New Tires

Talk about issues and questions specific to the FJR here.
User avatar
ionbeam
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 2988
Joined: Mon Feb 04, 2013 7:14 am
FJRModel: '15ES in Low-Viz Assfault Gray
Location: Sandown, NH
x 534
x 5425

Re: New Tires

Post by ionbeam »

I had a deal with a Dealer that got me through one of the first CCT failures to have been reported. He did my tire swaps for a darn good price for years. His shop and mechanics moved on (RIP Jacques). Local Grand Poobah NERDS leader, with his shop started helping me with my tire changes. Recalling my past, I got a good set of spoons and all the etceteras and started doing my own tires again. Someplace along the line I got old; the times of tire changes got hotter and colder. A local shop named Rick's got sold to another owner not name Rick's but it was the same shop but different. If I carry in my wheels in, he will call me in a couple of hours to pick them up for $25/wheel unbalanced. I have a FJReady balancer that completes the process. Sometimes the cost is worth it. I just did a set of PR4GTs at 30° and the cost of a shop just became attractive.
wheatonFJR loved this
User avatar
wheatonFJR
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 19774
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 6:10 pm
FJRModel: 2013-Jwilly Special LD Delivery
Location: Travelers Rest
x 40707
x 18000

Re: New Tires

Post by wheatonFJR »

I’m glad you like yours Ray. I wouldn’t trade my Nomar for one.
There's no better therapy than a ride - petey
User avatar
Festus
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 4412
Joined: Tue Mar 28, 2017 3:40 pm
FJRModel: 2013 FJR, 2023 KTM 390 Adventure
x 3769
x 9702

Re: New Tires

Post by Festus »

I had a NoMar with a bunch of clamps. Tried to put on a couple of Spec A's. Got rid of it all before I ended up in the hospital with something broken. I swore I'd never complain about the cost of having a tire changed after that. There's a couple local guys here with the premium setup, air operated and I think they get $30 a tire. I'll gladly pay that to not have to wrestle a back tire on again. Happy to pull the engine out and apart but draw the line at a manual tire change :)

Plus I saw how many it took at Intech's Tech Day. I think a pickup truck and 4-5 people were involved :D
wheatonFJR loved this
"That wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be" - 1911

"Stay thirsty, my friends"....... Wouldn't that mean I'm dehydrated all the time?
User avatar
fontanaman
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 3074
Joined: Fri Mar 08, 2013 9:38 pm
FJRModel: 2017 FJR, 2017 DR650
Location: Spokane, Washington
x 3067
x 4227

Re: New Tires

Post by fontanaman »

Festus wrote: Thu May 07, 2020 6:52 pm I had a NoMar with a bunch of clamps. Tried to put on a couple of Spec A's. Got rid of it all before I ended up in the hospital with something broken. I swore I'd never complain about the cost of having a tire changed after that. There's a couple local guys here with the premium setup, air operated and I think they get $30 a tire. I'll gladly pay that to not have to wrestle a back tire on again. Happy to pull the engine out and apart but draw the line at a manual tire change :)

Plus I saw how many it took at Intech's Tech Day. I think a pickup truck and 4-5 people were involved :D
I have a NoMar and the trick is heat, lots of heat, plus get the tire in the rim's valley. I have put on Dunlops, Michelins and who know what else with and without an extra ply of cord, often known as Spec A and GT. The more I do it the better I get. Since I am in Spokane I will do tires for free as there are few inmates here. :)

PR4s slide on real easy. Others not so much but I get them on.
Cav47 loved this
User avatar
Festus
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 4412
Joined: Tue Mar 28, 2017 3:40 pm
FJRModel: 2013 FJR, 2023 KTM 390 Adventure
x 3769
x 9702

Re: New Tires

Post by Festus »

This is what the guys use around here. If I had to do it over again, I'd pay the extra money and get this. In reality, they are pretty affordable, $1,200? That's not too bad considering how much time it saves or how easy it makes things.

https://www.derekweaver.com/bikers-gara ... gJ1U_D_BwE
fontanaman loved this
"That wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be" - 1911

"Stay thirsty, my friends"....... Wouldn't that mean I'm dehydrated all the time?
User avatar
raYzerman
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 9222
Joined: Mon Mar 18, 2013 10:49 am
FJRModel: 2016 Versys 1000 Titanium Devil, 2014 DL1000, 1999 VFR 800 Bumble Bee
Location: Millgrove, Ontario, CA
x 2876
x 10698

Re: New Tires

Post by raYzerman »

I always have my eyes peeled for a used Weaver, etc.... but for all I do, I'll keep the Cycle Hill.
Wheatie, you'll need the optional clamps if yer gonna do car tars. Either CH or NM is good to me, there are advantages and disadvantages of both... Had my eye on a changer once made in Texas, it was really slick but they went out of business... kicking myself I didn't jump on that.
Keep yer stick on the ice........... (Red Green)
Duct tape can't fix stupid, but it can sure muffle the sound.
User avatar
wheatonFJR
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 19774
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 6:10 pm
FJRModel: 2013-Jwilly Special LD Delivery
Location: Travelers Rest
x 40707
x 18000

Re: New Tires

Post by wheatonFJR »

I don't do car tars so im good. Warmth, lube, and technique...hmmm.

Sounds like porno...but its tawooooo.
There's no better therapy than a ride - petey
User avatar
fontanaman
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 3074
Joined: Fri Mar 08, 2013 9:38 pm
FJRModel: 2017 FJR, 2017 DR650
Location: Spokane, Washington
x 3067
x 4227

Re: New Tires

Post by fontanaman »

wheatonFJR wrote: Fri May 08, 2020 1:51 pm I don't do car tars so im good. Warmth, lube, and technique...hmmm.

Sounds like porno...but its tawooooo.
Car tires are easier than bike tires. I patched a my car's tire last year. Easy. As for balancing - just marked the rim and tire with yellow crayon and used those marks. No problem and I am tired of taking it to a tire store to wait 3 hours for a change and these days they often say they can't fix it. Well I can fix it. Screw them. Oh and if don't work a slow leak will set off my tire sensor and with a message on the dashboard. No big deal.
Cav47 loved this
2ducs
Squid
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed Mar 18, 2020 6:24 pm
FJRModel: 2015
Location: Tuscaloosa
x 2

Re: New Tires

Post by 2ducs »

Well finally got a quote from the local stellarship for the PR4's and the total came to $604. But installation is free! Hey I'm all about supporting the local economy but not this badly.
User avatar
fontanaman
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 3074
Joined: Fri Mar 08, 2013 9:38 pm
FJRModel: 2017 FJR, 2017 DR650
Location: Spokane, Washington
x 3067
x 4227

Re: New Tires

Post by fontanaman »

Well 2 ducs that is a princely sum. Hell I'd do it for $500 if ya lived near me and still be $150 ahead. :D

I mounted a set of Bridgestone BT31 GTs on a buddies bike this week. No trouble. My Pirelli's Angle GT Spec A's are shot now and will be replaced this weekend with another set.
User avatar
bigjohnsd
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 5635
Joined: Sun May 18, 2014 4:28 pm
FJRModel: 2021 BMW R1250GSA "Gray Ghost II"
Location: Black Hills, SD I-90 Exit 14
x 9009
x 8468

Re: New Tires

Post by bigjohnsd »

I have a Harbor Freight machine with a few mods (Mojo Blocks) to the grippers and a Mojo bar with George's mod.
I have changed many tires including car tires. Heat, lube, and proper positioning of the tire in the drop center are the keys for me. My Mark Parnes balancer works well for me.

I don't charge but have accepted a bottle of "Irish" whiskey now and again.

Edited for clarity (Whiskey)
Last edited by bigjohnsd on Sat May 30, 2020 12:16 am, edited 1 time in total.
Cav47 loved this
"The only Dumb Question is the unasked Question " - Anonymous
Eat every Sandwich like it is your last!
2ducs
Squid
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed Mar 18, 2020 6:24 pm
FJRModel: 2015
Location: Tuscaloosa
x 2

Re: New Tires

Post by 2ducs »

Fontanaman, speaking of BT31 GT, my rear is shredded in the center below the tread rubber due to heavy use of throttle for trying to keep up with a buddy on his RVS4 Aprilia. Think I only got about 4300 miles out of it. Hoping to get more mileage from the PR4's. I should have been on my 999S that day!
Would Old Forester do Bigjohn?
bigjohnsd loved this
User avatar
bigjohnsd
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 5635
Joined: Sun May 18, 2014 4:28 pm
FJRModel: 2021 BMW R1250GSA "Gray Ghost II"
Location: Black Hills, SD I-90 Exit 14
x 9009
x 8468

Re: New Tires

Post by bigjohnsd »

2ducs wrote: Fri May 29, 2020 11:53 pm Fontanaman, speaking of BT31 GT, my rear is shredded in the center below the tread rubber due to heavy use of throttle for trying to keep up with a buddy on his RVS4 Aprilia. Think I only got about 4300 miles out of it. Hoping to get more mileage from the PR4's. I should have been on my 999S that day!
Would Old Forester do Bigjohn?
I'm partial to a nip of the Irish -

Image

Or

Image

Or

You could cover all bases with this

Image
escapefjrtist loved this
"The only Dumb Question is the unasked Question " - Anonymous
Eat every Sandwich like it is your last!
2ducs
Squid
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed Mar 18, 2020 6:24 pm
FJRModel: 2015
Location: Tuscaloosa
x 2

Re: New Tires

Post by 2ducs »

bigjohnsd wrote: Sat May 30, 2020 12:14 am
2ducs wrote: Fri May 29, 2020 11:53 pm Fontanaman, speaking of BT31 GT, my rear is shredded in the center below the tread rubber due to heavy use of throttle for trying to keep up with a buddy on his RVS4 Aprilia. Think I only got about 4300 miles out of it. Hoping to get more mileage from the PR4's. I should have been on my 999S that day!
Would Old Forester do Bigjohn?
I'm partial to a nip of the Irish -

Image

Or

Image

Or

You could cover all bases with this

Image
NICE!
User avatar
raYzerman
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 9222
Joined: Mon Mar 18, 2013 10:49 am
FJRModel: 2016 Versys 1000 Titanium Devil, 2014 DL1000, 1999 VFR 800 Bumble Bee
Location: Millgrove, Ontario, CA
x 2876
x 10698

Re: New Tires

Post by raYzerman »

bigjohnsd wrote: Fri May 29, 2020 10:17 pm I have a Harbor Freight machine with a few mods (Mojo Blocks) to the grippers and a Mojo bar with George's mod.
I have changed many tires including car tires. Heat, lube, and proper positioning of the tire in the drop center are the keys for me. My Mark Parnes balancer works well for me.

I don't charge but have accepted a bottle of "Irish" whiskey now and again.

Edited for clarity (Whiskey)
There's drinkin' at yer place? Or you just prefer the spirits to be dropped off so you can drink alone?
I have procrastinated on making the G mod to my lever (not a Mojo but No-Scuff, very similar).... even kinda forgot what that was, can you post us a pic of the mod again? Thx!
I have the FJReady balancer, also works a treat.
Keep yer stick on the ice........... (Red Green)
Duct tape can't fix stupid, but it can sure muffle the sound.
User avatar
bigjohnsd
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 5635
Joined: Sun May 18, 2014 4:28 pm
FJRModel: 2021 BMW R1250GSA "Gray Ghost II"
Location: Black Hills, SD I-90 Exit 14
x 9009
x 8468

Re: New Tires

Post by bigjohnsd »

Ray, here you go:

Image

Image

I used a 1/4"-20 Internal Hex Screw and a bushing on the screw shaft the same od as the head. This mod keeps the tire bead from jumping over the top of the lever.
NTXFJR loved this
"The only Dumb Question is the unasked Question " - Anonymous
Eat every Sandwich like it is your last!
User avatar
raYzerman
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 9222
Joined: Mon Mar 18, 2013 10:49 am
FJRModel: 2016 Versys 1000 Titanium Devil, 2014 DL1000, 1999 VFR 800 Bumble Bee
Location: Millgrove, Ontario, CA
x 2876
x 10698

Re: New Tires

Post by raYzerman »

Thanks, me likey bushing idea. Gonna get on it because I found I had to keep the lever up higher, losing a bit of leverage... although not awful, could be better. Merci buckets!
bigjohnsd loved this
Keep yer stick on the ice........... (Red Green)
Duct tape can't fix stupid, but it can sure muffle the sound.
User avatar
escapefjrtist
Veteran
Posts: 1164
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2013 12:51 pm
FJRModel: '15 FJR 1300A
Location: Snohomish WA
x 1923
x 1555

Re: New Tires

Post by escapefjrtist »

raYzerman wrote: Sat May 30, 2020 5:21 pm Thanks, me likey bushing idea. Gonna get on it because I found I had to keep the lever up higher, losing a bit of leverage... although not awful, could be better. Merci buckets!
FWIW, I used a short shoulder bolt for my modified Mojo. Still works great too!

~G
IBA34365
'15 FJR-USD-A
'18 Tenere
2ducs
Squid
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed Mar 18, 2020 6:24 pm
FJRModel: 2015
Location: Tuscaloosa
x 2

Re: New Tires

Post by 2ducs »

Follow up to the tires. Purchased PR4 GT's for less than 350 and installed them myself using the zip tie method. Oh so easy.
N4HHE loved this
N4HHE
Veteran
Posts: 2014
Joined: Thu Mar 08, 2018 10:17 pm
FJRModel: 2016
Location: North Alabama
x 3144
x 1770

Re: New Tires

Post by N4HHE »

My CH-200 came with two shoes for the bead breaker. One as shown in raYzerman's picture. Another with a black nylon or delrin foot for scratch resistance. Installed the black foot, hung the metal on the wall.

My bead breaker stands vertical with the mount/demount bar inserted. No need for bungee cord, although lifting the bead breaker while bent over to insert wheel isn't pleasant.

I keep a 4x4 block of wood near to hold the far side of wheel and brake rotors off the ground while breaking the bead. For some reason it doesn't push far enough down for GL1200 tires so another 2x4 is needed at the machine to lift the wheel.

And am guessing raYzerman also found the adjustment holes don't quite fit 17" rims, so we put one leg one notch closer than the other 2. No matter, the wheel stays close enough to center.
Post Reply