I had a sportster fall off of my jack a few years ago. I hate those jacks. Tires are never really easy to put on. I have always changed my own tires and balanced them just like you did, never had any problems. Getting that splines gear back on is a lot of fun. The tolerances are so tight in the gears that they have to be lined up perfectly to go together. Oh but what a happy feeling when it finally slides in. Thanks for all the videos. It helps with me with my 1600 vulcan. Have always had Harleys, but I fell in love with the Vulcans when my brother got one. I just got mine a week ago and can not get off of it. I do not plan on getting rid of it. Saw your tag holder, love the iron butt ride. Bless you man and safe riding
Living in Nebraska, I like the indifference to the tornado sirens. Probably a Saturday morning test. Good video, I have a 1500 Classic. These videos give me the confidence to do try things that I probably shouldn't.
Our tornado siren tests are the first Wednesday of the month, but that was a real tornado warning siren. You never know what you can (or can't) do, until you try. As you can probably tell, I'm no mechanic. But hey, I'll give it a shot.
@@ChefHikerBiker Thanks for the reply. Actually, I like a good challenge and these videos are really helpful. As compared to a car, you have to be more careful with motorcycle maintenance as the danger in getting it wrong is much higher. I've known people who built their own airplane, takes a lot of confidence.
Marc, get yourself two hockey pucks. They’re perfect spacers between the jack and the bike’s frame. Remember, don’t jack this bike from the engine (which is lower than the frame.) This bike is too heavy to have it wobbling on the jack. Two hockey pucks and you can jack the bike with both wheels up, and it’ll be sturdy on that jack. Also, impact tools will help you and you won’t be torquing bolts, risking the bike falling. Good job and be careful man.
I’m thinking about changing the rear tire myself on my VN2000. I’ve got everything I need except the wheel weights. After watching your video here I know it can be done. After hearing your extreme effort on the back tire though I don’t know if I’m strong enough to pull it off. Last time I had it changed at the MC shop they charged me $175 just to remove the wheel, mount and balance a new tire ( it was $360) and then put it back on the VN. The tools to change it myself cost less than that. I only get between 6k and 8k miles on a tire so it needs changed pretty often. Thanks for showing me what to expect. 👍😎
You can always give it a shot. If you hit a spot where you think you just can't finish it, take it to the shop and ask them to just mount and balance the tire on the rim. Then you can take them home and mount them on the bike yourself. Should cost less, because they are not doing the removal and reinstall on the bike.
Thank you, sir! Extremely helpful and I am so glad you made it thorough and did not shorten it too much. I plan to take my tires off due to the fact that I let the rear one go too long and don't dare ride to the shop! You made this do-able!!
@@ChefHikerBiker So it turns out NO ONE locally has that axle tool and they also don't have a 22mm Hex bit so I'm going to have to order it and wait a few days... I'm guessing you must have ordered yours also
Actually I got mine at the Cycle Gear in Madison. It's about an hour away, but I used to go up there all the time. So, it was no big deal, for me to swing in and pick it up.
Definitely appreciate your video's it's good to see your efforts payoff when complete on task at hand ! Good job explaining process including things that go so well, Thank you
This is a helpful video for me because, damn, it's like I'm watching myself working on a bike. The unexpected issues that you have are exactly the ones that I would have, so it helps me prep for it. This is actually a lot more useful than watching a bike mechanic video. I've got a portable lift (Harbor Freight), which helps with the balance, but also I put blocks under the front wheel when the lift is raised to prevent that forward shift. Using a small floor jack helps get that new rear tire up and aligned, too. Thanks for the video.
I have the harbor freight jack . I bought it to work on my 2006 Vulcan 900 classic. The problem is, as I heard you mention, that the crankcase extends below the frame rails. So my solution was to bolt 4 hockey pucks to some flat metal stock and bolt that to the jack. The pucks create just enough clearance for the crankcase and the entire weight of the bike is supported squarely on the frame. P.S. I like your method for balancing tires. Stay safe brother.
Excellent video extremely informative thank you very much I'm subscribing to your Channel I also have a 2006 Vulcan Nomad 1600.. I love this bike. I look forward to more videos about it.
@@voltairedecent255 correct I just replace the rear tire I found jacking it up and resting the crash bars on jack stands to be the easiest way for me. Since I don't have a motorcycle jack
Vilified Freedom i just picked mine up a few months ago on the advice of my brother. Boy, he was not kidding. I absolutely love my bike. I’m just waiting for a few more knick knacks, and I’ll finally be done... for now 😂 going to attempt the tire change today. I might make the switch from coffee to whiskey if I start having a hard time with them.
I think its good to do your own work on your bike makes ya respect riding it more cuz ya know what a beoch it can be to replace things on it, good video a lot of good info thanks man.
Marc, they make rim savers for protecting the rim when using tire irons, or wrap electrical tape around the TI. Next time get someone over to help balance the bike. Look into a J&S jack, they're expensive but your bike will be balanced.
I did a very similar video for my first try at CZcams. I turned it into 4 parts. Mine was on a Concours 1000. It was interesting to see the struggles of someone in the same boat.
I came across my 2006 Vulcan 1600 in my neighbors yard ,and reluctantly bought to replace my Honda 750 that I rode all year round in Philadelphia PA. area,never let me down! Hope the Vulcan can b as dependable. I am a maintenance junky,so thanks for videos. Shops r criminally high priced for labor.
I hope you've been enjoying your 1600. I love mine and truely believe, it's the best bike I've ever had. I fully agree with you on the shop labor costs. Way to high.
The jack you are using is not smooth in it's lowering of the cycle and makes each lowering nerve racking due to sudden drops, you may need to purchase a hydraulic jack that lowers smoothly and slower.
I don't have the money to by a new lift. The speed the jack goes down is dependent on how far the release valve is opened. The more I open it, the faster it drops. But the valve is very touchy. I made a modification to the jack last year that makes it much more stable.
I could be mistaken, but I think that the front tire was installed the wrong way. If you look at 4:22, the thread start in the middle going on the outside toward the back and in 35.48 the thread start from the outside going toward the middle?
I've double and triple checked; the tire is on in the correct rotational orientation. The tire I put on, is not the same as the one I took off. Different tires different tread. Good eye though.
I took both my wheels off to put Cobra’s on my Triumph but there’s no way I’d faff about taking the tyres off myself! 😱😱😱🤷♂️👎🏻 That centre jack was well precarious 😱😱😱🥴 Your gonna have to rig up a wooden supporting stand to support the front end when you piss ball about mate with that dodgy jack!! 😱😱😱😱🤬🤬🤬🤬 All the best 👏👏👍
I used ratchet straps from the triple tree to anchor points in my garage to hold it up and used a floor jack on the swing arm cross member to lift it up. Was stable had no issues. I got one of those jacks as a gift too, I find it kind of useless. It wont fit usefully under my dirtbikes, Gsxr1000 or Mean streak.
Rear wheel is easy to install if you put a 2x4 under the wheel to manipulate it and get it on the spline and to replace the axle. Hurts me to see you struggle so much. I want to see the tires in action in corners, cam under bike.
Well, I'm not a mechanic and have never changed my own tires before. I'm sure I didn't do many things correctly. Recording the car tire in use, sounds like could be interesting. I'll have to see if I can get a good mounting angle so I don't lose the camera, but still get a good view of the tire.
It was nice to know how much effort it takes to do the job. The front wasn't hard. But, if I can find a shop, that would mount a car tire on my rear rim, I will surely take it there.
I"m pretty much the opposite, I don't have the skills, barely had the strength, but I am a fairly patient guy. That's why it took me 2 day to change 2 tires. Haha
Hi Mark...great video. I have the same bike and have been wanting to try the dark side...could you tell me what size tire you used and what brand? Is it a radial or biased ply tire? Thanks for keeping us up to date with your projects....:)
I bet you next time you pull the rims and take them to the shop and get the tires changed. I have changed a hold lot of tires over the years. But i'm 70 now and i pull the rims of the bike and let the shop change my tires.
Friend, I installed a 195/60 R16 tire but it seems to be hitting on the left side, it looks very close to the structure, not on your motorcycle? My bike is a 2005 Kawasaki vulcan 1600 nomad.
just bought an 08 Nomad, and while i can flat foot, i'd like it a bit lower. i've read somewhere, with the right car tire, it will lower the rear. it would save on buying shorter shocks if true.
I guess that using, what I call, "rubberband" tires, will lower the bike a couple inches. But it will be a much rougher ride. I'm getting old. I need soft and comfortable.
@@ChefHikerBiker took the Nomad out for 3 hrs yesterday. i would not want to do anything to screw the ride up. unlike my 900, it handled pot holes and rail road crossings with ease.
I love it and don't think I'll go back to a bike tire. Definitely do you research. I don't think it's for eveyone. The bike handles great and I can tell little difference. To me the major difference is how much better the bike tracks. Yes, there is a slight learning curve for cornering, but not much. I even rode over the Beartooth highway in 3-4 inches of snow and the car tire handled it well.
Yes, but I don't think there is an industry standard. The dot could be red or yellow some tires have both, and there could be 1 or 2 dots, I have even seen dots in different locations.
I see thousands of tires mounted wrong. Chef was correct. If you buy new tire make sure to point this out to the mechanic. He or she will have no problem doing as you ask. Its when you bring it up afterwards, when they have pulled your car out to you that pisses them off.
I have a 180/70/15 but I want to gear up the bike with a taller tire. can only find a 170/80/15 a 3 mph increase. but looking for 7 mph increase. so my question is what car tire are you running on you bike.
I don't know what bike you have so please excuse my questions. Is there a nut that might be turning to where you need another wrench to hold it still? Or maybe you already have it unscrewed and you just need to pull it out the rest of the way.
Cons - 1. It might lower your gas mileage. 2. Most shops will not mount a car tire, so you'll most likely have to do it yourself. 3. Some people will say that cornering is different. I didn't notice a difference, myself. Pros - 1. Better tracking, tracktion and handling in Rain, Snow, on Tar-Snakes, Gravel, and Metal Grating. I guess that was more than 1. Hahaha 2. Some people will claim car tires are cheaper and last longer. I haven't made a conclusion yet, but it's possibly looking promising. In my opinion, the car tire is worth it. But again some people try it and remove it immediately.
They were Shinko, 777. Good tire, but I didn't care for the way they wear. The center of the tire started to get wavy. But that was my experience with them, yours might be different.
Whatever. I'm not a professional film maker or mechanic. So yes, I might miss things here and there. But, a number of others seem to like it and even helped them.
I don't have a jack that allows the tire to drop down and out of the frame. I need to roll it out between the frame and fender. The tail pipe might just get in the way, so, I remove it.
I have gotten many comments saying the same thing. I followed the rotation arrow indicaters on the side of the tire. It is on properly, in the correct rotation orientation.
@@ChefHikerBiker I put some carpet in the driveway and I handled the rim and tire and had the old lady back up and go forward and I kept letting her run over the edge of the tire that's how I got it back on.
@@norcalirish87 Thanks. I always thought the only difference between the Meanstreak, Nomad, and Classic was just the visual stuff: fender shape, bags, windshield, and stuff like that.
wait did you say you have car tires on the front /back ? and not motorcycle tires, if so, why?.......wonder when he took it for a drive, if there were any issues, .........guys got heart!.good vid!
I have a car tire on the back. I feel the tire tracks better. Has better handling on gravel, over metal grating, on tar snakes, and stuff like that. A car tire can last for 40-50k miles. And a car tire can be almost half the cost. No issues. The car tire handles great.
@@ChefHikerBiker tHANKS MARC, well wat r the drawbacks, poor handling? not as nice looking-sporty? and a bitch 2get in2 the rear chasis if u have2replace it? I like the 40k point.......but does the same size bike tire translate to the same size car tire....180/70/15 is what i have?wonder wat car tire will match that....
@@ChefHikerBiker I have a 900, and the rear tire nut is rite behind the exhaust, do u think the pipes have 2b removed? b/c i am thinking i can use an open end Wrench, NOT Ratchet, to remove it , and gently pry the shaft back with a screwdriver, untill i get more to grab on the left side?....
It's very possible to do it with out removing the pipes. I had a socket and breaker bar, so I needed to remove the pipes, to get the socket on the nut.
I think I just lifted the tire and slid the axle through. Then worked the splines of the wheel and final drive together. For some reason, I couldn't get the splines to lineup on the first day, but got it done on the second day.
@@ChefHikerBiker I ended up pulling the wheel and turned untill the splines moved with the wheel, put the axle all the way through then tightened the nut untill it popped in place. Then I put everything together properly.
I've heard some people have problems with the beads getting into the valve stem and messing it up to where it leaks air. The weights are simple and east to use too.
Marc VanderPal welp... I gave up on my front tire. I spent an hour trying to get more than 8” over the rim. I have never fought so hard with a tire in my life. Stupid effing thing. On the bright side (yes there is one), everything else went smoothly. On a side note, for your next tire, try out the Shinko 777. Nicest riding tire I’ve ever had. The downside? I think you’ll only get about 12-14 thousand miles out of it. I’ve ridden right down the middle of grand canyons in the road and they didn’t even flinch.
I used Shinko 777 on the front. It was a decent tire, but yeah, I didn't get much mileage. And you're not alone, when it comes to fighting with putting tires on. But because I put a car tire on the rear, it makes it feel like the front was a snap.
I got the notification for your comment before I got the one for your original post. Glad you got the size off the video. I really didn't want to go out to the garage, in this artic Wisconsin cold, just to look at the tire.😁
I found a grade 8 nut that fits perfect in my front axle. I welded a slightly smaller 4 inch bolt to it in the center. Its a great tool and really cheap to do. I thought the same way as you and didn't use the tool in my kit. I bought the balancing beads, I didn't want a wheel weight slinging off. Here is a link you need to see. czcams.com/video/hEZeR9E3JyY/video.html
Only point I didn't see was that it's best aligning the dot on the tire to the valve stem. The dot is put there because they balance the tire at the manufacturer and place the dot on the tire. Less concern on heavier alloy rims though.
I thought the same thing when I first saw it. In fact, I even got into some pretty heated arguments over it. Then, over time, I started looking into it. I researched into darkside riding for 2 years, and finaly came to a conclusion and thought; ok, let's give it a try. I put on the car tire, and now I don't think I'll ever take it off.
@@ChefHikerBiker I have a hard time with that statement. I bike needs to lean to make a corner at any speed, so that is why bike tires are round to give you great contact with the road at all times. How dose a flat car tire do that when your in a lean on a tiny edge of a car tire that is made to run horizontal with the road at all times?
@@ChefHikerBiker Sorry I still don't get a car tire. If you had to turn hard and really lean on your bike to save your life, would you want a flat tread tire on your bike that is not made to ride on the side wall and give you no traction... Or a proper motorcycle tire that will give you the best traction at any angle to safe your life?
First off, the car tire is not that wide, it's not a fat truck tire. The twp main reasons I use a car tire: 1. It can be cheaper. 2. It will last 3 - 6 times longer. That car tire you see, in that 4 year old video, is still on my bike today and has many more miles left on it. As for the ride it gives: it corners fine, I still scrape my floorboards, the car tire tracks better, it brakes better, handles dirt, gravel, wet, and snow better, it handles steel grating better. If it gets a puncture the car tire can be plugged. Let me ask you, where does you bike tire wear out? Around the center, right?
Thanks. I'm not a mechanic. And, I feel mechanics think everbody knows what they are talking about. I'm a first time DIY-er. So I feel I need to explain everything. Not only for you all, but I have to tell myself what the next step or two is.
Thanks for all your efforts and help to understand how to works on the Vulcan
Thank you
I had a sportster fall off of my jack a few years ago. I hate those jacks. Tires are never really easy to put on. I have always changed my own tires and balanced them just like you did, never had any problems. Getting that splines gear back on is a lot of fun. The tolerances are so tight in the gears that they have to be lined up perfectly to go together. Oh but what a happy feeling when it finally slides in. Thanks for all the videos. It helps with me with my 1600 vulcan. Have always had Harleys, but I fell in love with the Vulcans when my brother got one. I just got mine a week ago and can not get off of it. I do not plan on getting rid of it. Saw your tag holder, love the iron butt ride. Bless you man and safe riding
Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying my videos.
It always feels good when you accomplish something you have never done before.
Living in Nebraska, I like the indifference to the tornado sirens. Probably a Saturday morning test. Good video, I have a 1500 Classic. These videos give me the confidence to do try things that I probably shouldn't.
Our tornado siren tests are the first Wednesday of the month, but that was a real tornado warning siren. You never know what you can (or can't) do, until you try. As you can probably tell, I'm no mechanic. But hey, I'll give it a shot.
@@ChefHikerBiker Thanks for the reply. Actually, I like a good challenge and these videos are really helpful. As compared to a car, you have to be more careful with motorcycle maintenance as the danger in getting it wrong is much higher. I've known people who built their own airplane, takes a lot of confidence.
I always figure, if I screw it up, there's a shop, somewhere, that can fix it.
Marc, get yourself two hockey pucks. They’re perfect spacers between the jack and the bike’s frame. Remember, don’t jack this bike from the engine (which is lower than the frame.)
This bike is too heavy to have it wobbling on the jack. Two hockey pucks and you can jack the bike with both wheels up, and it’ll be sturdy on that jack. Also, impact tools will help you and you won’t be torquing bolts, risking the bike falling. Good job and be careful man.
Thanks. I have already made the modifications to my jack using hockey pucks. In fact I made 2 videos regarding the modification.
@@ChefHikerBiker I’ll definitely check them out.
I just bought myself a used Vulcan 1500. Learned alot. Thanx for this video
Thanks for watching and liking my videos. Glad you find them useful.
I’m thinking about changing the rear tire myself on my VN2000. I’ve got everything I need except the wheel weights. After watching your video here I know it can be done. After hearing your extreme effort on the back tire though I don’t know if I’m strong enough to pull it off. Last time I had it changed at the MC shop they charged me $175 just to remove the wheel, mount and balance a new tire ( it was $360) and then put it back on the VN. The tools to change it myself cost less than that. I only get between 6k and 8k miles on a tire so it needs changed pretty often. Thanks for showing me what to expect. 👍😎
You can always give it a shot. If you hit a spot where you think you just can't finish it, take it to the shop and ask them to just mount and balance the tire on the rim. Then you can take them home and mount them on the bike yourself. Should cost less, because they are not doing the removal and reinstall on the bike.
How'd it go? I'm in the same boat. VN2000 Classic Lt with drive belt. Only getting 9-11k miles on my tires.
Really good videos I like your calm approach to things too
Thanks, I appreciate that. I'm a very relaxed, calm person.
Thank you, sir! Extremely helpful and I am so glad you made it thorough and did not shorten it too much. I plan to take my tires off due to the fact that I let the rear one go too long and don't dare ride to the shop! You made this do-able!!
Thanks for watching. Good luck with the tire change. It is not an easy job to do by hand. But, it is very satisfying when you get it done.
@@ChefHikerBiker So it turns out NO ONE locally has that axle tool and they also don't have a 22mm Hex bit so I'm going to have to order it and wait a few days... I'm guessing you must have ordered yours also
Actually I got mine at the Cycle Gear in Madison. It's about an hour away, but I used to go up there all the time. So, it was no big deal, for me to swing in and pick it up.
This video is Clutch bro!! Thank you for making this super basic and thorough!
Thanks, glad to help
Another brilliant real life how to video, I felt your frustration but ar the end if the day you did it so well done you Take care dude and safe riding
Thanks for watching, liking the video and the comment.👍
Definitely appreciate your video's it's good to see your efforts payoff when complete on task at hand ! Good job explaining process including things that go so well, Thank you
Thanks for your critique and appreciation of my videos, that means a lot. 👍
This is a helpful video for me because, damn, it's like I'm watching myself working on a bike. The unexpected issues that you have are exactly the ones that I would have, so it helps me prep for it. This is actually a lot more useful than watching a bike mechanic video. I've got a portable lift (Harbor Freight), which helps with the balance, but also I put blocks under the front wheel when the lift is raised to prevent that forward shift. Using a small floor jack helps get that new rear tire up and aligned, too. Thanks for the video.
Thanks man I appreciate the kind words, and thanks for watching.
I am going to put a couple of removable eyelets in my concrete floor. Tie the bike in the front, and lift the back. Stability is king here.
That sound cool. More than what I would want to attempt though.
Great job and thanks for the info I’m going to try to tackle the same job soon
Good luck. Let me know how it goes for you.
I have the harbor freight jack . I bought it to work on my 2006 Vulcan 900 classic. The problem is, as I heard you mention, that the
crankcase extends below the frame rails. So my solution was to bolt 4 hockey pucks to some flat metal stock and bolt that to the
jack. The pucks create just enough clearance for the crankcase and the entire weight of the bike is supported squarely on the frame. P.S. I like your method for balancing tires. Stay safe brother.
I did a quick video with the same jack modification with the hockey pucks. Works awesome.
Great video - very educational Just what I was looking for how to takeoff the front tire and rim , thanks
Thank you, and thanks for watching
if you strap your handlebars to the crash bars it will prevent the back and forth steering movement. Great video.
That's a good tip, I'll have to try that.
Use bungy cord to handlebar to hold caliper up and away
Thanks, your video, made me , a success.😊
excellent!!!
Excellent video extremely informative thank you very much I'm subscribing to your Channel I also have a 2006 Vulcan Nomad 1600.. I love this bike. I look forward to more videos about it.
Vilified Freedom I have an 06 Nomad too. The rear tire removal is slightly different.
@@voltairedecent255 correct I just replace the rear tire I found jacking it up and resting the crash bars on jack stands to be the easiest way for me. Since I don't have a motorcycle jack
@@voltairedecent255 I absolutely love my Nomad. I get a lot of heat from the Harley guys but I don't mind I love my bike
Vilified Freedom i just picked mine up a few months ago on the advice of my brother. Boy, he was not kidding. I absolutely love my bike. I’m just waiting for a few more knick knacks, and I’ll finally be done... for now 😂 going to attempt the tire change today. I might make the switch from coffee to whiskey if I start having a hard time with them.
These Vulcans are good bike, aren't they?
Great vid. Looks like too much of a pain in the ass to DIY for me. That’s a dealer item on my end.🤪 Keep the vids coming.
Yeah, it's not easy. Maybe if I did it all the time, I would know the tips and tricks to make it easier.
I think its good to do your own work on your bike makes ya respect riding it more cuz ya know what a beoch it can be to replace things on it, good video a lot of good info thanks man.
Thank you, and thanks for watching
Marc, they make rim savers for protecting the rim when using tire irons, or wrap electrical tape around the TI. Next time get someone over to help balance the bike. Look into a J&S jack, they're expensive but your bike will be balanced.
Yeah, I really underestimated the damage the irons would cause. I will definitely get rim protectors for next time.
I did a very similar video for my first try at CZcams. I turned it into 4 parts. Mine was on a Concours 1000. It was interesting to see the struggles of someone in the same boat.
Thanks man 👍
Damn, Thank You, I really needed this video 🤓
You are welcome. Glad it could be helpful.
I came across my 2006 Vulcan 1600 in my neighbors yard ,and reluctantly bought to replace my Honda 750 that I rode all year round in Philadelphia PA. area,never let me down!
Hope the Vulcan can b as dependable.
I am a maintenance junky,so thanks for videos. Shops r criminally high priced for labor.
I hope you've been enjoying your 1600. I love mine and truely believe, it's the best bike I've ever had.
I fully agree with you on the shop labor costs. Way to high.
You Sir are truly awesome
I don't know about awesome, but thank you.
The jack you are using is not smooth in it's lowering of the cycle and makes each lowering nerve racking due to sudden drops, you may need to purchase a hydraulic jack that lowers smoothly and slower.
I don't have the money to by a new lift. The speed the jack goes down is dependent on how far the release valve is opened. The more I open it, the faster it drops. But the valve is very touchy. I made a modification to the jack last year that makes it much more stable.
I could be mistaken, but I think that the front tire was installed the wrong way. If you look at 4:22, the thread start in the middle going on the outside toward the back and in 35.48 the thread start from the outside going toward the middle?
I've double and triple checked; the tire is on in the correct rotational orientation. The tire I put on, is not the same as the one I took off. Different tires different tread.
Good eye though.
I took both my wheels off to put Cobra’s on my Triumph but there’s no way I’d faff about taking the tyres off myself! 😱😱😱🤷♂️👎🏻 That centre jack was well precarious 😱😱😱🥴 Your gonna have to rig up a wooden supporting stand to support the front end when you piss ball about mate with that dodgy jack!! 😱😱😱😱🤬🤬🤬🤬 All the best 👏👏👍
I saw a project that should make the jack work and preform better. Maybe I'll make a video on the project, but might be a while before I get to it.
I used ratchet straps from the triple tree to anchor points in my garage to hold it up and used a floor jack on the swing arm cross member to lift it up.
Was stable had no issues. I got one of those jacks as a gift too, I find it kind of useless. It wont fit usefully under my dirtbikes, Gsxr1000 or Mean streak.
Thanks for your input👍
So your mixing Bias ply ( front ) , with Radial ,( rear )?
Yep, like mixing coke and bourbon.
Rear wheel is easy to install if you put a 2x4 under the wheel to manipulate it and get it on the spline and to replace the axle. Hurts me to see you struggle so much. I want to see the tires in action in corners, cam under bike.
Well, I'm not a mechanic and have never changed my own tires before. I'm sure I didn't do many things correctly.
Recording the car tire in use, sounds like could be interesting. I'll have to see if I can get a good mounting angle so I don't lose the camera, but still get a good view of the tire.
Yeah, i learned a lot, I'm taking it to the dealer. I got out of breath just watching the struggle.
It was nice to know how much effort it takes to do the job. The front wasn't hard. But, if I can find a shop, that would mount a car tire on my rear rim, I will surely take it there.
@@ChefHikerBiker I've got the skill and strength, I'm sure I don't have the patience 😳
I"m pretty much the opposite, I don't have the skills, barely had the strength, but I am a fairly patient guy.
That's why it took me 2 day to change 2 tires. Haha
@@ChefHikerBiker Don't sell yourself short. It's better to take your time and get the job done properly.
True
Hi Mark...great video. I have the same bike and have been wanting to try the dark side...could you tell me what size tire you used and what brand? Is it a radial or biased ply tire? Thanks for keeping us up to date with your projects....:)
I have it in the video, but it's a Bridgestone, Turanza EL400, 195/60/R16.
Use Ride-On my brother... It balances and if you get a puncture it will fill it.
Hmm, never heard of it. I'll have to look it up.
@@ChefHikerBiker www.ride-on.com/
You can accomplish the front tire so take the back tire to the cycle shop for installation .
Most shops won't put a car tire on a motorcycle for liability reasons.
I bet you next time you pull the rims and take them to the shop and get the tires changed. I have changed a hold lot of tires over the years. But i'm 70 now and i pull the rims of the bike and let the shop change my tires.
Actually, I'm looking at getting one of those cheap Harbor Freight tire changer setups, or at least something similar.
Friend, I installed a 195/60 R16 tire but it seems to be hitting on the left side, it looks very close to the structure, not on your motorcycle? My bike is a 2005 Kawasaki vulcan 1600 nomad.
It is close but does not touch.
@@ChefHikerBiker If it's very close but doesn't touch, have you had any issues?
None. I was told that if you can slide a playing card between the wheel and the frame, then it's fine.
@@ChefHikerBiker Thank you for your quick responses, my friend.
Just happens to be good timing.👍
just bought an 08 Nomad, and while i can flat foot, i'd like it a bit lower. i've read somewhere, with the right car tire, it will lower the rear. it would save on buying shorter shocks if true.
I guess that using, what I call, "rubberband" tires, will lower the bike a couple inches. But it will be a much rougher ride. I'm getting old. I need soft and comfortable.
@@ChefHikerBiker took the Nomad out for 3 hrs yesterday. i would not want to do anything to screw the ride up. unlike my 900, it handled pot holes and rail road crossings with ease.
Dark side ? Whats your feelings about going dark side ? Corners ?
I love it and don't think I'll go back to a bike tire. Definitely do you research. I don't think it's for eveyone. The bike handles great and I can tell little difference. To me the major difference is how much better the bike tracks. Yes, there is a slight learning curve for cornering, but not much. I even rode over the Beartooth highway in 3-4 inches of snow and the car tire handled it well.
Nice video, thanks !!
Thank you for watching. Glad you enjoy my video.
There’s a dot painted on the tire that’s supposed to line up with your valve.
Yes, but I don't think there is an industry standard. The dot could be red or yellow some tires have both, and there could be 1 or 2 dots, I have even seen dots in different locations.
I see thousands of tires mounted wrong. Chef was correct. If you buy new tire make sure to point this out to the mechanic. He or she will have no problem doing as you ask. Its when you bring it up afterwards, when they have pulled your car out to you that pisses them off.
You would think, a good tire changing place would know how to line up the dots and the valve stem.
I have a 180/70/15 but I want to gear up the bike with a taller tire. can only find a 170/80/15 a 3 mph increase. but looking for 7 mph increase. so my question is what car tire are you running on you bike.
Just so you know, I have not noticed any gearing/ratio change with the car tire.
@@ChefHikerBiker thanks, for ur time i enjoyed your video,
Thank you for watching.
Glad you enjoy my stuff.
How much air you put in the front and back tires?
I run 40-42 PSI in the Front and 33-35 PSI in the Rear
I'm trying to do my times, but myaxel is not breaking from the other .it's as if it's striped inside.
Front or rear?
Front
I don't know what bike you have so please excuse my questions. Is there a nut that might be turning to where you need another wrench to hold it still? Or maybe you already have it unscrewed and you just need to pull it out the rest of the way.
Does the 60 series tire cause your speedometer to be off
My speedometer has been about 5 MPH off since I got it. But the tire didn't change anything.
dont know why u didnt use the zip tie method for the rear like you did the front
I didn't get the zip ties to work on the front. I tried, but couldn't get the tire on the rim.
I need new tires on the same bike that you have, what is the pros and cons of a car tire on the rear?
Cons -
1. It might lower your gas mileage.
2. Most shops will not mount a car tire, so you'll most likely have to do it yourself.
3. Some people will say that cornering is different. I didn't notice a difference, myself.
Pros -
1. Better tracking, tracktion and handling in Rain, Snow, on Tar-Snakes, Gravel, and Metal Grating. I guess that was more than 1. Hahaha
2. Some people will claim car tires are cheaper and last longer. I haven't made a conclusion yet, but it's possibly looking promising.
In my opinion, the car tire is worth it. But again some people try it and remove it immediately.
@@ChefHikerBiker thank you! I love your videos
What was the torque on your front rotor bolts
I don't have a torque wrench. I just tighten them as hard as I can.
What was the name of those white walls
They were Shinko, 777. Good tire, but I didn't care for the way they wear. The center of the tire started to get wavy. But that was my experience with them, yours might be different.
Maybe if you put the tire most of the way over the rim, you could drive over the side of the tire and pop it onto the rim?
Thanks for your witty remark.
Great video 👍
Thanks man, appreciate it.
Thanks for watching.
Way too slow. Left out important stuff and bored me with the obvious.
Whatever.
I'm not a professional film maker or mechanic. So yes, I might miss things here and there. But, a number of others seem to like it and even helped them.
@@ChefHikerBiker maybe next time, do the research and do a dry-run before ya hit record. Torque spec's, size's and so on.
Yeah, because every video out there shows and tells every detail on ever nut and bolt.
How big is the C clamp you use
I don't remember exactly, but it's something like 10 inches long and 6 inches deep.
Why not use a wrench to take rear tire castle nut off? Then you wouldn't have to take off exhaust.
I don't have a jack that allows the tire to drop down and out of the frame. I need to roll it out between the frame and fender. The tail pipe might just get in the way, so, I remove it.
I know I'm not tripping..👀 but I believe my guy put the damn front tire on wrong 🤦🏾♂️😂 always go with the tread my guy 🤣
I have gotten many comments saying the same thing. I followed the rotation arrow indicaters on the side of the tire. It is on properly, in the correct rotation orientation.
Next time put some tape around the tip of the bars
Good tip👍
Big job really.
Yes it is. And, this was my first time doing it, so I don't know any tips or tricks to make it easier.
@@ChefHikerBiker I put some carpet in the driveway and I handled the rim and tire and had the old lady back up and go forward and I kept letting her run over the edge of the tire that's how I got it back on.
Wow, I've never heard of someone doing it that way. Weren't you scared of bending the rim or brake rotor? I mean, that's a lot of weight and torsion.
what is the tire pressure
Thanks
I go with 35 psi front and back
@@ChefHikerBiker thanks m8
Thank you
is your bike same engine as the Vulcan Meanstreak 1600?
I believe so, but I'm not 100% dead sure.
I think the heads, cams and transmission are different from the classic.
@@norcalirish87 Thanks. I always thought the only difference between the Meanstreak, Nomad, and Classic was just the visual stuff: fender shape, bags, windshield, and stuff like that.
Where did you get the lightbar/highway lights ?
I bought them off ebay, 14 years ago, and I don't remember what brand they are.
@@ChefHikerBiker thank you
Thank you for watching and commenting
wait did you say you have car tires on the front /back ? and not motorcycle tires, if so, why?.......wonder when he took it for a drive, if there were any issues, .........guys got heart!.good vid!
I have a car tire on the back. I feel the tire tracks better. Has better handling on gravel, over metal grating, on tar snakes, and stuff like that. A car tire can last for 40-50k miles. And a car tire can be almost half the cost.
No issues. The car tire handles great.
@@ChefHikerBiker tHANKS MARC, well wat r the drawbacks, poor handling? not as nice looking-sporty? and a bitch 2get in2 the rear chasis if u have2replace it? I like the 40k point.......but does the same size bike tire translate to the same size car tire....180/70/15 is what i have?wonder wat car tire will match that....
@@ChefHikerBiker I have a 900, and the rear tire nut is rite behind the exhaust, do u think the pipes have 2b removed? b/c i am thinking i can use an open end Wrench, NOT Ratchet, to remove it , and gently pry the shaft back with a screwdriver, untill i get more to grab on the left side?....
It's very possible to do it with out removing the pipes. I had a socket and breaker bar, so I needed to remove the pipes, to get the socket on the nut.
Marc VanderPal how do you know what size car tire to get?
What was the trick to get the rear tire splines lined up ?
Just had to keep working at it and finally it just lined up.
I put wood under the tire till the holes Lined up then put the axle shaft in the splines were easy after that
I think I just lifted the tire and slid the axle through. Then worked the splines of the wheel and final drive together. For some reason, I couldn't get the splines to lineup on the first day, but got it done on the second day.
@@ChefHikerBiker I ended up pulling the wheel and turned untill the splines moved with the wheel, put the axle all the way through then tightened the nut untill it popped in place. Then I put everything together properly.
Cool! Glad you got it, with little trouble.
try Dynabeads to balance, very simple to do
I've heard some people have problems with the beads getting into the valve stem and messing it up to where it leaks air. The weights are simple and east to use too.
10,000 max for my 05 2000a
Awesome, ride safe
🤣🤣🤣🤣 I think I just finished watching myself work!
😁😆😅
Marc VanderPal welp... I gave up on my front tire. I spent an hour trying to get more than 8” over the rim. I have never fought so hard with a tire in my life. Stupid effing thing. On the bright side (yes there is one), everything else went smoothly. On a side note, for your next tire, try out the Shinko 777. Nicest riding tire I’ve ever had. The downside? I think you’ll only get about 12-14 thousand miles out of it. I’ve ridden right down the middle of grand canyons in the road and they didn’t even flinch.
I used Shinko 777 on the front. It was a decent tire, but yeah, I didn't get much mileage.
And you're not alone, when it comes to fighting with putting tires on. But because I put a car tire on the rear, it makes it feel like the front was a snap.
Another idea would be to get a tire mount machine
I am wanting to get one of those cheap manual tire mounting systems. Just don't have the money for it yet.
ok i seen the size on the video
I got the notification for your comment before I got the one for your original post. Glad you got the size off the video. I really didn't want to go out to the garage, in this artic Wisconsin cold, just to look at the tire.😁
THANKS 🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙
Thanks for watching
No le pusiste grasa al eje trasero !!
I do it to protect against rust and corrosion
Woah this video is too long
I found a grade 8 nut that fits perfect in my front axle. I welded a slightly smaller 4 inch bolt to it in the center. Its a great tool and really cheap to do.
I thought the same way as you and didn't use the tool in my kit. I bought the balancing beads, I didn't want a wheel weight slinging off. Here is a link you need to see. czcams.com/video/hEZeR9E3JyY/video.html
I've heard both good and bad about the beads. Never tried them myself.
Thanks for watching.
@@ChefHikerBiker Thanks bro
Thank you for watching and commenting.
Only point I didn't see was that it's best aligning the dot on the tire to the valve stem. The dot is put there because they balance the tire at the manufacturer and place the dot on the tire. Less concern on heavier alloy rims though.
My tire doesn't have the dots.
Car tires on a bike are dumb. Watch this.
Are Motorcycle Tires a Ripoff? The Darkside Car Tire Experiment - CZcams
I thought the same thing when I first saw it. In fact, I even got into some pretty heated arguments over it.
Then, over time, I started looking into it. I researched into darkside riding for 2 years, and finaly came to a conclusion and thought; ok, let's give it a try. I put on the car tire, and now I don't think I'll ever take it off.
Why would you put a car tire on a bike? It must corner like shit?
I have no issues cornering. Check out my Darkside Riding video. czcams.com/video/vmg6wopeoJY/video.html
@@ChefHikerBiker I have a hard time with that statement. I bike needs to lean to make a corner at any speed, so that is why bike tires are round to give you great contact with the road at all times. How dose a flat car tire do that when your in a lean on a tiny edge of a car tire that is made to run horizontal with the road at all times?
@@ChefHikerBiker Sorry I still don't get a car tire. If you had to turn hard and really lean on your bike to save your life, would you want a flat tread tire on your bike that is not made to ride on the side wall and give you no traction... Or a proper motorcycle tire that will give you the best traction at any angle to safe your life?
I did really like this video.
First off, the car tire is not that wide, it's not a fat truck tire. The twp main reasons I use a car tire: 1. It can be cheaper. 2. It will last 3 - 6 times longer.
That car tire you see, in that 4 year old video, is still on my bike today and has many more miles left on it.
As for the ride it gives: it corners fine, I still scrape my floorboards, the car tire tracks better, it brakes better, handles dirt, gravel, wet, and snow better, it handles steel grating better. If it gets a puncture the car tire can be plugged.
Let me ask you, where does you bike tire wear out?
Around the center, right?
You talk tooooooooo much!
Some people like that though
Marc VanderPal thorough is good for me bro!!
@@ChefHikerBiker I thought the talking was just right and very helpful!
Thanks. I'm not a mechanic. And, I feel mechanics think everbody knows what they are talking about. I'm a first time DIY-er. So I feel I need to explain everything. Not only for you all, but I have to tell myself what the next step or two is.