| Author | Message | ||
     Mattmcc00 |
Found several threads about various options but not comments regarding actually USING any of these portable tire changers. Anybody actually own a portable tire changer and has actually used it? By portable I mean portable on the Uly. Like the aerostich. http://www.aerostich.com/bead-breaker.html or this one: http://www.tyrepliers.com.au/New/BB105.html | ||
| Pontlee77 |
any reason to need one? I mean you plan to change the tyre some where lost, or is in case you get a puncture. if the ida is for the puncture there are a few options for that. | ||
| Mattmcc00 |
Hmm... well I am planing to cross Labrador, and I am afraid of the effects of 1000miles of riding 2-up on a loaded bike on poorly maintained gravel highway. | ||
| Mattmcc00 |
What are your thoughts on using a tube in a tubeless wheel & tire? | ||
| Mojo |
I've ridden two-up through most of the gravel roads in the Yukon (and NWT ...to Wrigley)on a V-Strom (since sold and bought the Uly). I always carried a spare rear tire, beadbreaker and good tire irons, along with rim protectors and lots of co2 cannisters. So far I've been lucky with no problems. However, I always time things so that i put on a new rear just before I am travelling on the gravel ( i used to use TKC 80 knobbies on my Strom) to minimize the risk of problems. The tire gear is heavy and takes up space, but the moment you don't take it with you, Murphy's Law will probably kick in big time! | ||
| Mikef5000 |
I am looking at these as well for my alaska trip. I don't want to have to pull a tire on the side of the road, but if needed, I want to be able to. Keep in mind the tyre pliers bead breaker:  will not work with our ZTL front rotor! My buddy will be has tube tires, so if he gets a puncture, there really is no option other than pull the tire. If I find a bead breaker I trust, I will bring tubes that fit our wheels. I would not trust them on a regular basis, but as an emergency fix I think it'll get me to civilization. A handful of people swear by the bead popper. http://www.aerostich.com/prevent-or-repair/tire-re pair/tire-repair-tools/bead-popper.html I am planning on picking up one of these (in 22mm): http://www.aerostich.com/prevent-or-repair/tire-re pair/tire-repair-tools/aluminum-tire-lever-wrench- combos.html  | ||
| Mattmcc00 |
Do you thing that the TKC80s would hold up on the Uly for 2-up loaded riding for 1000miles of gravel? If so I think I could ride 500 miles to baie-Commeau, have a garage change my tires from my street tires to the TKC80s, ride 1000miles in the gravel returning me to baie-commeau where I could put my street tires back on for the 500 miles drive back home. Doing so I could carry only a puncture kit. | ||
| Mattmcc00 |
My other alternative is to ride a pair of Dunlops D616, for the full 2000miles. But I would be worried about tire punctures and so would need to carry a spare set with me, plus tools. | ||
| Mojo |
The TKC80s are very durable tires and are used all over the world in very brutal conditions - they sure worked well for me when i did two-up on the Dempster to Inuvik. Tough tire! On the other hand, I am sure there are other tires out there that will work well too (and actually fit the Uly rim - I am a new Uly owner so haven't researched knobby or semi-knobby options). On my V-Strom (fully loaded, two-up)the Conti TKC80s would last about 4000km. The reason i carry a spare tire is in case you shred a sidewall on the gravel and find that it is irreparable. I think, given the weight of two-up plus gear on the rear, it is worth it to take a spare rear. just my (paranoid  opinion | ||
| Mikef5000 |
I only know of one guy who put TKC80's on his Uly, and he took them back off shortly there after. They were also not a direct bolt on. The front tire needed shaved to fit between the forks, and the fender needed cut. The Avon Distanzas have been proven, as long as treadlife isn't your concern. 1000 miles should be doable. Uly dirt tires thread: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/384 2/150224.html?1271079337 | ||
| 12bolt |
All you need to change out a tire on the side of the road are two lightweight tire irons. If you need help popping the bead just place the tire under your kick stand close to the bead and lean the bike over on it. Works every time! Then use your tire irons to pry off the old tire and pry on the new tire. Piece of cake. I've done several parking lot tire change outs just like this.  | ||
| Scottykrein |
Several riders here have used these with good results... http://www.rhinotire.com/ | ||
| Reepicheep |
I just use Alex. He does a good job, and doesn't scratch the rims... but he drinks a lot of beer.  (Truth be told, I drank all *his* beer... ) |
