Hey guys,
After starting this topic and receiving your recommendations on changing the tires of my 2012 concours, I started by changing my mind on the type of tires… Poseidon mentioned the Pirelli Angel GT, made some search and decided to buy them instead of the Michelin. “fartmarty” gave us a very comprehensive set of instructions that served me as a great guide for my project.
Let me start with the best advice from “fartmarty”:
If you are struggling and sweating...take a break. Watch some Youtube tire changing videos or something.I did exactly that, in fact several times! the whole project took me 4 days; several trips to different stores to buy and/or change supplies such as paint, tools, bolts and whatnot!
Based on the videos from Windy Urtnowski about using “Gorilla” tape to install the new tires, I proceeded to implement the process, and after a few attempts following every instruction from the video on the rear tire, I decided most definitely that “I hate Windy”!!!!!
I had to change the plan, and using the Motion-Pro tire bead breakers, with the rim protectors; very good tools indeed, if you know how to use them! I had to paint the edge of the rim three times before the tire was installed! I learned the hard way, that you really must know how to use the tools.
Once the tire was out and the rim free and clean, I took a look at the TPMS, it was broken and had to do some plastic welding and use some ciano-acrylate. I also watched this very good video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTXTz2pBzR4I have the same low battery and rear tire pressure until the bike heats up, then it works perfectly. Most probably will have to change the battery by winter time, whenever it’s too cold for riding. I will then revisit the process again. Also, for whomever is interested, this link would help a lot in order to find the right battery for this kind of work:
https://console5.com/store/panasonic-cr2032-3v-lithium-battery-with-solder-tabs-pins.html When I was waiting for the paint to dry, took some time to work on the tap of the transmission oil deposit that the previous owner damaged with a flat screwdriver. Eliminate the black paint, polish the cap and with the help of my son using the “cricut” machine from my wife, painted green “K” on it…I think it came out rather nice!
Time for the front wheel, as you all know, after going through some of the problems of the rear tire. I tried to find a 13/16 “ spark plug socket that would allow me to use my extension to loose the 22mm front axle nut, but all what is available in the market has an rounded smaller inside, that does fit the tools. I had to improvise and found a car wheel nut and a 22mm socket for my wrench, this made the job!
Problem was that when starting to undo the two bolts on the right leg of the fork, I discover they were really loose, and that got me really worried! Looking at the tire wear profile it was even more evident, and I wonder if the forks are working properly:
When mounting the new tire, and using the gorilla tape method, I came to love Windy Urtnowski again…it worked like a charm! This time the TPMS is in good condition and thanks to the recommendation from “fartmarty” to place a big mark where the valve is, there were no problems with it. I even took the opportunity to clean the brake pads very well. There is one problem with the screws that hold the calipers, they are worn out and I must find replacements very soon…does anyone know how to get them?
I imagine that just as the rest of you when finishing some mod, I am very satisfied with the final state of my bike, and can’t wait for tomorrow’s ride… let’s see how it goes!