Suggested Tire Iron/Spoons

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cmyoch
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Suggested Tire Iron/Spoons

#1

Post by cmyoch »

I understand that the R/R of a cycle tire is an essential skill. Especially if you run into issues miles from home. One of my other bikes (non GL) needs new shoes and I think I want to take a crack at replacing them myself. I've read that the more spoon shaped irons are preferred more to prevent tube punctures plus a little easier to maneuver. There is a wide variety of spoons online. Motion Pro has a looped handle end for better grip, others are a straight bar and some have a plastic handle.

Does anyone have experience with the different styles and can recommend which is easiest to use so i don't have the trial and error test myself?
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Re: Suggested Tire Iron/Spoons

#2

Post by brianinpa »

Mine aren't tubeless, so I just use el-cheapo's from harbor frieght.

http://t.harborfreight.com/24-inch-gene ... gle.com%2F
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Re: Suggested Tire Iron/Spoons

#3

Post by jdvorchak »

I have two sets and usually use them both on a tire. I use the motion pro small bars with the loop on the end and the cheap chrome plated bars from Harborfreight when I need extra leverage to push the bead down into the gap.

changing your tires on a trip is probably not something you want to try on the side of the road. Get towing insurance like they offer as a member of GWRAA. I've had that insurance since 2008 and they will tow anything except a commercial vehicle up to 100 miles. Check out the Rescue Plus towing they offer.

I had my Hyundai towed 99 miles last year and my son just had an Infinity towed here from St. Louis. Cost $80 a year and as far as I know there is no limit to how many times a year you can have a tow.
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jdvorchak
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Re: Suggested Tire Iron/Spoons

#4

Post by jdvorchak »

The 3 essential tools I carry on a trip.
1. Credit Card
2. Towing insurance
3. Cell phone
New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help:
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Don't fix it 'til it's broke...
The person with the most toys wins!
If it has wheels or a skirt you can't afford it.
Amateur Radio Station WW9L

71 CL350 with Bingham side car
2021 HD Triglide
2008 HD Dyna Low Rider
83 KZ1100L1 Son totaled it
83 KZ550LTD Shaft sold

Previous bikes: 84 GL1200 STD, 83 KZ550LTD, 83 CB1000, 78 CB400A, 82 CB900F, 79 CB750K, 2001 GL1800, 2000 Dyna Super Glide, 1972 CB350 K4, 1985 GL1200A, 1997 1200 Sportster, 84 GL1200I, 82 Honda CM400E, 81 Suzuki GS650L, 72 Triumph Bonneville 750, 72 Honda CB350, 66(?) Honda 305 Scrambler, 6? Yamaha yz250, 62 650 Matchless (Norton-Villers).
John
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Re: Suggested Tire Iron/Spoons

#5

Post by robin1731 »

One nice thing about having automatic renewal with AMA. Free towing.

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Re: Suggested Tire Iron/Spoons

#6

Post by Track T 2411 »

I agree with the towing insurance, etc. but back to your question... I like the longer spoons, myself. Just better leverage and easier to hold in place. I also bought some nylon rim protectors as I really don't want to mar the rim.
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scootsx2
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Re: Suggested Tire Iron/Spoons

#7

Post by scootsx2 »

+1 on the towing coverage.

I have used the Motion Pro tools to remove/replace tires in my garage. Did it on a couple of wheels, not too bad, but now I just take my wheels to a shop to have them done.
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ritalz
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Re: Suggested Tire Iron/Spoons

#8

Post by ritalz »

I like the longer spoons also. I have three of them now. For rim protectors, I cut up an old milk jug and place pieces under the iron before prying.
Al

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Pony Ruiz
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Re: Suggested Tire Iron/Spoons

#9

Post by Pony Ruiz »

Not that difficult...good to know.
I think i used at least 2 long and one short. Held one down with a knee.
Looked a you tube vids for awhile.
Dont forget to carry a tube too.
1978GL1000 naked - kinda sadly gone. no bike at the moment.

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jdvorchak
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Re: Suggested Tire Iron/Spoons

#10

Post by jdvorchak »

I like the shorter ones because with the first bite you can hook it under the brake rotor and it holds it for you. Also the Motion Pro has a little lip on the spoon which helps a lot when you're putting the bead back on the rim. Once set it won't slip out.
New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help:
http://ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST


Don't fix it 'til it's broke...
The person with the most toys wins!
If it has wheels or a skirt you can't afford it.
Amateur Radio Station WW9L

71 CL350 with Bingham side car
2021 HD Triglide
2008 HD Dyna Low Rider
83 KZ1100L1 Son totaled it
83 KZ550LTD Shaft sold

Previous bikes: 84 GL1200 STD, 83 KZ550LTD, 83 CB1000, 78 CB400A, 82 CB900F, 79 CB750K, 2001 GL1800, 2000 Dyna Super Glide, 1972 CB350 K4, 1985 GL1200A, 1997 1200 Sportster, 84 GL1200I, 82 Honda CM400E, 81 Suzuki GS650L, 72 Triumph Bonneville 750, 72 Honda CB350, 66(?) Honda 305 Scrambler, 6? Yamaha yz250, 62 650 Matchless (Norton-Villers).
John
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