How to change and balance rear tire

[reg71]

Skill level: medium
Time: 3 hours (probably much less next time)
Special tools required: yes (balancer, torque wrench, tire tools, air compressor, valve stem wrench)

Step 1: Prepare your work area, gather your tools. You'll need a socket or wrench (12 mm) to remove the muffler bracket bolt/nut(s). Remove the bracket bolt just behind the right passenger footpeg. Loosen the 2 bolts/nuts where the slipon meets the end of the header pipe (see figure A). Then rotate the pipe out and pull it off.

Step 2: Remove the 4 wheel nuts. This step is easier if the bike is on the kickstand to break them loose, then back on the centerstand to remove the nuts and take off tire. Also remove old weights from rim (See figure B). Remove the valve stem core. (This is a good time to check the wear on the brake pads of the rear brake caliper)

Step 3: Break the bead on the old tire. (See figure C) As you can see from my photo, my bead breaker was very expensive. I found every board laying around in the basement. Flip the tire and break the bead on the other side.

Step 4: Use the tire tools to pry one side of the old tire over the lip of the rim. Protect the lip with a piece of plastic, leather, etc. (See figure D) After one whole side is over the lip, do the other side of the tire. For me it is easier to do as indicated in figure E.

Step 5: Now, hopefully the tire is off and there is no profuse bleeding from your knuckles. Clean your rim thoroughly.

Step 6: Use warm, soapy water along the lip of the rim and place one side of the tire on the rim. (See figure F). Note the direction arrow on the tire and make sure your tire will rotate in the correct direction. Find your tires mark for the lightest spot (harmonic balancer mark I think is the terminology) which is marked in various ways. Mine was in yellow paint. (See figure G) Line this mark up with the valve stem which should be the heaviest part of the rim. Depending on your level of anality, you can put the rim up on the balancer and find the heaviest spot and mark it if you prefer. Put the valve stem together and cap it if you do, though.

Step 7: Now this is the first place where I started having trouble: getting the second lip of the tire over the rim. The easiest way I found was to go back to my handy dandy bead breaker and push it down working my way around slowly. This is easier with a helper to keep pressure on the lever wile you spoon on the last part of the tire. Hopefully, reading this will save you time/effort/knuckle skin and paint on your rim edge!

Step 8: Balance your tire. I'm not going to go into tremendous detail as I used a specific tool from www.marcparnes.com which comes with instructions, but I'll give you the basics. Mount the tire in the center of the axle using the wide cone on the drive side of the tire and one of the long cones on the other side. Keep the butterfly tighteners on the cones 180 degrees apart to keep their weight from affect balance. I put my balancer on a pair of jackstands on a concrete floor. (See figure H). You give the tire a light spin. When it stops, mark the lightest spot (the top). Tape a weight as close as possible to center of rim at the mark. Turn the weight to 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock and see if it stays or returns to the top. If it goes back to the top, add a weight, try again. I wasn't able to get it perfect, but I got it pretty close which beats the procedure listed in the Honda service manual. When you think your pretty close, take off the tape and stick the weights close to the center of the rim. Try the 3 o'clock... procedure again.

Step 9: Remount the tire (Can I get an Amen!). Torque the wheel nuts to 80 ft-lb. (See figure I). Remount the pipe (15 ft-lb).

Step 10: Bandage all wounds, look for extra parts (if you find them, you're not done. ) GO FOR A RIDE!. Be careful on the new tire for a while.

Stay tuned for a how-to on changing the front tire, changing your oil on a 5th gen VFR, and a first gen VF 500, changing front brake pads...coming soon...

[OhioVFRMan]

Should have mentioned "be sure to wear flip-flops". Jeez! Spend the $25 and get it mounted/balanced at a shop after taking the wheel off yourself. Heck you're already dropping $150 for the rubber. I'll save the knuckle skin, thanks.
We have no problem spending $12,000 on the bike then balk at $25 to get the tire mounted. Next we'll have photos of how to milk the latex from the rubber trees.....

[SLOVFR]

Originally Posted by OhioVFRMan

Should have mentioned "be sure to wear flip-flops". Jeez! Spend the $25 and get it mounted/balanced at a shop after taking the wheel off yourself. Heck you're already dropping $150 for the rubber. I'll save the knuckle skin, thanks.
We have no problem spending $12,000 on the bike then balk at $25 to get the tire mounted. Next we'll have photos of how to milk the latex from the rubber trees.....

Spending 12k is for you rich guys, some of us have to buy used. I know go figure, but if someone rather mount their own tire and use the money for a days ride and food....go for it! But if dropping 12k is not a problem....pull that 25 out of your change drawer....

[seadooloo]

The first time I had my tires changed at the local Honda dealership they gouged my rear rim pretty bad in 2 spots on the lip. I have changed my own since. I have not added any gouges to the rim, because I care. I would never again pay someone $35 to ruin my rim. Yes it cost me $35 per tire plus tax and disposal fees.
Go ahead and pay for a tire change, I hope you get better results than I did!
Besides all of that, it's really easy to do. But, You will get your hands dirty.

[dskelton]

Originally Posted by OhioVFRMan

Should have mentioned "be sure to wear flip-flops". Jeez! Spend the $25 and get it mounted/balanced at a shop after taking the wheel off yourself. Heck you're already dropping $150 for the rubber. I'll save the knuckle skin, thanks.
We have no problem spending $12,000 on the bike then balk at $25 to get the tire mounted. Next we'll have photos of how to milk the latex from the rubber trees.....

I'm sure that for very short bucks I could get some one to sleep with my wife for me. I don't because, among many other reasons, I REALLY enjoy doing it myself.

[06 interceptor]

Reg, I think you had the balls to do it yourself because thats what it's all about when you love, care, and spend quality time with your ride - not to mention that you spent the time to post it step by step with your expensive bead breaker :) for your fellow VFR's.

[Camarkim]

Originally Posted by dskelton

I'm sure that for very short bucks I could get some one to sleep with my wife for me. I don't because, among many other reasons, I REALLY enjoy doing it myself.

(hilarious response!)

[reg71]

Originally Posted by OhioVFRMan

Should have mentioned "be sure to wear flip-flops". Jeez! Spend the $25 and get it mounted/balanced at a shop after taking the wheel off yourself. Heck you're already dropping $150 for the rubber. I'll save the knuckle skin, thanks.
We have no problem spending $12,000 on the bike then balk at $25 to get the tire mounted. Next we'll have photos of how to milk the latex from the rubber trees.....

you mean you dont always wear flip flops when doing motorcycle maintenance? I thought that was a given. :) oh, btw, I Have never spent more than $4k for any motorcycle. I kind of like being able to do things myself.

[OhioVFRMan]

Must have touched a few raw nerves out there. Didn't mean to; was trying to put things in perspective. Last time I bought a new bike was when they were affordable: 1977. Bike and helmet cost $1800. So get off my back about buying a new $12000 bike. Second, I do maintenance: just changed the oil/filter and air filter on my '00 VFR, and the $40 for the air filter didn't come out of my change drawer. Seems like it did when I replaced them on my '77 KZ650 but it was only $15 back then. Third, I know my limitations, and I'll spend the $25 or so to have a tire mounted since I don't have a pickup truck bumper handy for breaking tire beads and prefer to stay out of physical therapy after wrestling with tire spoons. Yes, I did change my own tire on the KZ. Finally, owning and operating a motorcycle is a luxury; it's expensive from start to finish whether talking about parts, insurance or riding gear (clothes, tank bags, you name it). I try to save where I can, but there are certain things with owning a bike that you gotta pay for, and if I have to shell out $25 or so every few years to get a tire mounted, it's a small percentage of the total expense of riding. Maybe I'll get a jacket off eBay for $50 instead of from the dealer for $200 and spend the difference on maintenance I'd rather not F*** with, ya know?

[seadooloo]

I just want you to know that I would never condemn anyone for not wanting to mess with their own bike maintenance. I just don't really trust anyone working on my bike anymore.
If you have someone who can do the work for a reasonable price, and not damage your bike when they are working on it, by all means use them. My problem is I haven't found that person. That, and I really do enjoy it. There is a certain satisfaction you get when you know that something is done right. With modern bikes though, you really had better be a capable wrench. You really don't want to hit the speeds these bikes are capable of and be unsure of whether you torqued that bolt down right. Or wonder if that "extra part" was really necessary for the safe operation of the bike.

[R.W.]

Originally Posted by OhioVFRMan

Should have mentioned "be sure to wear flip-flops". Jeez!

Next we'll have photos of how to milk the latex from the rubber trees.....

It's not that you touched a few raw nerves, it's your choice of wording, hell I agree with you on getting the shop to put them on but I also do know there is a lot of people who enjoy working on there own bike. But I do enjoy reading these threads just to see if I have the balls to try it because I wish I was more talented on motorcycle maintenance...

[SLOVFR]

It just boils down to if you don't have anything nice to say, STFU. Thanks for all the positive replies we get here we don't need to end up like some other forums were we need to hear condescending remarks. If you think you have a better way to do something by all means lets hear it. Otherwise I say see sentence #1.
IE: Qoute"We have no problem spending $12,000 on the bike then balk at $25 to get the tire mounted. Next we'll have photos of how to milk the latex from the rubber trees..... "

[SLOVFR]

Originally Posted by R.W.

Damnnnn Brian, it's a trip we had the same thought process at the same time 1000 mile apart.




PS Post will be removed in 10 minutes for being off topic

PERFECT! Great minds think alike :)

[OhioVFRMan]

Time for a little humor on this thread regarding doing your own maintenance:

Oil Change instructions :

1) Wait until Saturday, drive to auto parts store and buy a case of oil,
filter, kitty litter, hand cleaner and a scented tree, write a cheque for $95.00
2) Stop by Liquorland and buy a case of beer, write a cheque for $30.00, drive home.
3) Open a beer and drink it.
4) Jack car up. Spend 30 minutes looking for jack stands.
5) Find jack stands under kid's pedal car.
6) In frustration, open another beer and drink it.
7) Place drain pan under engine.
Cool Look for 9/16 box end spanner.
9) Give up and use pliers.
10) Unscrew drain plug.
11) Drop drain plug in pan of hot oil: ! splash hot oil on face and arms in process. Swear.
12) Crawl out from under car to wipe hot oil off face and arms. Throw kitty litter on spilled oil.
13) Have another beer while watching oil drain.
14) Spend 30 minutes looking for oil filter wrench.
15) Give up, crawl under car and hammer a screwdriver through oil filter and twist off.
16) Crawl out from under car with dripping oil filter splashing oil everywhere from holes.
Cleverly hide old oil filter among trash in trash can to avoid environmental penalties. Drink a beer.
17) A mate shows up, finish case of beer with him. Decide to finish oil change tomorrow so you can go see his new garage door opener work. 1 Sunday: Skip church because "I gotta finish the oil change." Drag pan full of old oil out from underneath car. Cleverly dump oil in hole in back yard instead of taking it to recycle.
19) Throw kitty litter on oil spilled during step 18.
20) Beer. No, drank it all yesterday.
21) Walk to Liquorland buy beer.
22) Install new oil filter making sure to apply a thin coat of oil to
gasket surface.
23) Dump first Litre of fresh oil into engine.
24) Remember drain plug from step 11.
25) Hurry to find drain plug in drain pan.
26) Remember that the used oil is buried in a hole in the back
yard along with drain plug.
27) Drink beer.
2 Shovel out hole and sift oily mud for drain plug. Re-shovel oily patch of ground and avoid environmental penalties. Wash drain plug in lawn mower fuel.
29) Discover that first Litre of fresh oil is now on the floor. Throw
kitty litter on oil spill.
30) Drink beer.
31) Crawl under car getting kitty litter into eyes. Wipe eyes with oily rag used to clean drain plug. Slip with stupid pliers tightening drain plug and bang knuckles on frame.
32) Bang head on floorpan in reaction to step 31.
33) Begin swearing fit.
34) Throw stupid pliers.
35) Swear for additional 10 minutes because pliers hit Miss August (2002)
36) Beer.
37) Clean up hands and forehead and bandage as required to stop blood flow.
3 Beer.
39) Beer.
40) Dump in five fresh litres of oil.
41) Beer.
42) Lower car from jack stands.
43) Accidentally crush remaining case of new motor oil.
44) Move car back to apply more kitty litter to fresh oil spilled during steps 23-43.
45) Beer.
46) Test drive car.
47) Get pulled over: arrested for driving under the influence.
4 Car gets impounded.
49) Call loving wife, make bail.
50) 12 hours later, get car from impound yard.

Money spent: Parts $95.00 DUI $2500.00 Impound fee $75.00 Bail $1500.00
Beer $60.00 Total-- $4230.00

--At least you know the job was done right--

[RVFR]

Holy shiet.. that was good, thanks for the laugh, thing is, it's not so far off.

[OhioVFRMan]

Yeah, you haven't lived until you've had to jam a screwdriver through an oil filter (auto) to get the darned thing off. How hard can it be to change the oil?? The way they place them these days, you may get a face-full of oil just taking off the filter since they can't be reached from above any more.

[SLOVFR]

Some people should just stick to their day jobs..........