so this is kind of a retarded question, but i just ordered a new rear tire for my bike and i'm wondering what exactly is the difference between changing a motorcycle tire and a car tire? i'd love to just bring it in to work and change it using our tire changer, but is a motorcycle tire changer a different machine altogether? or will it work just the same?

 

The principles the same, break the bead etc, but have to carefull cos, wheel is painted, and you have the brake disc to worry about.
But hey, your probably going to be more careful than some of the bikes shops anyway, they have butcherd my wheels more than once over the years. Also the wheel will have to be balanced. All shops that I've been to, do this off the bike. Not like a car tyre (or tire as you guys spell it) that are done with em on. But that part is relatively easy. Take one broom, stick it through tyre, make sure it's supported properly, give it a spin and away you go. If your used to doing that sort of thing in the shop, then chances are you have any eye for it.

But consider that, if you take the wheel off yourself, then it's going to cost you less taking to the biko's to have it done, and a lot of good shops only charge you for the tyre anyway.