I didn't have any kind of stand to mount it on, so I placed it on a folding table I use for when I'm working on my bike. See, my bench is usually clutttered with stuff so I use a folding 6' long table to use for placing tools, parts, etc. Works great because I can set it up anywhere; left side or right side of garage, driveway, out on the deck, etc. Where ever I want a work surface. Anyway, I put the tire changer on the table and proceeded to watch these series of videos how to change a tire;
http://www.transworldmotocross.com/vide ... &authorID=
Excellent vids on how to change a tire. It isn't as easy as that guy makes it out to be though. His tires must be 1 ply of cotton string with no steel in the belts, because I had a bit more trouble. Anyways, I followed the video and used this tire changer along with Tusk Sure Grip Tire Irons 12" Part# 1130190003. Now, I must say, the first go around with my rear tire was a little tough; not bad but not nearly as easy as the guy on the video. It took me almost an hour to do a complete change from the time the bike was lifted onto the stand, until I kicked it over to test ride. But 1 time was not to be. I pinched the tube. O.K., I got a spare. I pinched the tube. O.K. I got the original. I pinched the tube. O.K. I got some slime. It doesn't hold a pinch or any other hole that isn't in the outside tread area of the tube. O.K. I order 2 more tubes 2nd day. Should have them by Tuesday or Wednesday. On to the front tire. I change the tire. Just like in the video. Front tire is easy to take off and install, like the rear in the video. I pinched the tube. O.K. I got a spare. I pinched the tube. O.K. I got the original. I DIDN'T pinch the tube!!! Ha!! Every time I pinched the tube it was right at the valve stem where the thick double layer rubber of the stem is attached to the tube. I have no idea how I did this 5 times, but I did. I even had my wife watch me to see if she could see what I was doing. Finally, instead of ending up with the final portion of the tire to go over the rim being the rim lock part, I moved 90 degrees off. The tube stem and rim lock are close together and I think I was having tube pinching due to the rimlock and my technique with the mounting of that tire, the rimlock and the stem all in one focused spot. So I complete the mount 90 degrees from the rim lock on the side that is furthest from the tube stem. This final attempt worked great and I didn't pinch the tube. So, just to practice, I try the rear tire again. Sure, it's a damaged tube, but I got some time and want to get it right before the new tubes arrive. Well, I can tell you the tire stand and the new spoons are great. I can completely change a rear wheel and tube in about 20 minutes. If it's just a tube change, it would be a little less. Front tire is about the same time, but it's easier because the tire is much more manipulative.
So, if anyone is struggling with changing tires, I can recommend this tire changer from Rockymountain. There is technique and there is experiance, but if you take some time the next time you have a flat or need a new tire, and practice this for an afternoon, you will not only have this process down, but you will impress all your friends. Think of all the 6 packs you'll get for doing flat repairs and tire changes. The changer is pretty small and will work easy from the tailgate of a pick up truck. I will toss it in any time I go riding from here on out. It's made a job I used to hurt myself trying to do and made me at least competent with changing my own tires and tubes.
Also, although not necessary but it does seem to help, is this tool:
Tusk Motorcycle Tire Bead Tool Part# 1031000001. It's also referred to as the bead buddy. It holds your tire down into the groove to assist in taking off and putting on the tire. It's in the video how to use it, so I got one. If you pay attention to where the tire is and that it's in the groove anyway, then you won't need it. But for $10, give it a try as well.
My tires are the Dunlop D952 rear and D756 front for comparison. The rear is a 19" (I have a KX250 stock rim) and the front is standard 21". The rear is a stiff sidewall as most 19" tire are. Not as stiff as an IRC M5B or Maxxis, but still.....
I now feel I have the tools, practice and experiance to quickly change a tire or tube. In the past, that would shut down my riding for the day, now, if I can make it back to the truck, I should be good to go in less than 30 minutes!!
