i know its been beat to death, but tires?

[Andy's CB]

been researching a lot today, found these http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/5/ ... -Tire.aspx listed by someone on here, i really doubt i will get up to 93 mph any time soon, but i am not wanting to cut corners on something that seems as important as tires, especially when you only have 2! currently sitting on 20+ year old goodyears 3.25-18 on the back, 2.75-18 on the front. (65 cb77) dreyer (americas oldest honda dealer apparently) quoted 325 for tubes/tires (didnt specify which) installed with wheels on bike. cycle outfitters has a free install sale right now, through end of feb, if i buy the ones i like (avon roadriders- asked bikedoctor where he found then for 70) for 100 and 110, 10 and 12 for tubes, i assume a few more bucks for rim strips.so like 236 (plus tax) for a pair of those installed. it seems smarter to buy better tires that will hopefully last longer then the cheaper ones, especially when it costs a small chunk of change to have them installed. i am planning on leaving my car at work as i take clients with me sometimes, and commuting on this bike, also maybe taking it to see my gf in chicago, (about 3 and a half hours almost all highway) so i want decent rubber on these. i guess i want to keep it more affordable (i paid 200 for the bike, so spending more on just tires is a little hard haha) but i know i shouldnt. does the 236+tax installed sound reasonable?

[56_oval]

Hey Andy, get the tire YOU want. Install 'em yourself. They're quite easy actually. Just get some soapy water and a crow bar. Let all the air out of the originals and squeeze the tire to pop it off the bead. Spray some lube around the bead and pry that sucker off. Once you get the old tires off, take the new tube and put it inside the new tire. Spray her down with lube and pry her on the rim. Once you get the first side on, locate the hole for the air stem and put it through and attach the nut but don't tighten it. Fill the tube with just enough air to make it stay in the new tire. Spray the tire again with lube and pry the other side on being VERY careful not to puncture the new tube with the pry bar. Make sure the tube is in there right and fill her up with enough air to pop the bead out (shouldn't take more than 40-50lbs), and tighten the stem nut and let air out til you get your desired pressure. It's as simple as that. I think when I changed the tires on mine last week, it took about ten minutes a wheel. If you DO plan on doing 75 plus, you may want them balanced though. Not too bad and it'll save you some money...

[Goodysnap]

Never use anything petroleum based on tires for mounting. Use dish soap and water or if more slip is needed try veggy or canola oil. Petroleum products make the rubber swell and soften and can cause premature failure.

[56_oval]

I have actually heard that but was unsure of the truth behind it. I've never had an issue with wd40 though.

[Mike Mullins]

FWIW: i have used baby powder (talcum powder, not corn starch) to lube inner tubes, and Murphy's Oil Soap in water to lube the beads. I seem to recall the baby powder being used by some "old timers" and Murphy's oil soap is a vegetable product I guess and is not supposed to harm the tires. Doesnt take much of the oil soap, and the water evaporates so the tire seems to stay put pretty well. You do need rim strips also. Dont try to run a tube tire without them. I have also used duct tape for rim strips. Haven't had any problems with this either.
Mikeyrx

[Andy's CB]

thanks for all the info, i think i may take it in for this, i do a lot of bicycles and seems like its basically the same thing on a bigger scale, but taking it off is harder, dont have a repair stand to hold the motorcycle, got a stand for bicycles like at shops, but a folding version, love that thing...listed some bicycles today, got a hit on the most expensive one already, hoping to sell it, that will free up some tire money faster :)

[Mike Mullins]

As others have said, its not hard to do your own tires. I would suggest tire irons, instead of whatever is handy. They make a difference. Also, you dont need a stand. The centerstand works fine : just tie it off so it won't fold up while you are working on it. The bike will sort of balance itself with one or the other wheel off, and the "empty end" will be up in the air. Yellow spot goes by the air valve, as I recall. (someone either correct me or agree with me here.)
Mikeyrx