I recently got a DS650, and the stock tires (Kenda Dominators) are too low profile. I need more ground clearance! I just want to buy new tires without the rims, so can anyone offer some tips to removing existing tires, and installing new ones? Did you need to purchase a "bead breaker"? Anything I need to know about getting the beads to seat? Thanks.

 

A tire press is not necessary for removing tires although if you want it easy to do and/or you want to save the old tires because you can still use them then buy one. I don't change tires until mine are worn down. Here's what you can do if you no longer want the tires. Deflate them by removing the air valves, take something sharp (flat screwdriver is good enough) and puncture the inner tire so you can break the bead. Once you have the bead cut all the way you stand on the tire and that side of the tire should come off the rim. Then do the same for the other side and remove the tire. Oh yeah, you have to use screwdrivers to pry it off. I think I need a tire press for atv tires. If I had brand new tires I would get one especially. So you can do all that hard work I mentioned and ruin your new tires or you can invest in a tire press. Glad to help. Remember though if the tires are worn anyway then there's nothing wrong with my method.

 

Oh yeah, installing new ones. You have to take screwdrivers and pry the tire open so you can put the rim on it. You'll figure it out. As for sealing the beads, just make sure the tire's on all the way, but sometimes it's stubborn. Fixing this is beyond my knowledge.

 

The absolute, easiest, best way to swap your tires on your stock rims is to go buy the new tires, then take them with your quad down to your local Les Schwab dealer, or any other tire supplier for that matter. For around $20-$40, he'll do all the work for you, piece of cake, and no extra tools, sweat, possible blood lost on your end.

If you'd rather not take them down to the shop, and insist on doing it yourself, just pull the plugs to let all air out. Then, use a auto jack to lift up your truck or whatever, place the bottom of the jack as close to the rim as you can, start to jack up the truck. The pressure will force down onto the bead edge of the tire, popping it out. Once it breaks, you'll have an easy time of removing it the rest of the way by just pressing hard on it. Flip it over, do the other side. This is where you'll need the LARGE HANDLE screwdriver, or pry bar preferably. It's pretty tight, but you can pry the tire over around the edge-first do one side, then the other, coming off the same side as the first.

To re-mount, first fit the tire over the wheel, then pull the edges of the tire out towards the bead. Use a good aircompressor to begin filling with air. This will force the tire to expand a bit, force the edge rubber out towards the rim. Put a tie-strap around the centerline of the tire to keep the middle from expanding, and fill with air till you hear two loud "pops" signalling the beads have been set properly. Fill with air till you're sure you've heard two pops, then drop the air pressure way down till you reach your desired running pressure. With that, you're done.

Hope that helps,

Mike