Harbor freight tire changer

[tbird]

I've had my HF motorcycle tire changer for about 25 yrs. It has served me well doing my own tires. My question is can I use it on the newer bagger tire 180/55/18. Been told difficult or dam near impossible. Have never paid to have a tire mounted, used spoons pior. 70 yrs old so I'm not investing in a better machine, may only have a couple of rears left in my life. Anyone run into this?

[Tacocaster]

Google your model of HF's Motorcycle Tire Changers and see what they say. They offer adaptors that might help.
Twenty-five years ago your model may have been the only one they offered and it might work for car tires up to 17". Dunno fershur without more info on what you have.

[HogMike]

I've had my HF motorcycle tire changer for about 25 yrs. It has served me well doing my own tires. My question is can I use it on the newer bagger tire 180/55/18. Been told difficult or dam near impossible. Have never paid to have a tire mounted, used spoons pior. 70 yrs old so I'm not investing in a better machine, may only have a couple of rears left in my life. Anyone run into this?

These newer tires like the one you have is a PITA to get mounted even on the machine.
My front 130/60/19 is even harder! Very stiff, low profile tires are a challenge.

I have a tire machine with the proper assist arms that make it easier on my 77 year old body! LOL

Some of our riding group like to do their own work and we trade tools, etc as needed.

Good luck with just a few tire spoons!

[smoserx1]

I used to have that changer.  My ex wife gave it away but IIRC it was 2 parts, the basic changer & a MC tire adapter.  It looks like HF only carries the basic changer now.  But I changed a tire for a buddy that was a skinny front and since these are usually 19 inches or more I am sure the changer will handle the diameter.  Anyway I never changed anything bigger than a 130 so I am sure it will be harder but I bet if you can get or make one or two clamps so you can you can squeeze the opposite side of the tire together so it will stay in the "drop zone" of the rim it should be doable.