Got my new Avon Am51/52's in, my supervisor (big Goldwing Fan) went and bought these tire machines from Harbor Freight ($85.00). So we decided to give it a whirl. Hardest part was getting the first edge of the tire over the rim, after we figured out that, it was a pretty simple task. He also has one of those precision balancers that you use on jackstands, heavy spot settles on the bottom, put a weight on top and spin again, add more weight if needed. When it stops in different spots, your done.


Save me $60 mount and balance fee.
I'll always do it myself now.

Portable tire changer
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=34542

Motorcycle attachment
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=42927

You convinced me I'm going to get that when it's time
to change my tires.

i have been eyeballing those harbor freight items for a while.  do you think they are worth the price?  it pretty much pays for itself after one tire change if they work.

After using it last night, deffinitely worth it. To be good and stable, it does need to be bolted to the floor. We did it without bolting, just holding it steady, once bolted to the floor, it could probably be done by yourself.

after paying $100 to get 2 tires mounted and balanced ($19.95 EACH for freaking balancing!) I am definitely getting one of those the next time I need new tires.

I changed my own for many years just using a curved lip tire iron and large screw driver.  Used an old Escort for bead breaker.  Put tire/wheel under side of cage with jack on tire near rim and started jacking, worked real good.  Had to give it up a few years ago.

I just ordered a pair of those AM51/52 tires in OEM sizes yesterday, great price.  Wanted to lower the 02 GS back down a bit and since both bikes need tires soon, I'll try them on the 02 first and if I'm unhappy with handling I'll order new radials for the 02 and put the AM51/52s on the 97.  I still think the AV45/46 tires were the best I've used on the GSs in about 100k GS miles.