Suggested Tire Iron/Spoons
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- cmyoch
- Gold Member
- Posts: 1241
- Joined: Sat Nov 19, 2011 4:32 pm
- Location: Smithton, IL
Suggested Tire Iron/Spoons
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?
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?
1976 GL1000
1978 Yamaha XS650
1984 Harley Davidson XLH1000
1969 Camaro Z28
1977 Redheaded Wife (Better move her to the top of this list)
1978 Yamaha XS650
1984 Harley Davidson XLH1000
1969 Camaro Z28
1977 Redheaded Wife (Better move her to the top of this list)
- brianinpa
- Silver Member
- Posts: 852
- Joined: Tue Apr 27, 2010 4:52 pm
- Location: Lebanon, PA
Re: Suggested Tire Iron/Spoons
Mine aren't tubeless, so I just use el-cheapo's from harbor frieght.
http://t.harborfreight.com/24-inch-gene ... gle.com%2F
http://t.harborfreight.com/24-inch-gene ... gle.com%2F
Brian
ADC(AW) - US Navy Retired 1983-2003
If you aren't having fun doing it, find something else to do.
1984 Standard - 18,000 miles - Naked... the way it should be
1987 Interstate - 62,000 miles - Resurrected from the rust bucket
ADC(AW) - US Navy Retired 1983-2003
If you aren't having fun doing it, find something else to do.
1984 Standard - 18,000 miles - Naked... the way it should be
1987 Interstate - 62,000 miles - Resurrected from the rust bucket
- jdvorchak
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 5238
- Joined: Mon May 25, 2009 8:01 pm
- Location: East Alton, IL
Re: Suggested Tire Iron/Spoons
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.
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.
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
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
- jdvorchak
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 5238
- Joined: Mon May 25, 2009 8:01 pm
- Location: East Alton, IL
Re: Suggested Tire Iron/Spoons
The 3 essential tools I carry on a trip.
1. Credit Card
2. Towing insurance
3. Cell phone
1. Credit Card
2. Towing insurance
3. Cell phone
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
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
- robin1731
- Membership Admin
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- Joined: Mon May 29, 2006 8:31 am
- Location: Decatur, Indiana
Re: Suggested Tire Iron/Spoons
One nice thing about having automatic renewal with AMA. Free towing.
.
.
1976 Goldwing Super Sport
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
- Track T 2411
- Honored Life Member
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Re: Suggested Tire Iron/Spoons
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.
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow
"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown
Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!
Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!
In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow
"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown
Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!
Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!
In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
- scootsx2
- True Blue Steel Biker
- Posts: 2485
- Joined: Mon Jun 07, 2010 12:52 pm
- Location: St. Louis, Missouri USA
Re: Suggested Tire Iron/Spoons
+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.
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.
1975 GL1000 Sidecar Outfit
1982 CX500-based Trident ex-Police Trike
2001 GL1800 MotorTrike
2006 Vespa LX150
1956 Francis-Barnett Falcon 74
195x Solex 1700
196x Solex 2200
St. Louis, MO
The dude abides.
Brothers of the Third Wheel - Gateway Chapter http://www.btw-trikers.org
Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club http://www.vjmc.org
Francis-Barnett Owners Club http://www.francis-barnett.co.uk/
Antique Motorcycle Club of America http://www.antiquemotorcycle.org/
Vintage Motor Cycle Club http://www.vmcc.net
British Motorcycle Charitable Trust http://www.bmct.org/
VeloSolex Club UK http://www.velosolexclubuk.com/
1982 CX500-based Trident ex-Police Trike
2001 GL1800 MotorTrike
2006 Vespa LX150
1956 Francis-Barnett Falcon 74
195x Solex 1700
196x Solex 2200
St. Louis, MO
The dude abides.
Brothers of the Third Wheel - Gateway Chapter http://www.btw-trikers.org
Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club http://www.vjmc.org
Francis-Barnett Owners Club http://www.francis-barnett.co.uk/
Antique Motorcycle Club of America http://www.antiquemotorcycle.org/
Vintage Motor Cycle Club http://www.vmcc.net
British Motorcycle Charitable Trust http://www.bmct.org/
VeloSolex Club UK http://www.velosolexclubuk.com/
- ritalz
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 4100
- Joined: Sat Jun 25, 2005 10:22 am
- Location: St Louis, MO
Re: Suggested Tire Iron/Spoons
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
2003 Goldwing Daily Rider
1975 Goldwing 'Max'
1984 Goldwing New Bagger Project
1976 Goldwing 'Grocery Getter' Sold
1985 Goldwing Interstate 'NCC-1985' sold
1981 Silverwing Sold
1982 Goldeing Project Sold
1981 Goldwing Parted Out
1983 Goldwing Project Sold
1973 CB500F Long Gone
1966 CL77 First Street Bike
http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery3/index.p ... ans/ritalz
2003 Goldwing Daily Rider
1975 Goldwing 'Max'
1984 Goldwing New Bagger Project
1976 Goldwing 'Grocery Getter' Sold
1985 Goldwing Interstate 'NCC-1985' sold
1981 Silverwing Sold
1982 Goldeing Project Sold
1981 Goldwing Parted Out
1983 Goldwing Project Sold
1973 CB500F Long Gone
1966 CL77 First Street Bike
http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery3/index.p ... ans/ritalz
- Pony Ruiz
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 1923
- Joined: Sun Oct 25, 2009 7:17 pm
- Location: Seatown - WA
Re: Suggested Tire Iron/Spoons
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.
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.
"The greatest shortcoming of the human race is our inability to understand the exponential function." Albert A. Bartlett.
"The greatest shortcoming of the human race is our inability to understand the exponential function." Albert A. Bartlett.
- jdvorchak
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 5238
- Joined: Mon May 25, 2009 8:01 pm
- Location: East Alton, IL
Re: Suggested Tire Iron/Spoons
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
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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