Well, It’s been christened this evening. My 690 SMC changed from Mich 2ct to Goldspeed Wets 120 front 160 rear. Also worth noting I’m on non standard black gloss painted cast wheels.
I reckon it took me 1 1/2 hours including wheel removal & refit. The actual tyre changes & balancing was about 1 hr total.
Thoughts
- The tools well capable of doing the job. Without any rim damage.
- Method is absolutely KEY to getting it done. The order in which you do things, the way you set up & position the tools, the tyre lube, the levers. EVERY detail is important.
- You really also need an airline (pump probably not enough)
- It would be easier if you could get the tool up onto a sturdy well secured bench. It’s difficult to get the leverages and forces applied at ankle level - particularly on a plastic tiled floor
- On my first attempt I managed to get the tyres fitted with no damage in about an hour (including balancing). I’m pretty confident that about 30 mins would easily be possible once I’d gotten all the techniques learned.
Bottom line
The tool I bought is well made and quite capable of doing the job. It’s an “amateur” level tool in terms of cost and functionality - but if you’re only changing say 1 pair of tyres a month I’d say it was a good way to go.
I’ve been riding bikes for 48 years now …… today was the 1st time I’ve ever changed a motorcycle tyre. It’s actually quite satisfying to do And it gives me a level of flexibility and independence I’ve never had until now - I like this.
If there were a tyre bay (with a fitter I trust) within 5 miles that did a sub 1 hr turnaround I’d probably not bother. However, at the moment there‘s no one like this locally - so it’s either a mobile fitter or a 20 mile round trip. Either way will cost me £30 and take at least half a day to get done. Add in the convenience of being to fix punctures / change tyre types 24/7 and also potential savings from buying loose tyres online and I think the DIY route is (for me at least) the way tho go.
