Another useful video. I always carry tyre levers and a spare tube whenever I go off road. It's not difficult to change a tube and much quicker and more reliable than trying to repair a puncture in middle of nowhere. Punctured tubes can be repaired at home. It's quite easy once you've done a couple and you have some lube with you as well, faster than the machine. Generally there's no point balancing a knobbly tyre as they go out of balance pretty quickly anyway. On your GS it's worth balancing them though. Just one more thing, when you are off roading you need only carry one tube, the 21 inch front tube will fit in the 18 inch rear tyre quite happily in an emergency. On a long day of adventure riding you want as little extra weight to carry as you can get away with!
Will do - initial impression of just the front is very encouraging on loose stuff/gravel, now need to give the pair a good thrashing in some mud.....it's on the list!
I saw from a different video that it is possible to break the bead on the tyre using the weight of the bike on the sidestand (put the sidestand on the side of the tyre and lean the bike over). Seemed to work well on the videos I saw.
Have you ever thought of changing the tyres to tubeless? A lot of conversions done online just in case you get stranded further afield. I am contemplating this process.
I change all mine myself on crf250l. Use 2 tyre spoons and the hardest bit is getting the tube in and get valve through the hole. This guys given me a new idea. But you still didnt show how he got valve through hole when fitting the tube with tyre at once. Poor editing to miss that critical part.
Hi, enjoyed the video. Did he break the bead with the tyre changing machine? Also interested to know why he used the machine to put the new tyre on but not to take the old one off. Great tip on inflating the tube prior to fitting. Thanks Mark.
My rule of thumb is to pump them to the manufacturers recommended pressure! ;0) so far off road I’ve not let pressure reduce but I know some do. Thanks for the kind words- TMF
The stock size for the rear tire is 12/80-18 in metric. What are they in inches? 4.0, 4.1 or 4.6? I goggled up and internet says it's 4.0 or 4.1. But the dealer in my country insist it's 4.6. What are your thoughts?
Hello Sir. I enjoy your video's so this is not a criticism.. I've had this bike for 2 years and I live in SE Queensland where fortunately the trails are dry and dusty most of the year. These tires are actually great in those conditions, very predictable and slide nicely round the corners and I'm no bad-ass dirt biker! However, I had one ride in the mud and I agree - they were shocking and I dropped the bike 4 or 5 times that day but fortunately without any damage to me or the machine. 7k kms on the tyres now and I'll try something different when they're done. Maybe the TKC 80 from Conti? Not sure yet but keep up the good work!
+Jamie Cox Hi Jamie - what you mean the Michelins were bad on the wet stuff or the stock tyres? I'm yet to try the new tyres in the mud so very interested to hear your views! Thanks for taking the time to stop by...all the best - TMF
I maybe mistaken but that is a Pirelli Diablo Rosso on the Ducati? I find you don't get good mileage out of them and your rear one looks to be on the way out too? Hard to tell I suppose from the video.
Very observant Jmcphee7 - it is indeed a Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa on the Duc - but it's in good shape, I think the lighting in the man-cave makes it look a bit more worn than it actually is....10/10 for observation though!
Can I ask what jack you use for your CRF. Want to buy one for mine but there are so many options. Love your vids by the way. I also have a GS TE and I love it.
Yes Nigel makes it look pretty easy doesn't he....would have taken me a day of wrestling I suspect....mind you, it helps to have the right tools/equipment!
So you just replaced only the rear tyre? It look similar to my rear TKC80. And by anychance, did you checked the torque on the rear axle nut? Seems he only tightened it buy hand with the spanner, It should be 88Nm.
....no I had the front replaced a few weeks ago with another T63 - looking forward to trying them both out....and no, he used the "torque wrench of experience" (I asked the same thing).....
No I haven't - as far as the CRF goes, the bike feels just fine (no different) but then these are basically 50:50 tyres, not extreme off-roaders with monster knobblies....
Love your CRF 250L vids as I have one myself. Being new to motorcycle's I wanted to ask would it be possible to change the rear tire to a 120/90-18? Sorry if that's a stupid question but I'm a noob :-)
I honestly don't know Greg - in some cases it is possible to fit slightly different size to the OEM recommendations but I don't know for the CRF in this specific case - best call your local dealer and ask the service guys...sorry!
Yep - always a good idea to carry a puncture repair kit if you're planning to be away from civilisation at all (I also carry one on my GS for touring.....although puncture repair is easier in the field on the tubeless tyres of course)...thanks for watching - TMF
Hi Mr Flyer Think youll like those T63s. I put a set on my WRR this spring and think theyre pretty good on dirt and pavement. As you all like to say theyre crackin. ;)
Thank you MF for your good infos. I tried the IRC in the woods today. Since it has been raining, you get stuck as soon as it gets muddy or grassy. I wanted to order the T 63, but what size did you get for the front? And how many km did you do? Apart from this, was the Heidenau K 60 a choice? I use the Scout on my Triumph Tiger 800 XC and I am very impressed. But like you I prefer the "light" Crf for the "real" offroadfun. Servus from Austria! Richard
I have same bike, I was going to take my rear tire off and have the new tire put on the rim at a place, what did I hear about balancing the tire when I put it back on?
You could've brought the wheel and tyre down to me when you went to Land's End, I'd have changed it for you lol. Good choice on the Michelin's, won't use anything else myself now. RSM8
Get your tools out son, me and the boy change those off road tyres in the back of the van at enduro events. I'm keeping mum about how long it took us the first time we tried 😂 Got it down to about 15mins now 👊
I asked that very question and Nigel said no - though don't know if that just applies to light bikes like the CRF (as I'm pretty sure - without checking - I have balance weights on the BMW).....
TheMissendenFlyer From what I gather by doing a google search, yes they do need balancing, but this requires an additional piece of equipment. It could be possible Nigel doesn't have a balancer.
I don't think you need much equipment to balance a wheel on a spindle and see if it spins round! ...although I'm sure there are "professional" versions available....
How to replace a tire with an expensive tire machine. I have the same tire on my crf250l and have ridden them to the actual base. Id say, based on my riding, that rear has at least 3000 miles left on it. Though it's possible my tires have become hard with age.
At last! Did he balance the wheel after fitting the tyre, as a matter of interest? Didn't see any weights go on, but you may have skipped that bit (or it may not have been necessary?). Weather going to be rubbish? Ideal off-road testing conditions I should have thought. 😄
Yes it's been a long time coming Len hasn't it! Can't wait to try 'em out in the rough stuff...stay tuned for that....and no Nigel said that in this case the wheel didn't need balancing (not sure why not, but I did ask)....
How to fit a bike tyre - take it to a tyre shop. Brilliant and inciteful. Thanks for that. I like the bike reviews but this and the videos where you show us how to clean a bike and you read magazines to us might be taking the show a bit too far.
Watching isn't compulsory Mark, sorry you don't like all the stuff I make, but you know what they say "you can make some of the people happy some of the time....."etc. Thanks for watching anyway, cheers for stopping by and all the best - TMF
A more useful video would be to show how to get the wheel of the bike and then, not use a motorcycle mechanic. We can do that. Video how to do it without a machine etc. This does no good on instruction for the person doing it on their own. Seems like a cool guy though!
Kind of a useless video. Basically it answers that tricky question "How to change a motorcycle tire?" By saying... "You take your motorcycle to a tire shop." Gee, it's easy once you know how!
Another useful video. I always carry tyre levers and a spare tube whenever I go off road. It's not difficult to change a tube and much quicker and more reliable than trying to repair a puncture in middle of nowhere. Punctured tubes can be repaired at home. It's quite easy once you've done a couple and you have some lube with you as well, faster than the machine. Generally there's no point balancing a knobbly tyre as they go out of balance pretty quickly anyway. On your GS it's worth balancing them though. Just one more thing, when you are off roading you need only carry one tube, the 21 inch front tube will fit in the 18 inch rear tyre quite happily in an emergency. On a long day of adventure riding you want as little extra weight to carry as you can get away with!
Great advice and feedback Mike - thanks for taking the time to stop by...glad you enjoyed the video. All the best - TMF
Thanks great tip!
Useful? Standard to use baby powder
No Torch wrench
Iv just put the pireli scorpions on mine and they make a world of difference off road. Looking forward to seeing your next green lane video.
Yes they were potential replacements for mine, heard good things about the Pirelli's too...will keep you appraised!
Keep us informed how you get on with these, got a set of these in the garage rafters ready to go on so be interested to see how they fare, cheers Paul
Will do - initial impression of just the front is very encouraging on loose stuff/gravel, now need to give the pair a good thrashing in some mud.....it's on the list!
I saw from a different video that it is possible to break the bead on the tyre using the weight of the bike on the sidestand (put the sidestand on the side of the tyre and lean the bike over). Seemed to work well on the videos I saw.
I thought mine was getting low. Great vids as always
Thanks Clive - it's amazing how the central line of "knobblies" gets worn down when you ride on the tarmac isn't it....
You looked and looked until you found a mechanic who looks identical to you from the side. Handsome fellow, isn't he?
Have you ever thought of changing the tyres to tubeless? A lot of conversions done online just in case you get stranded further afield. I am contemplating this process.
No I haven’t but I’m intrigued now!
How did he fit the valve through the rim?
The Ducati looks fantastic from behind :)
Don't she just :0)
Good vid as usual ,are u changing any of ur bikes soon ?
You never know! ;0)
I change all mine myself on crf250l. Use 2 tyre spoons and the hardest bit is getting the tube in and get valve through the hole. This guys given me a new idea. But you still didnt show how he got valve through hole when fitting the tube with tyre at once. Poor editing to miss that critical part.
Oops sorry!
Hi, enjoyed the video. Did he break the bead with the tyre changing machine? Also interested to know why he used the machine to put the new tyre on but not to take the old one off. Great tip on inflating the tube prior to fitting. Thanks Mark.
How many mile TMF did you get out of rear. My Crf has done 2200 and the rear looks to have similar wear
Off the top of my head I think around 1800 Clive.....these softish off-road tyres don't like riding on tarmac much do they.....
saves putting ya knees on the wheel. that's how we changed our tires..took ages becouse wheel just slipped off..cool bit of kit.
Indeed....
Whats your rule of thumb with tyre pressures on and off road, love the channel, its giving me many ideas 🤘
My rule of thumb is to pump them to the manufacturers recommended pressure! ;0) so far off road I’ve not let pressure reduce but I know some do. Thanks for the kind words- TMF
The stock size for the rear tire is 12/80-18 in metric. What are they in inches? 4.0, 4.1 or 4.6? I goggled up and internet says it's 4.0 or 4.1. But the dealer in my country insist it's 4.6. What are your thoughts?
Hello Sir. I enjoy your video's so this is not a criticism.. I've had this bike for 2 years and I live in SE Queensland where fortunately the trails are dry and dusty most of the year. These tires are actually great in those conditions, very predictable and slide nicely round the corners and I'm no bad-ass dirt biker! However, I had one ride in the mud and I agree - they were shocking and I dropped the bike 4 or 5 times that day but fortunately without any damage to me or the machine. 7k kms on the tyres now and I'll try something different when they're done. Maybe the TKC 80 from Conti? Not sure yet but keep up the good work!
+Jamie Cox Hi Jamie - what you mean the Michelins were bad on the wet stuff or the stock tyres? I'm yet to try the new tyres in the mud so very interested to hear your views! Thanks for taking the time to stop by...all the best - TMF
Hey TMF. The stock tyres! I think they are an IRC something or other. They're great in the dry dusty stuff but the mud was bordering unridable!
Yeah exactly why I replaced my IRC's and got these Michelin's - a much better option!
I maybe mistaken but that is a Pirelli Diablo Rosso on the Ducati? I find you don't get good mileage out of them and your rear one looks to be on the way out too? Hard to tell I suppose from the video.
Very observant Jmcphee7 - it is indeed a Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa on the Duc - but it's in good shape, I think the lighting in the man-cave makes it look a bit more worn than it actually is....10/10 for observation though!
Can I ask what jack you use for your CRF. Want to buy one for mine but there are so many options. Love your vids by the way. I also have a GS TE and I love it.
I just use a scissor jack I bought from E-Bay - works a treat!
Thanks for your reply
Wish my tyre changes had been so easy.
Just normal levers, and a tyre lock on the wheel / tyre too.
I've nipped a couple of innertubes so far :o
Yes Nigel makes it look pretty easy doesn't he....would have taken me a day of wrestling I suspect....mind you, it helps to have the right tools/equipment!
TheMissendenFlyer
Usually end up changing mine in the back of the van tbh
So you just replaced only the rear tyre? It look similar to my rear TKC80. And by anychance, did you checked the torque on the rear axle nut? Seems he only tightened it buy hand with the spanner, It should be 88Nm.
....no I had the front replaced a few weeks ago with another T63 - looking forward to trying them both out....and no, he used the "torque wrench of experience" (I asked the same thing).....
nice video again 👍
have you ever tried an offroad tire on the GS?
do offroad tires feel that much different to street tires?
cheers Tom
No I haven't - as far as the CRF goes, the bike feels just fine (no different) but then these are basically 50:50 tyres, not extreme off-roaders with monster knobblies....
always interesting vids but you've got to learn the dark art of poping tyres on and off
it's all part of the fun lol
...what when Nigel is just around the corner?!
Definitely worth learning to do if your planning any off roading you can't always take
Nigel with you
Fair point!
Love your CRF 250L vids as I have one myself. Being new to motorcycle's I wanted to ask would it be possible to change the rear tire to a 120/90-18? Sorry if that's a stupid question but I'm a noob :-)
I honestly don't know Greg - in some cases it is possible to fit slightly different size to the OEM recommendations but I don't know for the CRF in this specific case - best call your local dealer and ask the service guys...sorry!
No worries. I know on a car changing the aspect ratio one size wouldn't throw gearing off but brand new to bikes I'm out of my comfort zone.
What if you get a puncture whilst in the middle of nowhere? Wont you need to carry small tyre irons of some sort to get the tube out?
Yep - always a good idea to carry a puncture repair kit if you're planning to be away from civilisation at all (I also carry one on my GS for touring.....although puncture repair is easier in the field on the tubeless tyres of course)...thanks for watching - TMF
Hi Mr Flyer
Think youll like those T63s. I put a set on my WRR this spring and think theyre pretty good on dirt and pavement. As you all like to say theyre crackin. ;)
...I'm looking forward to finding out Jim, they seem to get pretty good reviews....will keep you informed! Cheers - TMF
ROFL.. 3min before he even starts and than .... Go to a garage and let them do it :D :D
Thank you MF for your good infos. I tried the IRC in the woods today. Since it has been raining, you get stuck as soon as it gets muddy or grassy.
I wanted to order the T 63, but what size did you get for the front? And how many km did you do?
Apart from this, was the Heidenau K 60 a choice? I use the Scout on my Triumph Tiger 800 XC and I am very impressed. But like you I prefer the "light" Crf for the "real" offroadfun.
Servus from Austria!
Richard
+dub dubious Sorry Dub I don't have the information to hand (I'm out of the country currently) - its in the manual though...
Hello. I have a Honda CRF 250 LA 2017 with abs. I can install as a rear 3 Sahara 140 / 80-18 TT 70S. It is slightly wider than the original.
turn the tyre round mate, as can be seen theres no directional tread pattern to those tyres. your motering can be even cheaper if you do this.
Good tip - cheers!
This is kinda off topic of the honda but does the Ducati Panigale have a fuel gauge?
Alas no, it doesn't (very annoying it is too)....
TheMissendenFlyer Thanks
so you fitted the front tire yourself m8?
Nope - Nige the spanner did, but it was very straightforward so I'd do the front myself in future on this bike...
I have same bike, I was going to take my rear tire off and have the new tire put on the rim at a place, what did I hear about balancing the tire when I put it back on?
Hi TMF, I take it he never balanced the wheel?
He must have. That's the only reason I'd get a garage to do it.
You could've brought the wheel and tyre down to me when you went to Land's End, I'd have changed it for you lol. Good choice on the Michelin's, won't use anything else myself now. RSM8
Wrong bike I'm afraid Ian....but thanks anyway (and glad I made the right choice of rubber)...
I know, but the GS can take the extra weight easy enough hehe.
any reccomendations for a 125cc supermoto. Same kinda style of the crf 250L
'fraid not, no :0(
ok thanks
Sorry about that - just not aware of any - Google is your friend of course....
Get your tools out son, me and the boy change those off road tyres in the back of the van at enduro events.
I'm keeping mum about how long it took us the first time we tried 😂
Got it down to about 15mins now 👊
...p'raps you can pop round with the van next time :0)
+TheMissendenFlyer I will expect a cup of Rosy Lee 😋
Don't you need to balance motorbike tires like you do for car tires?
I asked that very question and Nigel said no - though don't know if that just applies to light bikes like the CRF (as I'm pretty sure - without checking - I have balance weights on the BMW).....
TheMissendenFlyer Thanks, I would have thought all tires need to be balanced.
Yes I would have thought you're right - I'll quiz Nigel again on that next time I see him.....
TheMissendenFlyer From what I gather by doing a google search, yes they do need balancing, but this requires an additional piece of equipment. It could be possible Nigel doesn't have a balancer.
I don't think you need much equipment to balance a wheel on a spindle and see if it spins round! ...although I'm sure there are "professional" versions available....
How to replace a tire with an expensive tire machine. I have the same tire on my crf250l and have ridden them to the actual base. Id say, based on my riding, that rear has at least 3000 miles left on it. Though it's possible my tires have become hard with age.
Couldn't help but notice the gash on the rear tyre on the Ducati 😮😮
I mean how did he take it off .he take off chain? What happened..???
Leave it to the experts, nice job
Yes some things are best left to those that know (or have the right tools!)....cheers - TMF
I'm jealous of your garage TMF.
+ReerBaadia :0)
At last! Did he balance the wheel after fitting the tyre, as a matter of interest? Didn't see any weights go on, but you may have skipped that bit (or it may not have been necessary?). Weather going to be rubbish? Ideal off-road testing conditions I should have thought. 😄
Yes it's been a long time coming Len hasn't it! Can't wait to try 'em out in the rough stuff...stay tuned for that....and no Nigel said that in this case the wheel didn't need balancing (not sure why not, but I did ask)....
what was the milleage when you did this job?
Err, can't honestly remember - not much, about 2500 miles I think??
wow, this is quick
Yes it was because I wasn't happy with the stock tyre off road and wanted something more grippy (rather than it being worn out)....
and this is good enough excuse mate :) how's new michelin comparing? did any off road so far?
It's brilliant - check out my test ride of it....transformed off-road grip.
I enjoy changing the tyres on my bike, but I now realise I need a machine like that!
Certainly makes things swift doesn't it DM!
I have the irc gp22r 120/80-18 rear. What tube do i need?
I don’t know I’m afraid.....
will you do a video testing the new trye :)
tyre *
Yep - sure will!
sick i was thinking getting off road tyres for my supermoto lol
What sizes were the T63's please
Sorry Shaun I'm not near the bike currently to check...
You look like the Michelin man wearing that tire around you. lol
Cheeky!
Hallo. Ich habe einen Honda CRF 250 LA 2017 mit abs. Ich kann als Heck 3 Sahara 140 / 80-18 TT 70S einbauen. Sie ist etwas breiter als das Original.
??
Low or mid job
Your garage good sir 👌
Thank you
How to fit a bike tyre - take it to a tyre shop. Brilliant and inciteful. Thanks for that. I like the bike reviews but this and the videos where you show us how to clean a bike and you read magazines to us might be taking the show a bit too far.
Watching isn't compulsory Mark, sorry you don't like all the stuff I make, but you know what they say "you can make some of the people happy some of the time....."etc. Thanks for watching anyway, cheers for stopping by and all the best - TMF
Thank you for all videos I really enjoy them.
Can you give me more info about the tire sizes and were I can buy a set?
+Anatoliy Ganchev I'm not at home currently so can't check - the Internet is your friend however!
willing to bet the new tire will sling more mud that the stocked on!!
That's the idea!
Great Video! Very interesting. Nice work! =D
Thanks Cameron, appreciate the kind words....TMF
Not very friendly your tyre guy as he seemed not really interested in answering your questions for your viewers
...actually Nige is a top bloke, just a bit quiet (we can't all be naturals on screen eh? ;0) - joke!
I wish my Mrs was a Ducati , a lot better looking lol
The Ducati doesn't do the dishes and ironing though....(mind you....)
Hello sir
Hello
A more useful video would be to show how to get the wheel of the bike and then, not use a motorcycle mechanic. We can do that.
Video how to do it without a machine etc.
This does no good on instruction for the person doing it on their own. Seems like a cool guy though!
Whatevs....
No baby powder? Yikes.
Baby powder?
Kind of a useless video. Basically it answers that tricky question
"How to change a motorcycle tire?" By saying... "You take your motorcycle to a tire shop."
Gee, it's easy once you know how!
Really? Take it along to a garage? That is your video? What next, "How to fix a car"? Take it to a mechanic? Not helpful.
Maybe dont watch then…..all the best!
You talk to much
You comment too much
How did he fit the valve through the rim?