Wheel fitting

[Mantzy]

My tyres are shot to pieces. Worn so much they are basically slicks. I'm getting new ones and it's going to be quicker and cheaper if I fit them myself, plus, it'd be quicker too - everywhere's booked up for weeks. What's involved in doing that? Will I need tyre levers (used to use allen keys and a fork on my push-bike, would that still work?). Is it easy to balance them or should I just pay the extra, wait, and get them fitted professionally?

Cheers
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Current Bikes: 2010 Triumph Sprint ST 1050
Previous Bikes: 2002 Sachs XTC, 1999 Kawasaki ZX6R, 2004 GSX-R 600 K4, 2006 Yamaha XT660X

[Ste]

To fit tyres you need a bead breaking machine (similar to the idea of tyre levers but allen keys will not work) and a machine to balance the wheels.

Most places only charge a small amount to fit the tyres for you, much less than what it costs to buy the machines needed, so pay less and get a tyre shop to do it rather than buying the machines and doing it yourself.

[map]

I find it best to get the wheels off and take them to be fitted.
If you need to ride the bike there places near me charge between £10 and £15 per wheel for removal and refitting.

HTH
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[stinkwheel]

You can do it, it is a serious pain in the arse to get the beads broken down though, you will need proper tyre levers, something to guard the rims from damage, also lots of stamping and swearing, three or more hands would be useful. Use plenty of soapy water and once you get the bead down off one bit, walk it off the rest by stepping round it on your heels.

You will also need access to an air source that will put out about 80psi quite rapidly in order to pop the new tyre onto the rim.

All in all, it is a major pain in the arse and after two hours, standing looking at the new tyre on the rim with sweat running down your back and sore fingers. You get the overwhelming sensation that it would have been much simpler to get someone with the proper tools to do it for you.

This week, I will mostly NOT be changing tubeless tyres again unless I have a bead breaker.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Mantzy]

hmmm...guess what. I think I might take it in to be done.

While they're there they can sort out the electrics properly and I'll get a reciept this time to prove they did something
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Current Bikes: 2010 Triumph Sprint ST 1050
Previous Bikes: 2002 Sachs XTC, 1999 Kawasaki ZX6R, 2004 GSX-R 600 K4, 2006 Yamaha XT660X

[Kram]

what my bike shop does. is... if the wheels are loose (out of bike), they will change the tyres for free, as long as you buy the tyres from them (fair enough, i get discount;)) and it's alot quicker and easier.

as for getting the wheels straight, just go to the scrappy and get an old bit of metal that's straight, n put it against the wheel, when you align the bakc one
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FS1E -> SR125 -> CB400N -> CB650 -> FZR600 Genises -> VFR400 NC21 -> CBR900RR Fireblade -> Renault Clio 1.4