Training the next generation this morning
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That is awesome! Cool dad score modifier 2x points!
We could not afford such luxury when I was growing up, so I settled to riding my 20” wheeled / 5 speed bicycle like MotoGP as a kid.
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I bought that about 2 days after my wife told me she was pregnant lol.
He still cant touch the floor and hes 3 and a half now.
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Got to get some of our 3D printing designers to come up with some miniature lowering links!
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I have built some shorter dog bones already to lower it, but unfortunately the front forks are only droppable by about 2 inches which makes it pretty hard riding and unstable. Plus daddy cant fold his legs up enough to ride it.
I’m happy enough for now, he is riding. Good enough for the time being. Its very good fun.
Have any of you gents changed your own tires?
Looks like mine are about done and since I have to go wheels off for the brakes…why not tackle both?
Local dealer is still closed anyway. Watched some videos on it as well, doesn’t look too challenging. And yes, that including simple balancing too.
I owned a tyre and repair garage wes, anything you need to know I’m happy to help
YOU NEED TO BE VERY GENTLE WITH YOUR RIMS. I cannot stress that enough.
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I am not a strong man, my “rough” is likely another’s gentle haha!
This was the video I have watched:
And it appears I can get those same rim protectors & tires irons - as we as a similar balance stand.
What do you think of that process?
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Seems fine, only thing i would suggest is that if you fold up pieces of rag you can use that instead of rim protectors. They are handy but seriously not the end of the world. Save a couple of bucks and the rag takes a little bit of the force off the wheels as well as it’s a bit spongy compared to hard plastic or rubber.
If you have the technique correct you dont need massive levers either. Smaller the lever the less damaged the rim. Use loads of diluted washing up liquid as a lubricant to take them off and use it neat to put them on but only round the beads.
Take the valve core (if you have a tool) out when you are inflating them the first time. It allows the air to rush in (and out!) Faster and seat the beads better.
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Yes, I need to get a core puller!
Would the width not aid on the bars - spread the load and less chance to bend the lip of the rim?
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I meant the length. Width doesn’t honestly make a great deal of difference except when you have to slot it in the gap on the last bit of fitting when it’s gone a bit tight. But again if its properly lubricated and in the correct position it wont cause a problem
Golden rule. If it seems like its it’s too tight to fit or you are using too much force you are 100% doing something wrong. Back it off a bit and reposition.
Once you’ve done it once its incredibly simple to do. Its just practise and patience. I’ve done everything from wheelbarrow to 110 ton dump trucks with forklifts holding the wheels and tyres upright. They are all the same.
Lots of lube. Lever not too far into the rim and far enough that it wont slip out. Slow and steady and take tiny bites of the tyre. Lever, move 10/15 degrees and take another little bite. Repeat.
So far all I have done is bicycle tires, haha.
Alright sounds good.
This is one thing about having a smaller bike that I am liking (as I ponder future upgrades) - is that it seems entirely manageable versus say, a large cruiser’s rear wheel.
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Honestly, it really doesn’t make a difference they are all the same, it’s all technique.
I got so proficient at doing wheelbarrow and small trailer tyres that I didn’t need a lever, just bare hands to put them together.
It’s really nerve wracking working on your own bike, but very rewarding.
Seriously, if you want to video chat while you are doing them I really dont mind talking you through it and keeping an eye on you. This is one of those rare occasions where I actually know what I’m talking about lol.
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That would be brilliant - I’ll keep you posted.
I still have to order tires and tools. I have Shinko SR740/SR741’s mounted now - going to try a set of Michelin Pilot Street Radials I think this time around.
110/70/17 Front and 130/70/17 Rear (OEM size).
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I’ve always had pirelli super corsa BSBs on my GSXR but Michelin are good tyres (I used to work for them)
Dont forget to think about the valves and their age as well. If they are more than about 3years old change them as well. You don’t need any special tools if they are normal rubber ones. Just cut them out, lubricate the new ones and pull them through the hole as hard as you can.
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To be honest I don’t know how old the valves are. I’ll have to take a closer look at the rubber and see how aged it looks.
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Bend them slightly, look at the base, if the rubber is even remotely cracked just change them, its literally a few pennies each. If they look ok for now just keep it in mind for next time 
There is never an instance when I would not change a valve stem if I changed the tire. Like you say @Victork2 it is literally pennies you are trying to save and they are dead easy to remove and install.
Wheels
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Not familiar Pilot Street Radials but I ran a set of Michelin Commander 2’s. They were fantastic for wear but they are scary. Hard rubber and slippery in rain or on tar snake asphalt patches. My favs are Metzeler. Ride real smooth and lots of traction. They are real soft and if you ride hard mileage will not match Michelin’s.
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