do you install your own tires?

[Barry]

I take your point Justin it's certainly a possibility.  

I think though that Dave Minton may have made an issue of the tubeless tires because he knew about the BMW stance where as other journalists didn't. He still writes for Real Classic Magazine and he still owns an Airhead and a Krauser MKM 1000. Maybe I should write in and ask him.

I have the original magazine but also found the test reprinted on John Beemers site.

http://www.beemergarage.com/documents/mkm1182.pdf

[Justin B.]

After carefully reading the paragraph regarding the tires it does sound like this particular model did indeed run tubeless.  Seems I remember back then that tube-type tires were the more prevalent item, unlike today, and this article pointing out that the rims are suitable for tubeless tires (and the bikes certification) kinda gives the distinct impression that the snowflakes are suitable to run without tubes.

I would imagine that the BMW shysters may very well have had something to do with the official corporate line that tubes must be used.  It's possible the rims WERE originally designed and specified for tube-only operation and later it was found that they worked fine without them.  This not pacifying the bottom-feeders they might have decreed the rim must be ran with tubes in order to absolve BMW from any kind of future liability if one failed.  Of course, this is all speculation on my part.  I might very well be inclined to try going tubeless on my '81 R100 at the next tire change...

[weasel01]

The guy I got my r65 from tried to replace his own tires and when I picked the bike up I noticed a brand new tire leaning against the shed wall with a nasty gouge in the bead from his installation attempt.
Brand new and useless...
I decided to have my new back tire & tube installed by the local KTM shop (they also deal used BMW).
They quoted $20.00 if the wheel is already off the bike.
That was for removal of the old one, mounting of the new one and computer balance.
It was a no brainer for me. I let em do it.

[Bengt_Phorqs]

$20 per tire is a steal in this part of the world.  Every place I know of wants at least $40 and one place is asking $60.  If I had to do someone elses tire I'd probably charge 'em $100.  Still, not hard to do it you hold your mouth right.  Just ordered a new front and rear for Theresa's R1100R that need to be mounted & balanced before we head off to the national rally.

Justin, what kind of deal do you have on that tire balancing unit?  Send me a PM if you don't mind.

[montmil]

I mount my own tires just 'cause I'm kinda stoopid and can't stand to pay for something that I can do myself.   Monte

[weasel01]

The first 10 miles really freaked me out with the new Metzler on the back.
When I picked my wheel up from the bike shop the mechanic warned me about how slick it will feel at first and he was absolutely correct.

[Justin B.]

I always use an aggressive detergent (like Greased Lightning) and scrub the mold release off the tire after mounting.

[sixfifty]

I always use an aggressive detergent (like Greased Lightning) and scrub the mold release off the tire after mounting.

i use some simple green cut with warm water and a scrubby pad (nylon, like for dishwashing).

that seems to help a bit.

[clouseau]

I did my own just recently and used Dynabeads for balancing.
http://www.innovativebalancing.com/

[suecanada]

I would love to hear if you like the dynabeads! Interesting concept that seems logical except at low speed where it may not matter?

[Motu]

I always hit a gravel road with new tyres - it gets the mold release off quickly...and is a lot more fun than scrubbing by hand,or riding slow.I don't want to ride slow and gentle with new tyres.

[weasel01]

So..I received my new Metzler front tire its a lasertec 100/90v18
Took it over to my local shop for mounting and balancing and the tire absolutely will not go on the rim?

I've talked to several people using this tire on the 18" snowflake rim so why wont the one I got work? Defect?

The installer is a guy that does tires all day everyday and it the same guy that mounted my rear tire last week....
He is also a seasoned airhead guy so he is familiar with what I'm doing.
I got it from Dennis Kirk so I called them and they said that I should return it so they can evaluate the situation.

You all ever run into anything like this?

[montmil]

I would not want to insult the gentleman so offer this only as a thought...
The bead of the tire -opposite the first spoon application- must be in the valley formed by the wheel rim's construction.

Other than that, all I can add is that in my experience, Dennis Kirk will treat you right.

Monte

[weasel01]

Of course now that it's been determined the tire wont work I looked at it closer and it also looks like the tire is warped to boot?
Anyhow I've already boxed it up and gave it to
UPS ...another 2 weeks of rolling around on a dry rotted wrong size chinese tire, yeah....

[Barry]

I finally got around to fitting my new rear tire.  The new one went on to a clean and polished  rim like a dream after sitting in the sun for a few hours. Even the beads seated easily at 45 PSI.

Getting the old one off was an absolute pig of a job  I had to improvise to break the beads by lifting the car with a trolley jack and with some suitable bits of wood under a jacking point I carefully used the weight of the car. Can't recommend it on safety grounds but it did the job.  

Could I fix a puncture at the side of the road ?  Maybe with a new supple tire on clean rims.  Not a chance with that old tire.