ATV/Motorcycle Tire Bead Breaker recommendations

[frankd]

Hoping to get some suggestions on a good quality bead breaker for ATV and motorcycle tires. I've tried the Harbor Freight bead breaker and it was useless on my ATV tires. The whole frame just bent as I was trying to break the bead. I ended up just laying the tire on its side, putting a 2x10 up against it to make a ramp and then just driving on it with my truck. I have used the No-Mar tire changing tool for my sportbike tires and love that tool... but not interested in spending $600+ and also don't really have the space for a tool like that (and don't change tires often enough).
I found a tool called the BeadBuster that seems to be pretty well built and has good reviews. Wondering if anyone has used it. My only concern with that tool is that it looks like it could potentially scratch the wheels (although it says it doesn't).
Black widow has a more conventional looking bead breaker that has decent reviews. And there's a bunch of stuff on amazon at varying price points.

For those that change your own tires, have you found a good tool quality tool that will work well and not damage painted rims? Hoping to spend less than $200-$250.

These are the 2 that I've been considering:

https://beadbuster.com/

Tire Bead Breaker

Tire Bead Breaker

www.blackwidowpro.com

 

[mdim]

I have a BeadBuster XB-450 that I'm really happy with. Have done a couple ATV tires with it so far without trouble. Runs about $120 on Amazon.

BeadBuster XB-450 Motorcycle Bead Breaker

The original bead breaker, the BeadBuster XB-450 is made for the home mechanic and trail rider. Change your tires at home or on the go with this useful tool.

beadbuster.com

 

[Brent T]

I use the BeadBuster as well with good results. Mine's an XB-550 that I've used to change several sets of tires on my Jeep since most tire shops won't touch my beadlock wheels. I've never tried it on ATV or MC tires, but I wouldn't be afraid to. Shouldn't damage the wheels as there's a plastic rim protector on the BeadBuster to protect where it touches the wheel.

 

[frankd]

Thanks for the replies. Leaning towards the beadbuster. I like that it's compact so I can just keep it in my toolbox

 

[kngelv]

I like the Beadbuster since you can bring it with you. As long as you have a cordless impact you are good to go wherever you are riding.

James

 

[Busted Knucles]

I use a big C-Clamp with no damage or issues

 

[Newell33]

The BeadBuster is the way to go when dealing with ATV tires. I've run into some tires that seemed welded to the wheels, and those lever style breakers wouldn't have budged them. I started with the XB-450, but ended up upgrading to the XB-454 Pro after an issue with the threads on the 450. The 454 Pro is made of Chrome-Moly. Customer service was great, and upgraded me for the difference in price from one to another. The owner of the company actually called and explained that I was probably not getting the tool in place properly. He was probably right. I've changed a lot of tires with the 454 Pro since, and have had great luck with it.

 

[frankd]

I ended up going with the Beadbuster XB-450 and it worked amazingly well. I was concerned about some of the negative reviews but read the instructions, watched the instructional videos, and it worked like a charm!

...but then I was reminded about why I said I'd never change my own tires again. Spooning the tires on an off was such a pain in the ***. And been struggling with ratchet straps to try and get the tires to hold air.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The biggest problem with ATV/utility wheels and tires is holding the wheel in a fixed position when you are working the tire irons/levers. The simple solution is to drill a 1/2" hole through the center of your work bench. Feed a really long carriage bolt or all-thread up. You will need some spacers blocks with center holes to get the rim and tire up off the bench. A 1/2" nut and a piece of steel will clamp it to the blocks.

Spend the money and get some small Ken Tools tire irons. Your grandchildren will go nuts trying to figure out what they were used for.

 

[theoldwizard1]

...but then I was reminded about why I said I'd never change my own tires again. Spooning the tires on an off was such a pain in the ***.

IMHO, it is about 1/3 tools (including lube), 1/3 technique and 1/3 muscle. Less muscle once you have done it multiple times.

 

[oldmxracer]

I ended up going with the Beadbuster XB-450 and it worked amazingly well. I was concerned about some of the negative reviews but read the instructions, watched the instructional videos, and it worked like a charm!

...but then I was reminded about why I said I'd never change my own tires again. Spooning the tires on an off was such a pain in the ***. And been struggling with ratchet straps to try and get the tires to hold air.

Spooning is not a problem with the correct tools and experience. To help getting the tire on the bead buy one of these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017S44ARO/?tag=atomicindus08-20 Valve core removed makes a big change.

 

[frankd]

Spooning is not a problem with the correct tools and experience. To help getting the tire on the bead buy one of these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017S44ARO/?tag=atomicindus08-20 Valve core removed makes a big change.

I did take the core out but the front tires were pretty deformed (from packaging I assume) I I had to use the ratchet strap method to close up any giant gaping holes between the rim and tire.
Of course it got easier by the 4th tire but at that point I was pretty much done