Replacing scooter tire? DIY or take it to a shop?

[yolfer]

Has anyone replaced the rear tire on their scooter? The repair shop charges $75/hr for labor and estimates it'll take about 30 minutes. The tire itself is going to be $55 either way. The price ($55 DIY vs ~$95 in the shop) isn't as much of a concern, but the scooter shop has a 10 day backlog which makes me more compelled to try it myself.

I found this DIY guide: http://49ccscoot.com/tirechange.html

Looks similar to changing a bicycle tire, though I'm a bit unconfident about taking the tire off (getting the exhaust out of the way, etc). So is it worth it to try it myself?

Thanks!

[Joet]

always try. worst case you have to limp it there in whatever half-installed scenario you get to. if your wife asks you what happened blame it on the dog

[fwttg]

Hey Yolfer,

I can't reassure on your exhaust removal concerns but I have replaced a few motorcycle tires myself in the past (including the straps to the rafters!).

The exhaust is likely just a couple of bolts at the engine and at a frame hanger but you'll have to check.

The process is like changing a bike tire but everything is a bit beefier. I recall it taking more muscle but that will vary with tire quality and dimensions. If you are a DIY'er already it won't be a problem but it will take some effort.

I recommend using the big tire irons as pictured. I have no idea what they cost now as mine were purchased about 25 years ago. If you use them you'll have to take their cost into consideration.

The only other thing I'll mention is potential scratching of your rim. The old chromed steel rims were less susceptible to damage. Alloy, or whatever they are now,  are easier to scratch up which might be a concern if aesthetics are important .

[Joet]

what tools do people use for getting the tire bead popped off? I imagine some composite? [eg not a flat piece of iron]

[yolfer]

Hey Yolfer,

I can't reassure on your exhaust removal concerns but I have replaced a few motorcycle tires myself in the past (including the straps to the rafters!).

The exhaust is likely just a couple of bolts at the engine and at a frame hanger but you'll have to check.

The process is like changing a bike tire but everything is a bit beefier. I recall it taking more muscle but that will vary with tire quality and dimensions. If you are a DIY'er already it won't be a problem but it will take some effort.

I recommend using the big tire irons as pictured. I have no idea what they cost now as mine were purchased about 25 years ago. If you use them you'll have to take their cost into consideration.

The only other thing I'll mention is potential scratching of your rim. The old chromed steel rims were less susceptible to damage. Alloy, or whatever they are now,  are easier to scratch up which might be a concern if aesthetics are important .

Thanks for the advice! Looks like a pair of tire irons is going to cost $20. So it's $75 DIY vs $95 shop. The only advantage of DIY at this point is not having to get the scooter to the shop and being able to get it done sooner.

Aesthetics aren't much of a concern. The rim is painted to match the body so at worst it'll be scratching off paint, which wouldn't be the first time that happened. The bike is in far from perfect condition, as it gets driven (and parked outside) year-round.

[ScottEric]

I've done it for the split rims on my old school scooter and the magnesium wheels on our mobylette.  It was a pain, definitely recommend the tire irons, but it's definitely do-able with enough time and effort. Do you have access to a compressor?  Sounds like for tubeless you'll need one.

[BlueMR2]

I'd be willing to try if it was mine.  I know that I can do mountain bike tires easy.  Road bike tires are a royal pain, but doable.  Car tires I've tried and it's just plain miserable.  I successfully dismounted a pair, but it took hours and I doubt I could have mounted them.  Scooter tires *look* like they'd be closer to the mountain bike type effort level...  :-)

[ScottEric]

I'd be willing to try if it was mine.  I know that I can do mountain bike tires easy.  Road bike tires are a royal pain, but doable.  Car tires I've tried and it's just plain miserable.  I successfully dismounted a pair, but it took hours and I doubt I could have mounted them.  Scooter tires *look* like they'd be closer to the mountain bike type effort level...  :-)

I think they're closer to car tires than road bike tires.  But with a big enough lever...

[yolfer]

Update:

I took off the tail pipe to get to the tire and realized I don't have the proper wrench to remove the nut that holds the wheel on. So my cost of new parts to buy is about to exceed the cost of having it done for me. I'm gonna take it in to the shop so they can do it right. If I bust a tire about every 7,500 miles (current odometer reading) I figure I can afford to take it in. I know this isn't very mustachian so feel free to administer face punches.

[BlueMR2]

I know this isn't very mustachian so feel free to administer face punches.

Don't feel too bad.  I just picked up one of my cars from an electrical shop.  Normally I do that work myself, but a previous owner made a big mess out of the horn wiring.  Worked for years, but when the horns failed and I found that mess, I said "now THAT'S a job for someone else".  :-)