I'm in the process of putting a set of Michelin's on my bike (1200GS) and the front went ok but the back tire doesn't want to play nice. I've got one side on, but now working on the other side is a pure bastard. Any advice/tricks on offer? I used to go to DSP for tires but that's not available anymore. Anyone know of a good place to get tire mounted in the Toronto Area - I'm located in Maple. Appreciate any assist.
Have you watched any of the online videos on tire mounting? Biggest thing I've found is making sure the opposite edge is in the valley of the wheel. I'm too far to help besides that.
The other big mistake is not using enough lube. You have to do that last bit of tire in very small increments, and the lube helps things immensely. +1 on Rosy Toes. Expect bad humour and he takes cash only.
I'll definately keep Rosey Toes in mind next time around. I ended up letting it sit in the sun for a few hours and that softened it up enough to get mounted. Thanks for the feedback.
All good tips!, i would add;align the yellow/red dot(if there is one) stamped on the side of the tire with the filler stem , MAY eliminate the need to balance ,leave any balance weights now on the rim in place. Long tire irons also a major help. Heidenau tires by any chance ?? if so you have the toughest tire on the market for your first set!! PD
I also find if you are having a problem getting them mounted, walk away and take a break. You ended up just getting more frustrated with it. If you talk a break you end up coming back and more calm and working through it correctly.
As indicated by others it is important to get the tire hot (leave in the sun for 1/2 hour or so), use lots of lube, and keep the bead in the drop centre of the rim (you may need to use some C-clamps to do this). Another tip is to be sure to insert your tire iron the "right" way. If I'm working the bead on from the right (i.e. the tire is already on the rim on the right-hand side) I insert the tire iron from the left. If you insert the tire iron from the right you'll suffer. Inserting the tire iron from the left kinda moves the tire in two stages - the left-most portion of the tire contacting the iron moves the bead a little bit so it is part way on, and the actual spoon moves the bead fully onto the rim. Take small bites and you're good. Ian
Good one, before I got the bugger in place I thought I'd end up mounting it all right, or it would end up mounting me.
If you are in the east end, try Flying Squirrel at 388 Carlaw between Gerrard and Dundas. Phone 416 889-8769. Glen there does mounting and balancing. I don't know how much he will charge you if he didn't sell you the tire himself. It is a parts only place, not a mechanical shop.
Thanks for the recommendation Statsman! Just got my tires installed and balanced there. Glen is a fantastic guy. He did it using a No Mar machine(so lots of labour to get the rear tire on) and static balance. He charges $25 per wheel, off the bike. I already had the tires, I didn't buy them from there. He took excellent care during installation. Would use again for sure.
Glad to hear you're back on the road. Flying Squirrel is primarily a parts shop as I'm sure you discovered. Try them for parts as well. If they don't have the best price in town, they're damn close to it.
He had lots of tires too, and can order in parts if he doesn't have them. It is a nice neighbourhood shop, with lots of folks coming in and picking up stuff. His tire prices are competitive too, which is nice to see locally.