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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Change my own tire - keep the tube?
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Message started by B-Will on 10/15/21 at 06:54:53

Title: Change my own tire - keep the tube?
Post by B-Will on 10/15/21 at 06:54:53

I'm refurbishing an '01 Savage and I'd like to put the new tires on myself. I'm replacing the existing (I'm assuming they are the old stock tires) with Shinko 712's.

Here's my question. Since these are spoke rims, do I need to use tubes even though the Shinko's are "tubeless"? I'm assuming this is true but wanted to confirm with the experts.

As always, thanks for the help!

Title: Re: Change my own tire - keep the tube?
Post by Tocsik on 10/15/21 at 06:59:36

Yep. Our rims won't hold air for tubeless. My son converts his mountain and road bikes to tubeless using this awesome rim tape. Don't know if anyone has tried the same thing on a motorcycle, though.

Be sure to replace the rim strips when you replace the tires. It's the thin strip that covers the inside of the spoke nipples. And a 90 degree offset valve on the rear wheel makes airing up much easier. Point it toward the brake side, not the pulley side.

Title: Re: Change my own tire - keep the tube?
Post by B-Will on 10/16/21 at 06:02:22

Thanks Tocsik. I didn't think about the rim strips. They're 20 years old so probably time to replace!

Title: Re: Change my own tire - keep the tube?
Post by Armen on 10/17/21 at 12:34:09

I did a tubeless conversion, but I did it when having new rims and spokes installed. Used the Outex kit out of Japan. Works great.

Title: Re: Change my own tire - keep the tube?
Post by B-Will on 10/26/21 at 08:47:33

Update: So another post on here said something to the effect of, "your first tire change will be a struggle".

You're dang right it was a struggle :). After about an hour, I figure out where my technique was lacking and made an adjustment.

I got'r done--new protector strap, tube and tire. The next battle will be the rear tire. But, I've honed my technique a bit and so I feel more confident about it.

"If you're grunting and sweating, you're doing it wrong." That is the absolute truth. It's a physical job, no doubt. But when I finally figured out what I was doing wrong, it went much easier.

"Less strength, more technique" as my jui jitsu coach would say ;D

Anyhow, thanks again for the help.

Title: Re: Change my own tire - keep the tube?
Post by oldNslow on 10/26/21 at 11:43:18

Quote:

The next battle will be the rear tire. But, I've honed my technique a bit and so I feel more confident about it.

I've changed a couple of sets of Shinko 712s on my bike.

The skinny 19" front is easy compared to that fat, stiff, 15" rear. Take your time, don't get frustrated, and be extra careful not to pinch the tube when you're trying to get the last few inches of the bead over the rim.

And when your'e done go buy yourself a beer. You'll deserve it. :)

Title: Re: Change my own tire - keep the tube?
Post by DragBikeMike on 10/26/21 at 12:53:49

Changing a tire. A fate worse than death. My compliments on successfully completing your front tire change out. Good luck with the rear tire. You can do it.

Title: Re: Change my own tire - keep the tube?
Post by B-Will on 10/27/21 at 07:00:17

I'm saving this little battle for the weekend where I have plenty of time for weeping and gnashing of teeth.

I'll let you all know who wins :)

Title: Re: Change my own tire - keep the tube?
Post by Tocsik on 10/27/21 at 11:16:08

How did you protect the edges of the rim doing the front wheel? Are you using tire irons/spoons?

Title: Re: Change my own tire - keep the tube?
Post by B-Will on 10/27/21 at 12:11:31

I'm using two tire irons I got from Harbor Freight. They worked pretty good once I figured out the technique.

For rim protectors, I cut pieces from a gallon milk jug. They did "meh". There was no rim damage, but they were a bit hard to use and were trash when I was done. Actually, they were trash when I started I suppose :)