Do I have to remove rotors when changing tires?

I being a 46 year rider/owner I used to do all my tires myself too. But today's tubeless radial tires are very difficult to get off after they have worn, heat cycled and aged. Twice I used hacksaws to get them off. Well enough of that. The local shops around here charge $30/40 to dismount/mount & balance if you carry in your wheel and new tire. $15/20 if you buy the tire from them. Heck my Triumph dealer only charges $15 even if you carry in your own new tire you did NOT buy from them. For me it is well worth the drive over there and I watch them do it. They get it done right.
 
You're lucky the stealers around here want $75-$100 if you carry your own in .I've been changing my tires since I've been riding,early 70's.
 
I too replace most of the tires on our bikes. The rear tire on my R3R forget it. I only paid $30.00 to mount and balance for that tire. But I am also a frequent parts and bike purchaser at this dealer, and my kids and I ride with a few of the guys that work there now and then. You will probably be able to replace your front. I just received a new front and I am going to give it a shot myself.
 
Yep! $100 is very steep! Anyway, I really just like do do things for myself. But if I could get them done for $10, I would make an exception and be lazy.

Looking at my bike, it really looks like it would be almost impossible to use spoons with the rotors in place.

Question: Did the folks you replied here to leave the rotors on actually do the job themselves with spoons? I realized after reading the responses that it's possible that they didn't and they just assume that you don't have to remove the rotors because you don't with most bikes.

If I do have to remove anything, it should be just one front rotor. I only need access on one side, of course. The funny thing is the factory shop manual says to throw away the rotor bolts and replace them if you remove a rotor. I don't see why that would be necessary but, if it is, and if I do have to remove a front rotor, I want to have new bolts on hand before I start the job.

Anyway, I'd like to hear from people who have remove the tires with spoons. Did you have to remove at least one front rotor?
 
I've replaced the front with spoons. It is possible, to do without removing the rotors. Sometimes you have to get creative with the angle of the spoons, or your fingers will bleed. Don't ask how I know that.
Removing the rear is best done with a reciprocating saw. Be careful not to scar the rim.
 
It costs me $100 to do my rear tyre and I have to sign a waiver due to it being a car tyre, but only $50 for a front tyre. It's a scam, especially if I rode in with a car tyre fitted
 
I changed mine and I did take the one rotor off just two avoid possible damage made a frame out off 4x4 lumber, used four tire irons, tywraps, and plastic cut from a 5 gallon bucket lid (to protect the rim) lots of soapy water. the tywraps are the trick to getting the tire off and on with less effort. Sweating like an Hostage when I got them off. They went on much easier. When you use tywraps you take both beads off at the same time. Oh I also used used clamps to squeeze the tire as much as possible, snug all tywraps then go back and clamp them one at a time and tighten the tywraps. Use tywraps from and electrical supply house like T&B brand, much better than harbor junk brand, get the longest, fattest ones you can find.
 
I have used the tywrap method successfully a multitude of times. I have not removed the rotors. So far the only tires I have not changed myself are the rears on my VN2000 and the R3R. They are way too big to do by hand. I have attached a video. Use lots of slippery soap and have fun.


www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-PD48uGl4o

 
Since I have access to a great shop with great mechanics I trust (these guys do all kinds of stuff, include full engine rebuilds on cars and other machinery as well, and they all ride) I just take mine in and have it done. A skilled worker is worth the compensation, they earn it. And they're not unreasonable on cost either. I have all the gear necessary to dismount the wheels (lift, etc) and have taken them off just to get at them better to do a machine polish of the aluminium, but I'd rather let the shop do tires and balancing.
 
There is no job I would not tackle on the R3 except for tires . $100 is steep , but a price I would begrudgingly pay for peace of mind at 140mph if I could find no where trustworthy and cheaper ! That said , I would imagine one of the hardest jobs with fitting your own tires would be breaking the bead from the rim ?
One member here , @BigNorm put up a great post a while back entitled I believe , Redneck Beadbreaker ? In which he described with pictures how he overcame the issues you may encounter whilst removing and fitting a new front tyre .Good luck !
 
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