Let's see those bikes

After seeing more tw's in one plot of land at the racetrack since they rolled out of the factory, these things are great. It's either a tw or a scooter for next year to put on a hitch carrier for the race weekend and it would probably be useful for the FHC gtg's as well. It all depends on whether my wife will want to get a MC license or just get the 50cc no mc license scooter.

 

Not been super pleased with the rear that came with my dirtbike. Have fresh tube and a new tool inbound for the changeout. Kept with stock size. Bought a Trakmaster 90/10 DOT tire a while back for a song knowing this day would come. Took a spin in the yard and goosed for a wheelie but got spin instead on damp grass. Time for a new one.

Hoping not to have to fight, I bought one of these fancy doodads...



*supposed to work like this

 

Interesting tool...never seen that one before.
He did a nice job mounting that tire...the only thing additional that I always do is to put baby/talcum powder on the tube and in the tire...it helps keep the tube from pinching itself...that, and then also inflating/deflating the tube a few times before the final inflate and setting of the operating pressure. This helps the tube fully unfurl itself without any folds that will often cause a pinch (leak) the baby powder just lets the tube move against itself/the tire easier.

 

It's the cheapie knock off of the original Baja design. Just hoping that the fall through style of axle sleeve doesn't incumber on the cheap one. I'm prepared to use some gaffer tape to mitigate. Seems 90% + find these to be good tools going by the reviews. My coworker perked up quickly when I mentioned one to tell me about his experience which was very positive aparently.

 

Today was the day. Novice tire changer day. Approached with caution, watched some tutorials for tips. Used natural rubber 2mm tube.

It took me longer to get here



Than it did to get here



Because of this tool. Seriously...if you change your own tires do yourself a HUGE favor and drop a hundred bucks on one.





Other tools used

x2

x1

x1

 

Oh also used my custom tire changing stand that is an old grease keg with some scrap air hose around top rim to prevent marring.

 

There's a good idea!

 

I cant take credit as I got it from someone else, the idea. Better than a 5gal bucket, not as good as an actual stand. Good enough for who it's for.

 

Yes, the ole grease drum is a good idea...but I'm spoiled, used to all the "proper" tools, and don't have much patience for "making do", when I know how easy, and fast it can be using said tools.
Good to see you don't have double rim locks...those are a "good time" (especially with a stiff tire)

 

Cut a couple 3-4 holes at the bottom for your toes to fit, to be able to hold it down and I can't see it not working as well as a boughten stand. 30gal drum?

 

120# grease keg. The 30 gallon plastic drums I've been around would be too large of center diameter I think. Assume the metal ones would be of similar dimensions. Toe holes might be a good idea that I didn't think of. What I'd really like is a center post with hold down. That's where the store bought units have advantage over what I got. Could probably jimmy up something but honestly for no more than I will use it (famous last words) wouldn't be worth the extra toil. Do plan to change out front tire also to see if it is reason front end feels washy sometimes. (possibly my jankish suspender situation causing it).

 

If I had to do them more often I would be looking at something like this.

 

Rode to work one day this week. Can’t help but to gawk at it all day.

 

An old buddy sent me this pic Saturday. "Finally made it back." 536 is a pretty short highway, but locally known as 'the baby dragon's tail'. Lots of curves and probably 400-500 foot of elevation change. It's over east on the Ohio river a bit north of me. Around ten years ago my buddy and a few others all made the ride to go check this road out. Had a great time until the below pic sender's father in law went down on his Burgman. First real corner got him. He came away bruised up but ok. Burgman was in a bad way. He was following a Super Moto and didn't realize that he couldn't take corners as fast as.

 

You've probably been on 555? That one is kinda fun too... I've always heard it referred to as "Ohio's tail of the dragon"

 

My 'home road'. I never rode it a ton, so much good stuff around it also. It's about an hour or so to get from the start down to the river. Nice rest area about a mile west on rt 7 when you get down there...not a whole lot else going on in the area. It is for sure a challenging highway. It's one of the older ones in the State, so when built they weren't able to avoid/remove terrain, making for a very charismatic route. I've noticed it has started to gain popularity as a destination for both bikes and cars. I'm happy to see it, but sad that my County and Town are not embracing it and promoting it more. We could use a nice tourist destination. It's south of town, so won't add any clutter there. A dream rest of life for me would see me as a hotel operator catering to the folks who come to ride and drive it.

My old stomping grounds. Spoiled no doubt by the local availability of juicy twisties. I've been on everything highlighted in yellow and a bunch of the secondaries. Truly great riding in this area.



Here's a little clip from my documentation phase. (mute, sound is horrid)

 

I got on that triple nickel while driving for my old employer. Very nice indeed. The only complaint was the car I drove. ‘05ish Taurus (tour-a55).

 

It's not all great. Last couple of times I rode it there was a 6-8 mile section of chip seal. I was flabberghasted...chip seal...on a State Route? Been a few years so maybe they went ahead with asphalt. Some sections are better than others for 'spirited riding', but it will mostly keep you on your toes for the entire length. Lots and lots of blinds. Up near the north end, there are a few straights that are over 1/2 mile long sequentially. Allegedly, I ran a car up over 140 there back in the day. The only stick in the mud is that there are almost no amenities. And by amenities I mean even gas stations. Very rural area excepting the little town of Chesterhill, which is just a few blocks deep. Can get fuel and food there though. I remember once the contrast of seeing Amish haystacks with a cell/radio tower in background while riding.

This one is an absolute gem for a sportbike. Most any of the two lanes that are connected to 555 are going to be fun to ride. 676 is probably my second favorite road that I've found here. 25 miles or so.