AF tubeless - can I really fit myself?

[Storkfoot]

Yes, mate, I'm going to use half an old rim with some bar welded on to go in the vice. I'm being lazy and getting the MB studs.

[Storkfoot]

Well, nearly 7 months later, I actually got the frame set up:



It's actually an AF rim and, to further compound the level of difficulty, the only tyres I have in the garage are hard walled Heidenaus.

I await delivery of tyre levers now. Wish me luck

[coaster]

Good luck, have you got tyre soap at the ready?

[Storkfoot]

Yes, mate. I have used tyre paste for the last couple of years on tubed tyres too. It makes sure ithe tyre seats to the edge of the rim.

I'll keep you posted.

[coaster]

Make sure Heather is out when you do it unless she is hardened to bad language

[Storkfoot]

Well, I managed to get the tyre on in a fairly straightforward manner. However, a trip to the petrol station to use their air line, with a ratchet strap and plenty of tyre soap has still left a tyre that is the wrong side of the beed on both sides.

Before I take it to either a tyre company or a motorbike shop, is there anything else I can do?

May I point out thus is an AF rim, not SIP

Edit: title of topic from SIP to AF

[coaster]

I've seen it done with a good squirt of eazi-start through the gap, apply flame, wait for big bang but not sure I'd recommend it

[gaz_powell]

I've still not beyond making the jig ! Maybe soon !!!

[roli150lam]

Have you taken the valve out?if not try with the valve out,it may get the air in quicker and pop it over the bead.I,d suspect tho that a filling station compressor may not have enough pressure.

[Storkfoot]

Thanks, Roli. Yes tried both ways no difference. All the air just escapes. I'll take the wheel to a tyre place when I get a chance next week.

[CHRIS in MARGATE]

With your tightened belt around it or similar and valve core out try bouncing it and rotating it.

[Sticky]

Fitting by hand video

http://www.scooterlab.uk/fitting-tyres-tubeless-wheels-hand-tech/

Removal by, er, with assistance

http://www.scooterlab.uk/tubeless-tyre-removal-easy-way-workshop/

You can fit by hand to SIP rims (AF are harder to do) but if there is an affordable local option to use a specialist I'd suggest it's worthwhile.

[Storkfoot]

I tried the bouncing too. No joy. Yes, I did watch the MB dvd a couple of times on SLUK. It was useful

I'll try a SIP one next with a softer walled tyre

[coaster]

................I'll try a SIP one next with a softer walled tyre

I found the exact opposite, soft walled tyre on Zip rim inflated with an electric pump with a belt around it and paber towel stuffed in the gaps. Unfortunately I'd got the rotation wrong so removed and re-fitted and then could not get it to re-inflat with my pump. With the SIP rims, soft tyre would not inflate but both hard (3 ply) Scootsmarts inflated no bother. could just be the different with the rims

[Storkfoot]

Well, I am pleasantly surprised that I could get the tyres on with just levers. Getting it all okay on first go was, perhaps, a wish too far.

This is the modern world. Next job is strobing the Ky-tronik on the TS1 !

Ps - a Wassel and a satnav are still way too advanced for me though

[Storkfoot]

Fitting by hand video

http://www.scooterlab.uk/fitting-tyres-tubeless-wheels-hand-tech/

Removal by, er, with assistance

http://www.scooterlab.uk/tubeless-tyre-removal-easy-way-workshop/

You can fit by hand to SIP rims (AF are harder to do) but if there is an affordable local option to use a specialist I'd suggest it's worthwhile.

Just to finish the thread off, I was in and out of the local tyre place in literally a minute. Just needed a more powerful air line to blow the tyre over the beeds.

Thanks again for everyone's input.

[Storkfoot]

Just had a go at fitting another Heidenau tyre (a K58) to another AF tubeless. This did not go as well. I have managed to break the metallic core around the edge of one side of the tyre. The tyre now needs cutting off.

Now I know I can pay for them to be fitted but I do like to do things myself, especially as I have the levers and kit to do it.

Heidenaus have noticeably reinforced sidewalls and I suspect I'd be better fitting tyres with non reinforced sidewalls.

Has anyone any suggestions please, other than S83 or S1?

[Phil D]

We used to use a "bead blaster "to seat the bead on truck tyres they work really well .
I thought about making a smaller version from one of those throw away welding gas bottles but I've just looked on eBay and a full size "bead blaster " is only £30 .
You could just reduce the pressure for little tyres.

[Phil D]

Just read this post fully I apologise that's not the problem you were having there's a knack to getting tyres on you've got to get plenty of lube on the rim and tyre bead.
Also you need to work on opposing sides i.e. North /south a bit at a time .If you try to put them on at too steep an angle and they are easily damaged.
Very frustrating I know .

[Storkfoot]

I do believe that my tyre soap isn't the best and that this may have been part of the problem. It's very watery compared to the stuff they use at a proper tyre shop and I'll make sure I get some better stuff ready for next time.

Having just done a bit of internet searching, I see that Sava (Mitas) MC20 is not reinforced. I notice that MB, in that video referred to above, used a Bridgestone Hoop so, I'm guessing, they are not reinforced either.