removing wheels...

[tigerstyle102]

I found a place (Cycle Gear) that will mount my new tires for me for $12 a piece. They said I have to remove the wheels off the bike though. Can I do this with regular tools? Is it too hard? Any tips?

[nsoccer3097]

pretty easy.  just remember what pieces go where (i.e. washers, bearings, etc.)  toughest part is putting everything back together on the rear, getting it alligned, right chain tension, etc.

[JamesG]

Yep its pretty easy with the center stand.  
If you can just do one at a time, but you have to take both off at the same time, use a pair of ratchet straps to support the bike from above, either a beam or garage rafters. It won't have to support the whole weight of the bike, just keep the weight balanced between the front or back.
Take the back off first. Use a pair of wrenches (18mm I think) on the rear axle to get the nut off, slip out the axle shaft, lift the rear brake caliper off the rotor and let the wheel slip down and forward. Take the chain off the sprocket and drape it on the outside of the swingarm. Pull wheel out.

Break the torque on the front caliper bolts (it has to come off) and the axle nut. Cinch up the strap a bit on the front to tilt the bike up and back to get it off the front wheel. remove the front caliper, and remove the front axle. Watch out for the speedo thingy and the spacer falling out when the wheel comes out.
Reassembly is pretty much the reverse of disassebly (as the manual is fond of saying) but is more difficult because you have to hold the wheel up and keep wheel, spacers, and fork/swingarm lined up while slipping the bolt thru. But you get the hang of it.

[gsJack]

After putting the bike on the centerstand I pull the rear wheel first as described above.  On the front, break loose the twe bolts holding the caliper and the nut on the axle while on the ground.  Then I pick up the front wheel with one hand and slide some wood blocks under the exhaust pipes near the front and pull the front wheel as described.

I keep a few 4x4, 2x4, and 1x2 blocks about a foot and a half long in the garage for blocking up the bikes.  Used to use them under the sides of small cars while working on them.  Very handy to have around.  Takes two 4x4's and one 1x2 under the pipes to pull the front wheel on the GS.

Reverse the process when putting the wheels back on.  Put on the front first and put it down on the ground.  Then put on the rear.

[tkm433]

I found a place (Cycle Gear) that will mount my new tires for me for $12 a piece. They said I have to remove the wheels off the bike though. Can I do this with regular tools? Is it too hard? Any tips?

Buy a shop repair manual and it will give you the info that you need to know to do the job.

Also check with Cycle Gear to see how much they will charge if you bring your bike to them.  It might not be that much more and will save you some time and you will know that the bike is put back together the correct way as far as chain tension and brakes are concerned.

[tigerstyle102]

They said they don't do tires on the bike, they don't have the space for that kind of job.

I'm kind of getting scared by the posts so far. I think I'm going to check into a few more places where they will install the tires on the bike.

[pantablo]

Hammy boys in Santa MOnica costa $35/wheel bringing the bike in.
310.452.5653. I bought the tires from them too though. should check it out. they also do outstanding work!

[Kerry]

I'm kind of getting scared by the posts so far. I think I'm going to check into a few more places where they will install the tires on the bike.

If you don't plan on putting MANY thousands of miles on your bike (translates to several sets of tires) than having someone else do it for you may make sense.

But, as with most things, the first time is really the worst.  Once you've done each wheel once you'll ask yourself, "Now why did that seem so scary again?"  It's mostly a mental thing.  The task itself is fairly straightforward.

Do it!  You'll be glad you did.