Changing tire

Does anyone change their front without a tire changing machine?

It can be done but I would not recommend it. With regular tire tools, you are risking scratching up and denting the metal in the rim and possibly stressing it to the point of where it might crack at that point.

"Ain't Bee ,call the man ! "

:qpnmt:

Howard, the GL1800 front rim is a real bugger to break the bead off of and stretch a new tire over. Without one of the professional quality tire changers it's a very difficult task to say the least. I remove my front wheel then take it and the new rubber to a local bike shop. They charge me $25 to mount and balance the new tire. Worth every dime of that... :xszpv: :xszpv:

I've never changed a tire on an 1800 but it won't be long till I'll be able to give you first hand info. I've never had a shop change store for me on any bike I've owned. . This is mainly due to where I live and a few years ago not having the extra cash to spare. Many years ago I bought a set of tire irons and I still use them. I cut several pieces of garden hose and some small blocks of wood and use them when needed along with a spray bottle of soapy water. Just don't rush.

I have changed tires on a GL1500 many times using my Harbor Freight tool. Now I just take them to the local tire shop and have them do the mounting for $25. The GL1800 is just too stiff for me to change.

Thanks everyone, I'll take it in.