Well, the new Motion Pro Bead Breakers showed up today, so I thought I would give them a go on that stubborn rear tire. I didn't hold out much hope, since the safety beads on the rim are pretty wide, but it was worth a shot. The breakers normally cost 55 bucks at most places, but I had a 30 dollar rebate at Rocky Mountain ATV burning a hole at in my pocket, so it was worth a shot.
These levers are stout and LONG. Made from high grade steel and 16 inches long, they provide a ton of leverage and have normal levers at the opposite end of the tools. The two levers lock together and pry the bead of the tire away from the rim.
I was pretty impressed with the tool. Not only was it easy to use, it actually did the job! They made short work of both sides of the tires beads. On the first side. I used a block of wood to hold the tires bead off the rim, but on the second side I didn't even bother. The tool did the job easily.
Once the bead was broken on both sides, it was easy enough to use my shorter levers to pry the tire off the rim. Although, it is tough to get that heavy duty tube out!
Those safety beads are an inch wide. What a pain
Then I got the wheel mounted on my truing stand and gave it a quick true. It wasn't too bad out of round or true. Still, I got a chance to use my new spoke wrench and the stand, which made me happy.
Then it was time to do my favorite thing in the world...clean the bike again. I have the motorcycle version of dish pan hands. Stuff was really dirty to start out with. Keep in mind, I have washed the bike 6-7 times at this point, so I am astonished that I am still finding crud....Also, that rock in the middle left side of the picture fell out when I dropped the wheel. I wonder if Clay (the previous owner) will want that back as a memento? I have quite a collection of rocks at this point. Also, don't tell my wife, but that's her toothbrush. I don't think she'll notice all the extra grease on it.
So, a bucket of hot water, some brushes, green pads and some degreaser with a little elbow grease gave me
That's it for the first cleaning. Once it dries off, I will go back and hit all the stubborn crud. Then I can finish up cleaning that caliper, mount the tire and reassemble the back end of the bike. Then it will be on to the engine. I still need to order my new fuel injectors and install the rest of my new parts. At the moment, my jobs list has been holding steady. I am finally making progress doing the actual tune up, though I have just started that. Anyhow, a short days work, but worthwhile for sure. I need to get to the liquor store, my wife has run out of tequila again. Once this project is over, she'll stop drinking as much, but it will get worse before it get's better....
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