Hi all! Just ordered a set of Michelin Power RS tyres for my 2010 848, but finding some difficulty with getting people to fit them. Either mechanics are missing the correct tools for the job, or charge £60-£80 for two tyres, so I'm considering getting the tools to do it myself. From my understanding, this would be the best and cheapest set of tools for the job: Ducati compatible GP stands (front and rear): ESTW Paddock Stand Single Sided SET Rear and Front Motorbike Motorrad Ducati 848 | eBay 46mm Socket for rear wheel. Service manual says 48mm, but forums seem to state 46mm? : Laser 5667 46mm Hex Socket 1/2" dr for Triumph M/C Swinging Arm OEM T3880046 | eBay 30mm Socket for front wheel: Siegen S0664 Walldrive Socket 30mm 1/2 Sq Drive Square Drive Chrome Vanadium | eBay 8.3mm Valve stems, seem a bit pricey at £22, but look much better quality than the £15 options: Strada 7 83 Degree 8.3mm 0.357" inch CNC Valve Stems Ducati 899 Panigale Black | eBay Tyre lever spoon kit: 3x Tire Lever Tool Spoon Motorcycle Tire Iron Changing + 2x Wheel Rim Protectors | eBay Tyre balancer - two options here; the first type I think could need a larger cone adaptor for the single side swingarm wheel, whereas the bubble balancer should work out the box, is that correct? Needs adapter: Motorcycle WHEEL BALANCER by Qtech Stand Track Day PORTABLE | eBay ABBA Adapter - assume it would work on above static balancer: abba Single Sided Swing-Arm Wheel Balancer Adapter, Universal, KTM, Triumph etc | eBay Or this should work out the box: PORTABLE GARAGE WORKSHOP HEAVY DUTY WHEEL BALANCER BULLSEYE SPIRIT LEVEL TOOL | eBay Using instruction from this video for balancing: EDIT: On second thought - this looks like it would work for the REAR wheel, but perhaps not the FRONT. In which case - I might be better going for the standard stand balancer + adapter. Some wheel weights: BLACK Motorcycle Colour Wheel Balance Weights Self Adhesive Strip 60g Powdercoat | eBay That all comes to ~£170 - significantly more than paying £80 for someone else to do it, but at least I would be left with plenty of kit that I can use again...with the paddock stands being especially useful, plus a new skill. Am I missing anything?
I use a stand to balance wheels, and it works well. And to be honest I only balance the front wheel. This is fine for the track, but for road riding you may want the rear done as well
Clearly the people you are approaching don't want the job because you didn't buy the tyres from them which is quite common and something people miss in their search for savings when buying tyres. There have been several posts recently discussing changing your own tyres at home so have a search. One common issue is bead breaking (releasing the edge of the tyre so you can get the tyre iron under it). Good luck. Andy
Nah, I got quotes for both; tyres from their supplier, or me bringing them direct - most were happy with either option. Two guys said they didn't have a single-sided swingarm stand, one suggested a car jack (no thanks), and they also thought you need at 48mm or 55mm wrench to remove the tool, saying their one maxed out at 46mm. Looks like the size is in fact 46mm, so that shoudn't be an issue. A compromise might be for me to just get the GP stands and 46mm socket to remove the wheels myself - then they can replace and balance the tyres for ~£30.
Interesting. My local stockist charges £7 to fit and balance a tyre to a loose wheel. They have a dedicated motorcycle bay and seem to be able to cope with all models. I will say the guys appreciate loose tryes for the Ducati though. Hope you get sorted . Andy
When fitting car tyres they replace them but they're push-in, cheap and considered disposable. I've never heard of replacing bike valves unless they're damaged or you want some bling...
I always changed valve stems on tubeless wheels - the 'rubber' seals which are compressed inside the wheel as the outer nut is tightened can degrade after a few years. But I wouldn't change one on regular tyre changes until say, three tyres had been fitted. I also sometimes used two stem nuts instead of a single one.
Got quoted £76 to fit tyres to loose wheels by P&H. Usually pay about £30. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I bought a breaker, soap, balancer, huge box of wheel weights, big levers and some protectors for about £120 all in (may have even been under £100). But I had stands. If you don't have stands, you can use axle sends for the rear (if fixed pegs its easy, if not you can switch the pegs so they don't fold up) and lift the front with straps over joists. Stands are better on the long run
My local dealer charged my £6 a tyre to fit and balance 2 tyres recently. I bought the tyres from him and couldn't get them any cheaper anyway.
I used to have a guy, bought my road tyres and car tyres there and he would do them for £10 each. Then it became £20...so I bought my own.
I bought a bead breaker, balancer and irons recently....the irons are a waste of money and i ended uo doing the tie wrap method....which was really easy! Balancing is also simple, balance the wheel without the tyre on first to find the heavy spot and make sure you line it up with the marker on the tyre,just be patient when letting the wheel settle!
