I'd like to know how to lift the front to remove both tyres. I have floor jacks that i can use either under A arms or center frame. I am dropping the Kenda's and going with Continental contiprocontact 175/55/15 and excited about the handling improvement
I have two floor jacks only and will be removing both wheels at the same time. I suspect with that equipment I should be able to have the machine more stable with jacking each side up.
Are there any of those places around that allow you to rent tools for the day?
Something like "Rent-A-Center"?
It's probably better to lift the bike from it's belly, and just use your jacks under the A-arms to steady it a bit...
Put a piece of wood or 3/4 " plywood on the jack plate and under the A-Arm,
Originally Posted by papanorm
I have two floor jacks only and will be removing both wheels at the same time. I suspect with that equipment I should be able to have the machine more stable with jacking each side up.
FIRST: Make sure parking brake is set. NEXT: Break loose lug nuts while still on the ground. A 13/16" thin wall spark plug socket works wonderfully.
Then jack it up one side at a time until the tire is free, and make sure jacks are stable. Support with blocks if leaving for a time.
Remove lug nuts and wheels and take them to have the tires swapped out. Take a look at the brake pads if you're over 10,000 miles. My fronts lasted over 20,000 miles.
Inspect / Clean / replace wheels and lightly seat lugs. Return to the ground and torque evenly to 75-80 ft/lbs
Last edited by AeroPilot; 03-16-2017 at 03:29 PM.
Reason: 13/16
That sounds like the best way to go for what tools I have. I know that some hydraulic jacks don't hold after a while and blocks may be needed. I have jack stands as well. but don't need to lift too high for this so won't be using them. Appreciate the good advice.
All the great movements in the world began with a cup of coffee!
2018 F3-T
My mods: Can am Trailer hitch, USB and 12 volt power outlets, Gustason windshield, Bead rider seat cushion, battery harness for electric gear and battery tender, Time out trailer.
HeliBars Handlebars
Brake rubber removed to lower pedal for easier long leg/Size 15 EEEEW boot access.
Ikon (Aussie) shocks all round.
Russell Daylong seat 2” taller than stock (in Sunbrella for Aussie heat & water resistance)
Goodyear Duragrip 165/60 fronts (18psi) - provides extra 1/2” ground clearance.
Kenda Kanine rear.
2021 RT Limited , Brake pedal rubber removed for ease of accessing pedal with size 15 boots. Red
What pressure are you running in your Conti's-Thanks
18psi
All the great movements in the world began with a cup of coffee!
2018 F3-T
My mods: Can am Trailer hitch, USB and 12 volt power outlets, Gustason windshield, Bead rider seat cushion, battery harness for electric gear and battery tender, Time out trailer.
I remember you saying that when you changed your fronts - just one more challenge
Lol.......it's not really a challenge once you know about it and realise that you aren't doing something wrong.......it's the rear axle (I know you are doing the fronts) that creates a real problem though. I had to buy a 10' breaker bar, climb to the top of my 18' ladder and jump down very accurately on to the bar to loosen the bolt. I then had to repair all the cracks in my concrete floor from the resultant crater that was left, and explain to the police why the Bureau of Seismology had recorded a force 7 earthquake at my address. But it's alright now !
I am looking forward to meeting Finless Bob one day, as he managed to remove his axle bolts with a standard spanner. He MUST have 54" biceps
HeliBars Handlebars
Brake rubber removed to lower pedal for easier long leg/Size 15 EEEEW boot access.
Ikon (Aussie) shocks all round.
Russell Daylong seat 2” taller than stock (in Sunbrella for Aussie heat & water resistance)
Goodyear Duragrip 165/60 fronts (18psi) - provides extra 1/2” ground clearance.
Kenda Kanine rear.
2021 RT Limited , Brake pedal rubber removed for ease of accessing pedal with size 15 boots. Red
Follow up
I invested in the Craftsman aluminum atv/motorcycle jack and am very pleased with the outcome. I took all of the great advice shared and enjoyed a very easy job getting the wheels on and off. I had the tyre shop mount the Conti's in 175/55/15 and brought them back for a non-eventful install.
The new tyres transformed the bike into a much better, smoother, more delightful handling machine. They are confidence inspiring in the curves and love the result. BTW, the tyre guy said the tyres that came off were crap)