switching tires

It's easy to get the wheels off the bike but taking the tires off the rims without a tire machine is a pain. Can be done but I haven't heard of too many doing it these days with tire irons. I put the bike on a jack, take the wheel or wheels off and just take them to my tire guy who does the mounting and balancing for 25$ per wheel.
 
I do my own and do not have a tire machine. J&P sells a neat little tool for breaking the bead and then it is a simple task to get the tire off using tire irons. Putting the new tire on is also simple with a couple tire irons and a little dish detergent to lubricate the tire/wheel.
 
I changed all my tyres when they were tubed and smaller in section than my current Harleys, so I've gone into retirement on that one! I do the same as SmokinRK and take my wheels to a local dealer and get them to supply and fit. I get a coffee and a chat while I wait!
 
I do my own by hand. I break the bead with the bead breaker on a cheapo Harbor Freight tire changer. I do the changing down on my knees on a piece of heavy carpet using motorcycle tire irons and a couple of rim protectors. I have about 75 bucks in all of my equipment....The main thing is to learn the right technique.

Skip the dish detergent for lube. It can be corrosive on the wheels. I use Murphy's Oil soap.
 
No harder than it is to change tires on an '99 RK...

Time consuming, and a sweat producer, but after the first one they get easier with each future swap...
 
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