" * Note the tire was mounted backwards in this demonstration" Oh, I wish I coulda heard what was said when you found out. Priceless! (as are these videos, by the way. Thank you)
I believe Chris Harris would disagree with this, but, if you going slower than 80 mph, the wheel most likely doesn't need balancing. I typically ride around 70 to 75 mph. I feel no shake or bounce and tire wear is normal. If you are young and crazy and hit speeds over 80, 90 100 mph, yes you better balance your tires.
Chris: Great to see your shop all set up and the new video postings. I've now got my two pieces of wood bead breaker in the garage ha. Your'e the goto man when I have any issues with my R1150GS and RT so thanks for all your help over the years. Your reputation is worldwide. A question. Would you consider producing a video on setting the Hall Sensor. Hope to drop in on you sometime in this lifetime when I ship my bike over to you neck of the woods for my Trans America. Regards
good vid chris, i use a vice and the hydraulic clamp on my sawmill ;0) for bead breaking, the only tip i would say is take the valve out, too seat the tyre on the rim (tyre shop hack), then replace the valve when you set the pressure. you did inform me on the ABS sensor though! ;0)
How did you lose so much weight. Extra weight looked good on you sir. And really thankful for your knowledge and all the details you share. You're my fav youtube mechanic 💯👍
One of my issues was that as I slide the rubber over the edge on the left, rubber would slide back off on the right. This time I used a Mar No Yellow Thing. The Yellow Thing prevents this from happening. Without the Yellow Thing I would have to have 3rd tire iron in the edge with a knee on it while working both hand.
I used to do tires that way when I was younger and before I got my LT. That LT rear tire is much stiffer than what you changed here and is not much fun with tire irons and you will scratch the rims. Even though it is not the lowest cost option, I will take my NoMar any day. No more working on the floor for my 60 year old back and knees and no more scratches on my rim. I almost enjoy changing tires now as I can do them in about 3 minutes vs 15 working not the floor with irons and my back and knees are much happier. It was worth the $600 to me, and after changing about 10 tires, my per tire cost is now down to what most dealers charge. 😂
The R1100R with cross spoke wire wheels (Authority Wheels) uses an unusual tire size set: Front 11/80-18 Rear 150/70-17 To get a matched set I use the Avon Roadrider AM26. I get over 10,000 miles on the rear with no scalloping. These tire do seem to dry rot fast.
Hi John, Avon tires often deteriorate prematurely. They are also the top tire for requiring wheel weights after installation. This often occurs on machines that have used several other brands of tires without much change in balance. I've had Avon's in the old shop that took 4 ounces of weight. That's a lot of weight on a BMW wheel. Reverting back to the other brands of tires always solved the excessive balance weight issue. If you are having luck with yours then you are successfully getting your maximum value from them. Good for you, my friend, Chris
Hi Chris. Great video. Question, how do you align a 2003 K1200GT bike? Are there spacers on the rear tire to adjust alignment. I see videos on how to see if align using strings rear to front but no info on how to align. Regards
Why do you believe that it is it out of line? Is there crash damage? Did someone install a tire too large for the rear? Did you measure with string; how far out did you find it to be? Wheel track adjustment is not something usually considered with these old machines. Tell us more, please.
I've tried using rim protectors. They're a pain in the ass and keep moving around and slipping. I suspect Chris will tell you that dings add character. Or just be a little careful with the irons.
Something thinner than rim protectors, if you need something. The side of an old oil bottle works for such instances. This particular change was to demonstrate a road-side tire change situation. Thanks.
If you bought the tires from that dealership they should mount them for less-$150 is too much for Off The Bike. If you bought the tires via mail order then I am surprised they offered to mount them at all. Install them yourself. Red dot on sidewall to the hole in the rim where the tire valve fits. Leave the old weights on unless mounting an Avon tire (they always take a lot of weight). make sure your direction of rotation is correct. In this video I mounted and dismounted the tire so many times for video I mounted the rear one backwards at the end and had to change it around again.
Chris Harris Sadly all but one dealership is left in my area and they said that I makes no difference to them where you buy them ... $150 off the bike or $225 on the bike as they said it is an hour’s service (that seems fair enough, although higher priced). Thanks again for the advice Chris! Much appreciated!!
@@RichardT2112 I would avoid that stealership. If they have a tire machine and computer balancer that job, wheels off the bike, can be done in less than 10 minutes. Thieves or incompetent?
Chris Harris Yes to the first - and perhaps the second. Sadly Vancouver has had all but a few dealerships go bust, those which remain seem to fix their prices (I believe they are owned by the same person)... sad state of affairs. Thanks again for the great videos!!
If you put too muscle and or bending tire irons while mounting a tire, you are doing it wrong. When you do it right, it slips right on just as fast as if the shop was doing it. A new cheap tire is always better than a worn out expensive tire. Buy cheap tire and change them often.
I had a buddy whose father owned a tire, brake and muffler shop. Here is what he told me about tires: Let me know what you think. 1) All tire are the same just get the cheapest ones. Tread design doesn't matter as long as its On Road, Off Road or Enduro. Never pay extra for a name brand tire. 2) Change your tires often. The cheapest tire will always outperform the most expensive worn-out tire. Riders tend to try to squeeze out every last mile from an expensive tire. Get the cheapest tire and change them often. 3) Tires really don't need balancing if you keep your speed under 75 MPH, but 80 MPH is prob'ly OK. If it feels OK, its OK. Don't pay to get your wheel balanced unless you plan on riding over 80 MPH. Its safer to keep your speed under 75 MPH anyway. 4) Buy your tires on the internet and mount them on the rim using simple tire irons and don't worry about balancing. A small air compressor for filling up your tires is all you need to seat the beads. Watch some videos on mounting motorcycle tires with hand tools. 5) Get some mushroom plugs and all the tools needed to install them. Motorcycle shop no longer like to fix a nail hole anymore. Instead they want to sell you a new tire. Let me know what you think.
I'm with you on expensive tires- its a sales job/prestige. Not with you on balancing.I've ridden on unbalanced tires, and I've applied rim weights. It helps. Back with you on mushroom plugs. I've had them last the life of the tire, no leaks. Unfortunately, they only work for tread- not sidewall blowouts/damage, which is more common in my experience.
@@alexmorgan3435 , Try a Shinko tire. The only difference is the price. The only reason I use Avon Roadrider AM26 is because I have unusual rim size and I can buy the Avon tires in a matched set. The cheapest tire will always outperform a worn-out expensive tire. Expensive tires and cheap tires do the same thing. Get the cheapest tire and change them often. When you buy the expensive tire you paying for the expensive advertising. Each model of tire has a different tread design. The tread design really doesn't matter as long as you have tread so the water has a place to go. Some tires have a center tread others don't. A center tread doesn't matter because when you ride on the center of tire you going straight and water is "V" ing off to the sides. The more expensive radial tire has a tendency to scallop more. The less expensive bias ply wear more evenly. Balancing tires is fine in theory, but what happens when you get a big clunk of mud stuck to your rim or the weight falls off? I've rode over 100,000 miles on unbalanced tire and never had an issue. Your results may vary. Maybe you have an issue with your rim.
John Doe: you ride on TWO tires each with a contact patch the size of your testicle. How big are your balls? Cheap tires are made from cheap rubber. Often expensive tires are also made from cheap rubber. I don't ride on cheap rubber. ;)
@@JohnDoe-bf1fw Remember who Shinko is: Cheng Shin Tire Corporation - Show me a Shinko that withstands 8,000 miles of triple digit speeds and I'll show you a North Korean missile!
He did make a note of it on the screen , and if you’re placing the red dot next to the valve the direction of the rotation is automatically accounted for. ; )
Ray, Ray, Ray did you bump your head on something?! Tire direction is mentioned in the description and yet again in a caption in the video, here: ua-cam.com/video/0XiV4i8Qg-g/v-deo.html Pay attention RAY and shame on you for not noticing shit. This is merely a demonstration of an alternative method to get back on your way when needing a tire on the road. Stuff it in your inner tube, Ray!
@@paulbuschman8318 Hello, my friend, remember the tire could go either direction as the red dot is only on one side of the tires carcass. On a different note there is a K75S on my lift. ;)
" * Note the tire was mounted backwards in this demonstration"
Oh, I wish I coulda heard what was said when you found out. Priceless! (as are these videos, by the way. Thank you)
Thanks for putting this together Chris! Can’t wait for the next show. Balancing...there is my issue. Keep it up!
In time, there will be more.
I believe Chris Harris would disagree with this, but, if you going slower than 80 mph, the wheel most likely doesn't need balancing. I typically ride around 70 to 75 mph. I feel no shake or bounce and tire wear is normal. If you are young and crazy and hit speeds over 80, 90 100 mph, yes you better balance your tires.
To me, You rock the house Chris!! Love your commentary.
Thanks for all the effort My RT lives because of you
That's great! More material soon.
Chris, Thank you for all your work and the videos you make. We appreciate it.
You are welcome; thank you for writing.
Master is back to action ... Great video Chris and tnx
Thanks!
That was sweet, love the sound of the bead seating!
:)
Excellent advice. Very good video. Keep up the good work!
Keeping up; thanks!
Chris; You are the man. Thanks
You are welcome.
Excellent
Thank you
This vid will same many alotta Money! Proving what can be done and how to... Thanks, Chris
Thanks, Chuck!
Great Cris, the best of the best! Regards from Portugal :)
Hello, Fernando!
Thanks Chris. The E07 on my r1150gsa was pretty tricky!
As always a first class video...... Now all we need is Mr. Piggy ... love that thing... Be good...
Arschloch is appearing in a video soon!
Brilliantly executed. Made it look easy..
Easy it is; thank you.
You are a good man Heer Harris
And you as well, Benito!
Love ya work.
Thank you, Holger.
Brilliant, thank you. 👍
You are welcome, willie.
Thank you
You are welcome.
Well don 👍🏻 have a Nice vekend love to See more 😃
Hello, yes, there will be more; much more. Stay tuned!
Looks good✌️bought some cheap zip ties when touring Spain,so used them to put tyre back on,worked a tweet,still enjoying your tips✌️🏴
Thanks, Gerry.
You make it look easy.
It is!
Chris, I've been using my 4x4 high lift car jack but wow that was so much easier..
brilliant
Thanks!
Wow you made that look easy Bob Uk
Leverage is easy ;)
Brilliant as usual,, iv done a few tyres by hand but fuck I never made it look that easy,, legend.
Thanks
You just saved me money I was about to spend on Rabaconda tyre changer....
Chris: Great to see your shop all set up and the new video postings. I've now got my two pieces of wood bead breaker in the garage ha. Your'e the goto man when I have any issues with my R1150GS and RT so thanks for all your help over the years. Your reputation is worldwide. A question. Would you consider producing a video on setting the Hall Sensor. Hope to drop in on you sometime in this lifetime when I ship my bike over to you neck of the woods for my Trans America. Regards
Victor; yes, hall sensor video will happen, thanks. You are welcome to visit but I'd recommend the Canadian route for your trip ;)
good vid chris, i use a vice and the hydraulic clamp on my sawmill ;0) for bead breaking, the only tip i would say is take the valve out, too seat the tyre on the rim (tyre shop hack), then replace the valve when you set the pressure. you did inform me on the ABS sensor though! ;0)
Thanks, Steve. More soon.
Doing it like that for years 👍
Right!
How did you lose so much weight. Extra weight looked good on you sir. And really thankful for your knowledge and all the details you share. You're my fav youtube mechanic 💯👍
One of my issues was that as I slide the rubber over the edge on the left, rubber would slide back off on the right. This time I used a Mar No Yellow Thing. The Yellow Thing prevents this from happening. Without the Yellow Thing I would have to have 3rd tire iron in the edge with a knee on it while working both hand.
Will you still need to balance the tire? And if so, can you show us?
Chris, Good show! How about telling us where to buy those tire irons? I sure would like a set. Thank you.
Bob, they come in many lengths www.amazon.com/Core-Tools-CT112-Straight-Tire/dp/B00NIKMWCS
I used to do tires that way when I was younger and before I got my LT. That LT rear tire is much stiffer than what you changed here and is not much fun with tire irons and you will scratch the rims. Even though it is not the lowest cost option, I will take my NoMar any day. No more working on the floor for my 60 year old back and knees and no more scratches on my rim. I almost enjoy changing tires now as I can do them in about 3 minutes vs 15 working not the floor with irons and my back and knees are much happier. It was worth the $600 to me, and after changing about 10 tires, my per tire cost is now down to what most dealers charge. 😂
Well, fortunately there are no K1200LT's around here!
Chris Harris I remember from your “rant” video a few years ago how much you love the LT. 🤪
The R1100R with cross spoke wire wheels (Authority Wheels) uses an unusual tire size set:
Front 11/80-18
Rear 150/70-17
To get a matched set I use the Avon Roadrider AM26. I get over 10,000 miles on the rear with no scalloping. These tire do seem to dry rot fast.
Hi John, Avon tires often deteriorate prematurely. They are also the top tire for requiring wheel weights after installation. This often occurs on machines that have used several other brands of tires without much change in balance. I've had Avon's in the old shop that took 4 ounces of weight. That's a lot of weight on a BMW wheel. Reverting back to the other brands of tires always solved the excessive balance weight issue. If you are having luck with yours then you are successfully getting your maximum value from them. Good for you, my friend, Chris
Cleaning the inside of the wheel real well where the bead of the tire rides, really reduced air leakage for me.
Yes, clean and lubricate the valley of the rim thoroughly.
What about direction CHRIS?
Hi James, mentioned in the description and in a caption in the video here: ua-cam.com/video/0XiV4i8Qg-g/v-deo.html Thanks for asking, Chris
Hi Chris. Great video. Question, how do you align a 2003 K1200GT bike? Are there spacers on the rear tire to adjust alignment. I see videos on how to see if align using strings rear to front but no info on how to align. Regards
Why do you believe that it is it out of line? Is there crash damage? Did someone install a tire too large for the rear? Did you measure with string; how far out did you find it to be? Wheel track adjustment is not something usually considered with these old machines. Tell us more, please.
So if your wheel has TPM sensors should the paint mark go opposite the valve since that would be the heaviest side of the wheel?
We don't have any of that nanny - state, safety - nazi, stuff here. The tire pressure monitor is the asshole sitting in the saddle!
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Note to self: Get longer frikkin tire irons. The ones I have are a little more than half the length of the ones you are using.
North West using long levers can lead to excessive force and I’ve bent a rim once before I know what I was doing. I use 8” spoon type levers.
Leverage works in your favor.
@@stephenmcqueen4029 Don't be a ham-fisted gorilla and all goes smoothly. Experience helps.
Wouldn't you want to use rim protectors to ........ protect your wheel rims?
Balancing?
I've tried using rim protectors. They're a pain in the ass and keep moving around and slipping. I suspect Chris will tell you that dings add character. Or just be a little careful with the irons.
@@TheDude13 Rim protectors are shit for exactly the reasons you've mentioned ;)
Something thinner than rim protectors, if you need something. The side of an old oil bottle works for such instances. This particular change was to demonstrate a road-side tire change situation. Thanks.
You make this look way too easy..
You are F*CKING amazing. My local BMW shop wants $150 to d the tires off the bike ... I’ll try It myself first. Only issue is balancing.
If you bought the tires from that dealership they should mount them for less-$150 is too much for Off The Bike. If you bought the tires via mail order then I am surprised they offered to mount them at all. Install them yourself. Red dot on sidewall to the hole in the rim where the tire valve fits. Leave the old weights on unless mounting an Avon tire (they always take a lot of weight). make sure your direction of rotation is correct. In this video I mounted and dismounted the tire so many times for video I mounted the rear one backwards at the end and had to change it around again.
Chris Harris Sadly all but one dealership is left in my area and they said that I makes no difference to them where you buy them ... $150 off the bike or $225 on the bike as they said it is an hour’s service (that seems fair enough, although higher priced). Thanks again for the advice Chris! Much appreciated!!
@@RichardT2112 I would avoid that stealership. If they have a tire machine and computer balancer that job, wheels off the bike, can be done in less than 10 minutes. Thieves or incompetent?
Chris Harris Yes to the first - and perhaps the second. Sadly Vancouver has had all but a few dealerships go bust, those which remain seem to fix their prices (I believe they are owned by the same person)... sad state of affairs. Thanks again for the great videos!!
If you put too muscle and or bending tire irons while mounting a tire, you are doing it wrong.
When you do it right, it slips right on just as fast as if the shop was doing it.
A new cheap tire is always better than a worn out expensive tire. Buy cheap tire and change them often.
Other than warming the rubber up beforehand, this looks like way less work than me wrestling with my bead breaker spoons.
Yes
Full repect..... Changed exactly like a dirtbike rider with no money!!!
You bet! ;)
🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿👍👍👍👏👏👏😃😃😃
I had a buddy whose father owned a tire, brake and muffler shop. Here is what he told me about tires:
Let me know what you think.
1) All tire are the same just get the cheapest ones. Tread design doesn't matter as long as its On Road, Off Road or Enduro. Never pay extra for a name brand tire.
2) Change your tires often. The cheapest tire will always outperform the most expensive worn-out tire. Riders tend to try to squeeze out every last mile from an expensive tire. Get the cheapest tire and change them often.
3) Tires really don't need balancing if you keep your speed under 75 MPH, but 80 MPH is prob'ly OK. If it feels OK, its OK. Don't pay to get your wheel balanced unless you plan on riding over 80 MPH. Its safer to keep your speed under 75 MPH anyway.
4) Buy your tires on the internet and mount them on the rim using simple tire irons and don't worry about balancing. A small air compressor for filling up your tires is all you need to seat the beads. Watch some videos on mounting motorcycle tires with hand tools.
5) Get some mushroom plugs and all the tools needed to install them. Motorcycle shop no longer like to fix a nail hole anymore. Instead they want to sell you a new tire.
Let me know what you think.
I'm with you on expensive tires- its a sales job/prestige. Not with you on balancing.I've ridden on unbalanced tires, and I've applied rim weights. It helps. Back with you on mushroom plugs. I've had them last the life of the tire, no leaks. Unfortunately, they only work for tread- not sidewall blowouts/damage, which is more common in my experience.
Can't agree with any of this except for buying tyres mail order and fitting them yourself.
@@alexmorgan3435 , Try a Shinko tire. The only difference is the price. The only reason I use Avon Roadrider AM26 is because I have unusual rim size and I can buy the Avon tires in a matched set. The cheapest tire will always outperform a worn-out expensive tire. Expensive tires and cheap tires do the same thing. Get the cheapest tire and change them often. When you buy the expensive tire you paying for the expensive advertising. Each model of tire has a different tread design. The tread design really doesn't matter as long as you have tread so the water has a place to go. Some tires have a center tread others don't. A center tread doesn't matter because when you ride on the center of tire you going straight and water is "V" ing off to the sides. The more expensive radial tire has a tendency to scallop more. The less expensive bias ply wear more evenly.
Balancing tires is fine in theory, but what happens when you get a big clunk of mud stuck to your rim or the weight falls off? I've rode over 100,000 miles on unbalanced tire and never had an issue. Your results may vary. Maybe you have an issue with your rim.
John Doe: you ride on TWO tires each with a contact patch the size of your testicle. How big are your balls? Cheap tires are made from cheap rubber. Often expensive tires are also made from cheap rubber. I don't ride on cheap rubber. ;)
@@JohnDoe-bf1fw Remember who Shinko is: Cheng Shin Tire Corporation - Show me a Shinko that withstands 8,000 miles of triple digit speeds and I'll show you a North Korean missile!
Horrible way to change a tire and good way to scratch or damage an aluminium rim.
DLM; My tire, my rim, my video, my channel. BTW, no scratches on any of the 11 wheels that I've changed last month. Piss off, now!
No mention of tire rotation direction, shame on you
He did make a note of it on the screen , and if you’re placing the red dot next to the valve the direction of the rotation is automatically accounted for. ; )
@@paulbuschman8318 Hey Silly, All tires will always rotate in the opposite direction that you are traveling ...duh...
Ray, Ray, Ray did you bump your head on something?! Tire direction is mentioned in the description and yet again in a caption in the video, here: ua-cam.com/video/0XiV4i8Qg-g/v-deo.html Pay attention RAY and shame on you for not noticing shit. This is merely a demonstration of an alternative method to get back on your way when needing a tire on the road. Stuff it in your inner tube, Ray!
@@paulbuschman8318 Hello, my friend, remember the tire could go either direction as the red dot is only on one side of the tires carcass. On a different note there is a K75S on my lift. ;)
@@JohnDoe-bf1fw How's that?! Counter - clockwise when viewed from the left / clockwise from the right. Doh!
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏