights have glue on them instead of being hammered on the rim like cars do . At Cycle Gear and maybe other motorcycle shops they have a high speed computer balancer I think I was told they do it for 120 MPH but maybe mistaken . If you buy tires from them its 20 to mount and balance and 30 if you bring your own tires . They do not R&R the wheels from the scooter you will need to remove them yourself and bring them to CG . I had to buy tires for my car and only had a small amount of money as I normally only by premium tires . I got the cheapest ones Advance Auto had and opted out on balancing since I only needed them for 3 weeks and get Yokohamas then . Boy it was bouncy and had some fun doing doughnuts and ebrakes before getting some real tires . Its well worth the extra to get premium tires and have them balanced . I have not tried the balance beads yet but its on my to do list
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Post by scooteritch on Jul 29, 2012 22:47:55 GMT -5
I just finished installing my rear tire and saved the $79 install charge. I did spend just about that much to get all the tools that I needed but going forward, I should start saving some money. As for the tools, I bought the mini tire changer from Harbor Freight. As an FYi this comes with a bead breaker so you will not need to purchase this separately. I do recommend getting tire irons since the tool that came with it is very difficult to use (I will have to read the instruction again and figure out the proper way to use it). One thing that I did was to put in Dynabeads into the tire since I did not want to deal with trying to balance the tire myself. I would like to report that the beads are doing a fantastic job.
Finally, last tool that I had to buy was the valve stem removal so that I could put enough pressure into the tire to get it seated. Trying to pump the tire without removing the valve stem just could not build enough pressure to seat the beads onto the rim.
I would say look up some videos on YouTube and see how it's done. There are several good videos. My suggestion is to create a list of things that needs to be done so you do not forget a step.
Good luck in changing your tire.
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Post by isellscoots on Jul 30, 2012 4:59:40 GMT -5
Hi everyone, Again, thanks for the awesome suggestions! I put an ad on Craigslist looking for someone to change the tire again today. The only quote I got was $60 and that was if the tire was already off. I am thinking I may as well get the right tools and learn to do it myself. As suggested, I am going to take a look at some Youtube videos later today and hopefully by the weekend, zoom, zoom!! As always your suggestions are GREATLY appreciated. Thank YOU
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Post by buiditright on Jul 30, 2012 10:09:56 GMT -5
some places can not balance 10" tires. The shop I work at uses balance beads and they work great.
flash
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Post by mainepeace on Jul 31, 2012 22:49:32 GMT -5
I always mount the tire for free with a tire sale.
Most 10" tires I have not had an issue with. Most of the Tao Tao and Peace Sports rims are very easy. Never had to ratchet a tire to get it to seal.
I had the worst time with a Honda Elite rim. Of course the owner had to "help" me and got in the way more than helped. It ended up with the sidewall getting a nick that ended up bulging 2 days later. The replacement went on much easier WITHOUT his help.
So far I've changed about 24 tires this season.
Greg
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Post by isellscoots on Jul 31, 2012 23:01:32 GMT -5
thanks for the comment. the bike i have is a peace sports. it arrived new with a 4 by 4 inch dent in it. they sent out a new tire free of charge but what a pain. some good news though. harbor freight has the mini tire change machine on sale for $39.99. hope to get it this week.
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