Modern Vespa

I run snow tires in the winter, so I change my tires twice a year. I think this puts me well into the category that the equipment will pay itself off fairly quickly. This year the local shop can't get me in until early July, and my tires will have melted away by then. So, I'm looking to do my own for the first time.

I've read through the many posts on this topic but still have a couple of questions.

Has anyone ever used the MSR Tire Changing Stand?http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/36889/i/msr-tire-changing-stand

If so how well does it work, and if you know how does it compare to the harbor freight one folks seem to have?

I've got a bit of a bum shoulder, but with this and the longest tire spoons I can find, should I still be able to do this? (give me a long enough lever and I can lift the world?)

Thanks for any and all help!
Kim

I just recently used the Harbor Freight changer on the 250's rear tire and that went well. I did get the mojo blocks and a different bar, so had just a few more $ total in the investment. The bead breaker on the HF really helped. The bead breaker also worked on the 10" Rally split rim, so it might be worth considering the HF as an option. Sorry, can't answer about that tire changing stand. The other option is take the wheel and new tire to a regular tire shop which is what I used to do. They work with alloy rims all the time and I suffered no rim damage on several changes. Cost about $20 for them to mount, but I still did my own balance. Good luck.

classic rider. Which HF changer do you use? Do you also use the motorcycle tire attachment? Thanks

You may want to find another set of rims so you don't need to mount and balance twice a year.

I was wondering about that -- if it would be worthwhile.

The 'mini' changers (both harbor freight and Ranger) say they handle up to 12" tire. Would they really handle the scooter tires?

I have seen used rims listed for as little as $20 each on ebay. Seems like that would be very worthwhile.

"classic rider. Which HF changer do you use? Do you also use the motorcycle tire attachment? Thanks"

I used both the regular base and the motorcycle attachment. I did need to drill an additional "dog" hole in the two fixed arms to allow the rim to be centered over the stand.

As for the mini changer, I don't know you would need to look at one in person to see if it would work. Or, you could search here and elsewhere online to see if folks have used them. I went with my choice because I also need to change larger motorcycle tires.

A second rim option as a seasonal spare is not a bad idea. That would make the change over relatively fast, and allow a tire change at your leisure. With proper lubrication and technique spoons will work fine, and there are videos online demonstrating

personaaly I don't recommend someone trying to change tires on rims who has never done it before with someone watching and supervising them.

not only could you damage the rims you can also get hurt.

you need to find a mentor to teach you.

x2

I do all my own work but draw the line at mounting tires. Total PITA and potential for marring your wheels is high. I've done it but don't do it any more, not worth it vs the $25 shop charge. Get a set of beaters off ebay for your snows.

I use a bead breaker and tyre levers with careful use of rim protectors. Rim protectors can be made by cutting 3 to 4 inch squares out of plastic oil cans or some of the tougher cosmetic containers. ( Talc containers seem very tough for some reason.)

Its more or less impossible to give written instructions for doing this but I am sure that you will find plenty of you-tube stuff. When you get to the difficult bit it is essential to have the opposite bead right down in the centre well, that's about the only obvious tip I can think of. You will also need at least two hands and probably two feet ( or knees) in most cases.

If you can get a rig that works for very small wheels it could be a big help but that probably needs anchoring very firmly on the floor.

I bought a spare wheel for my 300 on Ebay for $100. Great condition, perfect match. Got a new City Grip for $60. Nice to have a spare.

So, this time round, going to purchase a spare set of rims. Perhaps with tires already mounted.

Couldn't find it by searching here, but google found this post for me:

Harbor Freight Mini Tire Changer & Mounting Bar Mods

That will be what I do for future changes. And, per recommendations on this thread, I will find a local mentor to show/watch me once. I think I know someone who will do this for beer and/or Berkey Ice Cream (legend around these parts)

Thanks everybody!!

...and to many other parts of the country. Delicious stuff. I recommend the Berkey over beer any time. You can get the beer anywhere but you can only get the Berkey in State College. We went there with my daughter's volleyball team after playing PSU at Rec Hall.