Reviews By Carter Hayes June 10, 2026 11 min read

ROTATION 11.5 Inch Tire Spoon Lever Kit Review: 5-Piece Motorcycle Tire Changing Tool Set

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ROTATION 11.5 Inch Tire Spoon Kit Review

By TubeTyre Editorial Team · Reviewed for accuracy · Last updated July 2026

Changing small tires by hand can save money, but the wrong lever can scratch a rim, pinch a tube, or make the job harder than it needs to be. The ROTATION 11.5 inch tire spoon kit is a compact 5-piece hand-tool set made for occasional tire changes on motorcycles, dirt bikes, scooters, ATVs, lawn mowers, garden tractors, bikes, and similar smaller tire jobs. This review helps you decide whether the three-spoon setup gives you enough leverage for your garage or trail kit. It is useful and budget-friendly, but it still requires good technique, tire lube, and careful rim protection.

Quick Verdict

Rating: 8.3/10, recommended with caveats

Best For: DIY riders and homeowners who need a compact tire spoon set for occasional small-tire work.

Bottom Line: The ROTATION TC 18117-B kit gives you three steel-iron 11.5 inch spoons and two rim protectors in a small package. It is a practical starter set for small tires, but the rim protectors are the weak point and tubed tires need extra care.

Check Price on Amazon →

[Products Worth Considering]

ROTATION 11.5 Inch Tire Spoon Kit


ROTATION 11.5 Inch Tire Spoon Kit

Key Specs

Specification Detail
Brand ROTATION
Manufacturer Rotation
Model / Part Number TC 18117-B
ASIN B0BJXKKSD5
Product type Manual tire spoon lever iron tool kit
Set size 5-piece set
Included pieces 3 tire spoons and 2 rim protectors
Spoon length 11.5 inches
Spoon material Hardened Steel-Iron, according to the Amazon listing
Rim protector material Polypropylene, according to the Amazon listing
Handle design Ergonomic, non-slip handle shape listed for better hand control
Item weight 1.48 pounds
Package dimensions 12.32 x 2.68 x 1.69 inches
Listed uses Motorcycles, bikes, dirt bikes, ATVs, lawn mowers, garden tractors, cars, and similar tire jobs
Available size options 1pc, 5pc set, and 6pc set options appear on the Amazon listing
Package note Compact paper box packaging, based on the listing description
Amazon rating at review time 4.6 out of 5 from 941 ratings
Safety note Manual tire spoons need correct bead technique, rim protection, tire lubricant, and extra care around inner tubes.

What Is the ROTATION TC 18117-B Tire Spoon Kit?

The ROTATION TC 18117-B is a manual tire changing kit built around three 11.5 inch steel-iron spoons. Each spoon is shaped to work under the tire bead so you can pry the bead over the rim without a powered tire changer.

The 5-piece set also includes two polypropylene rim protectors. Those protectors are meant to reduce scratches while you lever the bead, but buyer feedback suggests they may not be strong enough for repeated high-force use. The kit is best viewed as a compact starter set for small tires, not a replacement for a shop tire machine or a full tire service setup.

Who Should Buy It?

Best For

  • Motorcycle and dirt bike owners who do occasional tire work at home
  • Lawn mower, garden tractor, scooter, ATV, and bike owners who work on smaller tires
  • Riders who want a compact support-kit tool for trips, events, or garage backup

Skip If

  • You expect the speed, control, or low effort of a professional tire machine
  • You often work on stiff truck, large SUV, low-profile, or heavy-duty tires
  • You want premium rim protectors or a very shallow spoon profile for frequent tubed-tire installs

Before You Buy: This kit gives you tire spoons and two rim protectors, but it does not include a bead breaker, tire lubricant, valve tools, or replacement tubes. Plan for those items if your tire job needs them.

Key Features

  • Three 11.5 inch spoons: You can hold one part of the bead in place while using another spoon to move the next section over the rim.
  • Curved spoon ends: The spoon shape helps you get under the tire bead and pry it over the rim in small steps.
  • Hardened Steel-Iron build: The spoons are stronger than plastic emergency levers and better suited to repeated hand pressure.
  • Two rim protectors: The included polypropylene protectors help reduce rim scratches, but they may wear faster than heavier aftermarket protectors.
  • Compact size: The 12.32 inch package length makes the kit easy to store in a toolbox, garage cabinet, trailer, or support bag.

Why You Choose Chart

Feature-by-Feature Review

Materials and Build Quality

The main strength of this kit is the hardened Steel-Iron spoon construction. For smaller tires, that gives you more confidence than short plastic tire levers, especially when the bead needs steady pressure.

The spoons are still only 11.5 inches long. That makes them portable and easier to store, but it also means you get less leverage than a 14.5 inch or 15 inch spoon. For stubborn beads, the shorter length can require more patience and better technique.

Leverage and Control

Three spoons are more useful than a two-lever setup because you can anchor one section of bead while working the next section around the rim. This is helpful on dirt bike, scooter, mower, and small ATV tires where you need steady progress rather than one big pry.

The listed non-slip handle design is also useful because tire work often involves lubricant, dirt, and hand pressure. Still, you should avoid forcing the spoon too far at once. Small bites around the bead are safer for the rim and tube.

Rim Protectors

The two polypropylene rim protectors are a helpful inclusion, especially if you are learning and want a basic barrier between the spoon and the wheel. They make the kit more complete out of the box than a spoon-only set.

The tradeoff is durability. Buyer feedback points to the protectors as the weak part of the kit, with some users saying they can tear under force. If your wheel finish matters, use thicker separate protectors or add extra protection before you start.

Fit and Compatibility

The Amazon listing names motorcycles, bikes, dirt bikes, ATVs, lawn mowers, garden tractors, cars, and other vehicle types. In real use, this tool size makes the most sense for smaller tires and occasional DIY jobs.

For stiff automotive tires, truck tires, large SUV tires, and heavy-duty tire work, longer levers or a proper tire machine will usually be easier and safer. The ROTATION kit can help with many home-garage jobs, but it should not be your only plan for difficult beads.

Storage and Portability

At 1.48 pounds with compact packaging, this kit is easy to keep on a garage shelf, in a trailer toolbox, or with dirt bike support gear. The 11.5 inch spoon length is short enough for storage but still long enough to offer useful leverage for small tires.

It is not a complete trail repair setup by itself. If you want to carry it for rides, pair it with the correct tube or plug supplies, valve tools, compact air source, gloves, and lubricant suitable for your tire type.

Pro Tip: Before using the spoons, fully deflate the tire, break the bead first, lubricate the bead, and keep the opposite side of the tire pushed into the rim center. That reduces force and lowers the risk of rim damage or tube pinching.

How It Performs in Real Use

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For Dirt Bike and Motorcycle Tires

For many dirt bike and smaller motorcycle tire jobs, the three-spoon layout gives you enough control to work around the rim slowly. You can use one spoon to hold the bead while using the other two to advance around the tire.

The main caution is tube safety. If your tire has an inner tube, keep the spoon tip shallow and use small movements so you do not trap the tube between the spoon and rim.

For Lawn Mower and Garden Tractor Tires

This kit can be useful for mower and garden tractor tires because those jobs often happen at home and do not always justify a shop visit. The compact spoons are easy to grab for occasional garage repairs.

Old, dry, or stiff tires may still fight you. Tire lubricant and proper bead breaking matter more than raw force, especially when the rim is painted or already scratched.

For ATV, Scooter, and Small Utility Tires

ATV, scooter, and small utility tires are a good match when the bead is not extremely stiff. The 11.5 inch length gives you manageable leverage without making the tool bulky.

If the tire has a tight bead or a wide rim lip, you may want longer spoons or extra rim protectors. Forcing a short lever too hard can bend parts, scratch the wheel, or make the job unsafe.

For Travel, Events, or Backup Use

The small package is one of the biggest benefits if you want a backup tire tool in a trailer, support vehicle, or riding kit. It is easier to store than a long tire iron set and weighs less than many larger tools.

For trail-side use, test the kit at home first. You do not want to learn bead technique for the first time in the dirt, in bad weather, or with limited tools.

How to Use It Correctly

Start by removing all air from the tire and breaking the bead before you touch the spoons. A spoon is for moving the bead over the rim, not for replacing a bead breaker on a stuck tire.

Use tire lubricant and work in small sections. Keep the opposite side of the bead down in the rim center because that creates slack on the side you are prying. If you ignore this step, even a good spoon can feel too short.

For tubed tires, add only enough air to give the tube shape before installation, then keep the tube away from the spoon tip. After the tire is seated, check the bead and tube position before final inflation.

Compatibility and Safety Notes

The ROTATION kit touches wheels, tire beads, and, on tubed setups, the area near the inner tube. That makes technique more important than speed. Wear gloves, protect the rim, use a stable work surface, and stop if the tire requires unsafe force.

The included rim protectors are useful but basic. If you are working on painted, polished, or expensive rims, add better protection before you pry. For cars, stiff sidewalls, large tires, or safety-critical wheel work, consider professional service or heavier tools.

What Buyers Are Saying

Customer Feedback Snapshot

Based on visible Amazon customer reviews at review time, the ROTATION kit is consistently well-reviewed for smaller tire jobs, but the feedback is not perfect.

  • Praise: Several reviewers say the spoons work well for dirt bike, scooter, lawn tractor, and other smaller tire jobs.
  • Praise: Buyers often mention good leverage, sturdy feel, smooth finish, and useful grip for hand tire changes.
  • Watch-out: Some reviewers say the rim protectors tear easily, and one warns that the spoon shape can pinch tubes during installation if you are not careful.

Sentiment Analysis Chart

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Three 11.5 inch spoons let you hold and advance the bead in small steps
  • Hardened Steel-Iron spoons are stronger than many plastic emergency levers
  • Compact 1.48 pound kit stores easily in a garage, toolbox, trailer, or riding support bag
  • Two rim protectors are included, so you get basic wheel protection in the package
  • Good match for occasional small-tire jobs on dirt bikes, scooters, mowers, ATVs, and similar equipment

Cons

  • Included rim protectors may tear or wear quickly under heavy force
  • Manual tire changes still require bead technique, tire lubricant, patience, and physical effort
  • Tubed tires need extra care because a spoon can pinch the tube during installation

Check Current Price →

Is It Worth the Price?

The ROTATION 11.5 inch tire spoon kit is best understood as a budget-friendly hand-tool set for occasional DIY use. You get three steel-iron spoons, two rim protectors, and a compact size that works well for a garage shelf or small support kit.

It is worth considering if you need basic tire spoons for dirt bikes, scooters, mower tires, garden tractors, bikes, ATVs, and similar jobs. It is not the best fit if you do frequent tire changes, work on expensive rims, or need maximum leverage for stiff automotive tires.

The strongest value is for buyers who want a simple first kit and are willing to learn proper tire-changing technique. If you already know you will change tires often, spending more on longer spoons and better rim protectors may make sense.

How It Compares to Alternatives

Compared with longer options like the NEIKO 20601A 14.5 inch Steel Tire Spoons Tool Set or the Dr.Roc 14.5 inch Tire Spoon Lever Iron Tool Kit, the ROTATION kit is easier to store but gives you less leverage. Longer spoons can help with tougher beads, but they take more space and may be less convenient for a compact support bag.

Compared with another compact option like the Asooll 11.5 inch Tire Spoons Kit, the ROTATION set is a similar small-tire choice. The main reason to choose ROTATION is the simple 5-piece layout if you want three spoons and basic rim protection without a larger accessory bundle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you change tires yourself with the ROTATION 11.5 inch tire spoon kit?

Yes, you can use this kit for many small-tire jobs if you understand the process. You still need to deflate the tire, break the bead, use lubricant, protect the rim, and work around the bead in small steps.

What vehicles is this kit best for?

It is best for motorcycles, dirt bikes, scooters, bikes, ATVs, lawn mowers, garden tractors, and similar smaller tire jobs. The listing also names cars, but stiff automotive tires may need longer levers or professional equipment.

Are the 11.5 inch spoons long enough?

They are long enough for many smaller tires, especially when you use proper bead technique. For stiff beads, larger tires, or frequent shop-style work, 14.5 inch or longer spoons can provide more leverage.

Are the included rim protectors good enough?

They are useful for basic scratch protection, but they are not the strongest part of the kit. If you are working on polished, painted, or expensive rims, use thicker separate protectors or add extra protection.

Is this kit safe for tubed tires?

It can be used on tubed tires, but you need to be careful. Use small bites with the spoon, keep the tube away from the lever tip, and check tube position before final inflation.

Does the kit include everything needed for a tire change?

No. The 5-piece set includes three tire spoons and two rim protectors. You may still need a bead breaker, tire lubricant, valve tools, air source, replacement tube, patches, or other supplies depending on the job.

What is the most common mistake with tire spoons?

The most common mistake is trying to pry too much bead at once. Keep the opposite bead in the rim center, use lubricant, and move around the tire in small sections instead of forcing one large lift.

Who should skip the ROTATION tire spoon kit?

Skip it if you need a shop-level tire changer, work mostly on stiff truck or large SUV tires, or want premium rim protectors included. It is better for occasional DIY small-tire work than for heavy-duty or high-volume tire service.

The Bottom Line

The ROTATION 11.5 inch tire spoon kit is a practical starter set for occasional DIY tire work on motorcycles, dirt bikes, scooters, mowers, ATVs, bikes, garden tractors, and other smaller tires. Its main strengths are the three steel-iron spoons, compact size, and useful leverage for small jobs, while its main limits are the basic rim protectors and the care required with tubed tires.

Buy it if you want an affordable, easy-to-store hand-tool kit and you are willing to use proper technique. Skip it if you need maximum leverage, frequent shop use, or stronger wheel protection right out of the box.

Ready to Buy?

Check the latest price and product details before you decide.

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Carter Hayes

Carter Hayes

Author

Carter Hayes is the founder and lead automotive editor of TubeTyre, an online resource focused on tyre reviews, buying guides, and practical automotive maintenance. With more than ten years of experience in the automotive field, Carter guides the site’s editorial strategy and review process. His work centers on making tyre and vehicle-care information easier for everyday drivers to understand, while maintaining a strong focus on testing standards and editorial trust.

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