Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 How do you change the front tires?

For all of you that have changed the front tires, where did you get it done? Did you do it yourself?

I suspect the splined hub might present problems since the standard motorcycle has an axle shaft hole, just asking.

Both my punctures were fixed by using a regular tyre changing machine. I don’t recall any issues,,, but not tried bike tyre levers myself. Probably ought to as the punctures were likely down to inner spoke interference (see Phil’s note at http://www.bleazey.co.uk/M3W.html#TUBE )

After trawling around I found a tyre fitter who had an attachment for his tyre fitting machine for splined hubs.
Many are wary of touching spoked wheels, fearing damage.
I have found not many fitters in the UK will touch splined hubs and spokes so its worth doing some research in advance for when you need one in a hurry.

Have had various tyre fitters do the balancing either with their adaptor cones or mine but have had better results by manually balancing them myself on the hub with the brake pads whipped out to let the wheel spin freely.
Also, having changed the tyres myself a couple of times I'll just continue to do it that way. Surprisingly easy to get them on and off, nothing like how difficult even a modern bike radial is, you don't even need a bead breaker to start the job.

A good set of levers and some little slips of leather to prevent paint damage. I could do a full set of instructions if you need them - let me know. Do be aware of my experience detailed here - www.bleazey.co.uk/M3W.html#TUBE

Do a full inspection of the tubes while they are inflated - even if you are dumping them for new ones. I think this is an important safety issue.
Good luck,
Phil

PS. Don't worry too much about balancing, these wheels are narrow and so a static balance, on the vehicle, is all they need. If one side of the wheel continually runs round to the bottom add or remove adhesive weights to stop it but it won't matter which side.

Lightspeed ,

I’ve also had my front tubes changed over to rally tubes - improved rubber strength!

I’ll let you know how it works out !

Chris

Any competent motorcycle shop can do the job. Most will have the adapters to fit the hub then bubble balancing afterwards takes care of the rest. I brought the tires and tubes and was only charged $70 for both! They gave the old Blockley tubes back to me as, 9 years later, they're still in very good shape. It took all of 45 minutes.

The biggest issue on tubed tires in pinching the tube. What I have found is IF I purchase an extra tube I do not pinch on install, but if I do NOT buy and extra tube I will always pinch on install.

BTW "the china shop a.k.a. harbor freight has longer tire irons than the traditional shorter mc tire irons.

Thanks guys, it appears that Talk Morgan has come through admirably 👍

Phil, the photos and the suggestions will come in handy as well as the others suggestions on tubes and balancing.

It appears that popping off the tire, and replacing it, using spoons and a bubble balance should be sufficient. And the “China shop” will be contacted😊

Great info and thanks again.

Stephen