Removing Front Wheel - Need Ideas

[Chuckster]

I just ordered new front and rear tires for my 1981 Suzuki GS550T. I plan to remove the front and rear wheels and take them to a local bike shop and have them put my new tires on. I figured this would save me some money. I can remove the back easily with the bike on the centerstand. How can I remove the front wheel easiest? I don't know how I can "prop" up the front end to take the wheel off. Can I use something to support the engine with to get the front end off the ground? If so, what? Anybody got any ideas?

[GS850_Coug]

On my 850 I tilted it back towards the rear wheel, and placed a steel toolbox under the exhaust headers. Not too much pressure on the headers because of the center-stand, but it balanced quite well there.

[Guest]

I've done this a few times... I've put a jack under the headers with a 2 by 4 to soften the lift.

I've also just strapped it to the garage rafters and lifted the front end just enough to get it up off the ground.

[Suzuki mad]

Scissor lift jack or any other type of jack to lift it will do!

Don't put an axle stand straight to the engine though.

I get the wife to come out into the garage and lean against the back of the bike while I put 2 axle stands under the frame just to the side of the engine. Works a treat with the centre stand and rear wheel on the ground.

Suzuki mad

1981 GS1000ET
1983 GS(X)1100ESD
GSF1200K1

[Grandpa]

Best solution is to get a second rear wheel and a second front wheel, and install a brand new tire on each. That way you remove one wheel and immediately replace it with another -- off with one, on with the other.

At this time I have a brand new front tire in my garage, installed on a front wheel. Same for the rear. No downtime necessary.

Wheels are commonly available on eBay and other places.

[emjay]

Be aware that many shops charge a lot to mount a tire you bought elsewhere and nothing or very little to mount one you got from them. Sometimes it's not much of a cost savings.

Regardless, removing the wheels yourself and bringing them in to the shop is the best way to go. I like Grandpa's idea. It's what I do for our cars for snow tires. I got cheap used steel rims for the winter. Don't know why I never thought of it for the bike.

[chuckycheese]

Oh, well!

When I changed my front tire, I just had my wife sit on the back to keep the front off of the ground. Then, I went to the bike shop to have them change it.

It only took about 4 or 5 hours!:-D:-D:-D:-D

[earlfor]

With the bike on the centerstand, I lift the front wheel left handed lifting the lower left fork tube and slide a concrete block with a piece of 3/4" thick wood on the top underneath the engine with my right hand. Takes two sec's. :-)
Taking the front wheel off first will make it easier to lift the front end. hehe

E.

I just ordered new front and rear tires for my 1981 Suzuki GS550T. I plan to remove the front and rear wheels and take them to a local bike shop and have them put my new tires on. I figured this would save me some money. I can remove the back easily with the bike on the centerstand. How can I remove the front wheel easiest? I don't know how I can "prop" up the front end to take the wheel off. Can I use something to support the engine with to get the front end off the ground? If so, what? Anybody got any ideas?

[bakalorz]

When I was adjusting my steering bearing, I just put it on the center stand and then put 50 lbs of weightlifting weights on the pillion seat to get the front in the air.

[salty_monk]

Stuck a scissor jack under my header pipes... put a flat board on top to help spread the load. Worked for me.

Dan

[Chuckster]

Those are all great ideas guys. I really appreciate the input. :-D

[Chuckster]

One other question guys. Could I take the wheels to any tire place that does car tires or do I have to take them to a bike shop? I didn't know "if a tire machine is a tire machine" or if a bike shop uses a special machine to mount them. They are tubeless.

[Boondocks]

Car tire shops don't work on motorcycle tires. Take them to a bike shop after calling around for best prices.

[Guest]

I jam a 12 pack beer cooler under my headers.