| Author | Message | ||
     Ron_luning |
I hate Chinese products, but my bank account is not infinite. I'm sure that the nomar tire changer is better, but can I get the same job done without scratching my wheels using the Harbor Freight tire changer? Also, how much space do these take up in the garage? I don't have a lot of extra space, so can they be stored in a disassembled state when not in use to save room? | ||
| Chadhargis |
I posted this pic in another post, but it's relevant here. You can see the changer in the corner of my shop. It has a mounting plate that makes it easy to stow away when not in use if you are so inclined. I just leave it where it is. I put a black backsplash behind it so when I popped the beads with all the lubricant on them, it didn't splatter all over my wall.  | ||
| Ron_luning |
I just ordered the "classic ultimate" tire changer from nomar. Screw China. | ||
| Ezblast |
The popular set up is the No-mar spoons and bars and the Harbor Freight set up, and what I plan to invest in - lol EZ | ||
| Jpowell490 |
Hey Chad, Your garage looks fantastic! Great Job! | ||
| Avc8130 |
I use a modified Harbor Freight setup. I have about $300 into tire changing and balancing. I do changes for local people also. I usually have them ship the tires straight to my house, then they ride in/ride out and I get rid of the old rubber. Doing this I have easily paid off the changer. ac | ||
| Clbofaz |
I don't see a Harbor Freight tire changer that can handle our bikes for under a grand. However, there are No-mar models for much less. Got any links to the set ups you all are considering? If it's cost effective I might be interested in doing a bit of dabbling. | ||
| Avc8130 |
Why don't you see a setup that will fit your bike for under $1k? $50 tire changer, $50 motorcycle adapter. Then you get some delrin spools and steel plate. Put the spools on the rim clamps (spaced up to clear the rear pulley). Plastic coat the bead breaker. $110 NoMar bar. $35 NoMar Yellow Thing. Voila, tire changing for about $300. ac | ||
| Clbofaz |
Ahh, I should read more before I leap. My bad. But your post wasnt for naught. Now I see the needed NoMar items to make your adaption. Thanks. | ||
| Daggar |
I'm gonna go with the Cycle Hill changer. Nomar's budget brand. | ||
| D_adams |
I picked up the classic model on sale last year for $499 with the trailer hitch mount. http://www.nomar-secure.com/category_s/1.htm Well worth the $$ even at $595 for it now. | ||
| Chadhargis |
I got the Jr. Pro as it required less distance from the wall....something to consider if you're buying. JPowell, my shop used to be the bonus room by my garage. I had a 6' wide double door put in the wall and VIOLA! I have a man cave. It's complete with home theater, full bath, computer, compressed air, and plenty of lighting. I removed the stupid pedestal sink and added a big utility sink to wash my greasy hands in. It's a God send. Nothing better than not freezing your tail off working on those winter tear downs, or sweating your fanny off doing tires or maintenance in the summer. | ||
| Jpowell490 |
I hear that, Our house has a two car garage but I tell you what, not sure what the deal is, but it is either 100 in the summer or 30 in the winter. Never had a garage so damn cold in my life. Usually they are climate controlled like the house, but guess this one isn't. | ||
| 46champ |
JP I thought I was the only one with a garage that was either too hot or freezing cold. I'm always putting things off till the winter when I have time then its too cold to do anything. | ||
| Ccryder |
I just changed two tires today on my Nomar. One for Buellsrule and one for me. No problem, just slipped them off and slipped them back on. No scratches. My biggest problem with changing tires is not the tire changer but me. I forget the little things that you have to do to make it easy. After the first one the second one is cake. Later Neil S. | ||
| Oldog |
Chad I have major garage envy Between You and James Ramsey I have a rented bay, I run on a drop cord, enjoy that space.... I would. | ||
| Chadhargis |
I enjoy it a great deal. My wife wanted to move closer to her mother, so I had to have some place to hide. | ||
| Oldog |
so I had to have some place to hide.  } | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
No, she wouldn't let him drop a deuce anywhere else in the house. | ||
| Crackhead |
Check out Web bike worlds review of the Cycle Hill Motorcycle Tire Changer. It is made by NoMar, but it more compact and fold able for home use. I almost bought one but a friend of my brother has a tire changer in his basement. http://www.webbikeworld.com/r4/cycle-hill-motorcycle-tire-changer/ (Message edited by crackhead on September 14, 2009) | ||
| Xl1200r |
If you have any meat on you, you don't need a tire changer. Make something out of 2x4s for a bead breaker and the rest you can do with a No Bar Bar and nothing else. That, with a cheap balancer, puts my tire change equippment at around $160 total. | ||
| Ccryder |
Mark: Been there, done that and, it's waaaaay easier and, much less likely to damage any components with a tire changing device. That's why I went the Nomar route, especially after my local Honda dealer scratched my ST rims too many times. Neil S. | ||
| Chadhargis |
Yeah...I've done the spoons and a milk crate thing. There is NO COMPARISON to the NoMar. Buy the best and cry once. I would have bought a pneumatic changer if I'd have had the space for it. | ||
| Xl1200r |
Only damage I did to my rim was from not having a proper bead breaking device. Getting the tire on and off wasn't bad with just the no mar bar and a peice of carpet on the floor. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I've got plenty of "meat". I'd use the No-Mar. | ||
| Bearly |
I bought the made in china harbor freight model first. It Took a lot paint off a test wheel that I have. So I bought full set on the Pro model from No Mar. I'm very pleased with this high quality American made product. I also have a lot of new friends! BTW, any of you guys can come over and I'll swap your tires for u | ||
| Avc8130 |
I can't even fathom wrestling on the floor with a wheel/tire and a NoMar bar. I tried to do a tire with the changer loose and not bolted to the floor. It was a PIA. The changer got bolted to the floor before the 2nd was attempted. Obviously the NoMar is a superior product to the HF, I don't think anyone would argue that. I just know that I get the same results at a fraction of the cost. That is the purpose of doing your own tires, right, to save money. ac | ||
| Chadhargis |
No, the purpose of me doing my own tires is QUALITY. I don't trust anyone else. They scratch my wheels, don't balance as meticulously, don't clean the wheels, don't make sure the heavy spot is in the right place (and I determine that by putting the bare wheel on the balancer and marking the heavy spot...it's not always the valve stem). I also do it for convenience. Paying for the tire changer so I don't have to drive to the shop to get tires spooned on is worth every penny. The return on investment from a money savings standpoint is a tough sell on the NoMar, but from a "do it yourself" peace of mind and a convenience standpoint, it's a quick payoff. The cheaper changers are fine, but I'd venture to guess the job is easier on the NoMar and my time is worth something. I'd rather not wrestle a tire on. I'd like it to be quick and easy, so I can do other things with my time. I already have too much stuff to do. The only down side to me (and it's not really a down side) is that you make a LOT of friends fast. "Can you put tires on for me?". Sure, I can, and don't mind it. But I hate when I get the "I'm going on a trip tomorrow and need a tire put on", and I have to tell them I'm not able to do it on that short of notice and then they act like they are mad about it. Well, sorry...I don't run a business, I'm just being nice. All I charge is beer, and I'll put you to work too. I'm prone to show you how to use the machine and let you do it yourself. No liability on my part. Oh yeah...and some people ship tires to my house, then ride over for the change. Fine, but PLEASE come back and take your used tires. My garage has about 12 used tires in it that I would love to have GONE. | ||
| Avc8130 |
Buell is nice enough to mark the heavy spot according to the service manual! My town takes tires so disposal is usually easier for me. ac | ||
| Reepicheep |
Chad... Wal Mart will take tires for $5 each or something, so send the offenders there to (a) drop off the tire and (b) come back with more beer. It's a win/win.  |
