removing a tyre

maylar · Mar 21, 2020

Need to remove the rear tyre from my MKII to send the wheel out for new spokes. Tire and tube are not being reused. I work alone and have no tyre irons, so I'm trying to just cut the damm thing off without damaging the rim. Managed to slice across the width with a jig saw but can't reach the bead, and it's seriously tough rubber. Tried a sharp wood chisel, no luck.

Looking for clever ideas... anyone?

Also, the rim lock won't budge. Not enough space between spokes to get a mallet on it. Whacking a piece of wood resulted in splinters. No joy. Need ideas for that too, please.

Guido · Mar 21, 2020

Yeah, you kinda need those tire irons. They're not that expensive and a must have in the old tool box.

Ron L · Mar 21, 2020

While cutting a tire off the rim looks easier than demounting, it rarely is. Since you are not saving the tire or tube, I would use a couple long flat screwdrivers. Be sure to break the bead on both sides, pull out the tube and, if necessary, use a couple clamps to pinch the opposite side of the tire to make certain both beads are in the center of the rim before you try to lever the bead over the rim. Once you have one bead over the rim, you should be able to use a screwdriver to break the rim lock free from the inside. If you plan to re-use the rims, protect them from the screwdriver with some plastic cut from a milk jug.
Good luck!

L.A.B. · Mar 21, 2020

maylar said:
Managed to slice across the width with a jig saw but can't reach the bead, and it's seriously tough rubber.

....And the beads normally have multiple strands of steel wire in them.

Stephen Hill · Mar 21, 2020

If you don't have the tools, skills, or horsepower, take it down to your favourite bike shop and pay some brawny 30 year old (who knows what he is doing) to remove it.

acadian · Mar 21, 2020

12" tire spoons are a necessity, you can use a large C clamp to break the bead as well.

Some have had luck pinching the tire with zip ties

Scout63 · Mar 21, 2020

PM me your address Dave. I’ll mail you a set from the Cape. Every time I get an old BMW it comes with them in the tool kit. Not long ones but they do work. Ben

acotrel · Mar 22, 2020

It is easier and you are less likely to do damage, if you work on your bike with the correct tools.

Fast Eddie · Mar 22, 2020

Tyre changing is one of those jobs I never broke the back of. I happily take the soft route and pay my local guy to do it instead.

I gave up after a few too many pinched tubes, gouged rims and skinned knuckles!

But, due to the growing level of universal incompetence, I have balanced my own wheels for 18 years or more now.

maylar · Mar 22, 2020

The governor ordered all non essential businesses to close starting tomorrow. I suspect that will include motorcycle shops.

olympus · Mar 22, 2020

The UK is mostly ghost towns already with tumbleweed blowing down the streets

removing a tyre

maylar

Guido

Ron L

L.A.B.

Moderator

Stephen Hill

acadian

Scout63

acotrel

Fast Eddie

maylar

olympus

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