Considering everything involved, it isn't that hard. As long as you have a motorcycle jack and a torque wrench, the only thing else is time. I had a problem with balancing my bike on the jack, but solved this with, you ready, a patio block that was cut in half that was left over from a yard project.
Worked beautifully.
My only suggestion is that with the back tire off, change your brake pads at the same time. Mine were close to the end anyway.
I'll post the pictures when I get finished, as I mounted the tire to the bike last night, and am off to get brake pads today.
The tire search is a story in itself.
As for the tire, I bought a goodyear assurance 205/60/16. I was looking hard to find which tire to get, Cooper Zeon, Altima, and the others are all good tires for the money. My problem was in finding a tire locally in my small town, no tire franchises, only garages.
During my search, and knowing all of the owners, one took my out back and said take a look. The Goodyear that I found was 85% tread if not more. It was one of the tires that was on the other side of an accident that needed two tires replaced, so the guy did all four.
Anyway, with the job scene the way it is and money tight, I bought it, but his machine was an older one, and eats aluminum wheels for lunch. Paid $20.00
for the tire, took it and the bike wheel with me and went to a buddy's bike shop to get the mounting tools.
When I was looking into getting the bike fixed at a dealership, I was told that nobody would mount a car tire on a MC rim, liability as only one reason, tire purchase is another.
My buddy had never mounted one, and there are liability issues. I was going to get the tire irons and wheel protectors, and do it myself.
Wouldn't you know that one of his mechanics walked over and said that he would try it, the guy is good. Anyway $40.00 later, it was mounted, glued, and balanced.
I had to sign off road only statements to cover my buddy's backside for insurance reasons and that mine was the only one that he would mount, out of friendship.
I am going to go to the strip and get a time slip withit to cover his backside, besides, I ate Harleys with my old tire, and expect better traction with this one, so better times.
The only reason it is not finished is that I have to get the brake pads. The rim nuts are simple, and if you are unsure of doing the job on the bike, 1 allen nut and an electrical plug are all that are in your way if you had to take saddle bags off like I did, the two fender bolts that are being modified are the only thing else holding the fender on.
The tire looks wicked on the back!!!! I can't wait to try out my $60.00 tire change! That versus a new Avon for $300.00 plus installing. My wife said that it was a cheap cost to try the "Darkside" to see if I want to stay Darkside, or go with a MC tire. True for the cost, as to going away from the "Darkside"! What a joke.
