Front Wheel Removal questions

[N3FOL]

So it was Saturday afternoon and I started taking off the caliper and reflector and loosened the front axle on the ground. It took at least 30 minutes and the front wheel was off the bike. Another 20 minute drive to the dealer to have it mounted and balanced for $31 dollars. As far as my valve stem is concerned, I stayed with the rubber valve stem and that cost me an additional $2.00 dollars. I guess as long as I always request them to replace the valve stem every tire change, there should no issue of the valve stem rubber dry rotting on me.

 

Re-installation was easier and I remembered to lightly grease the front axle. All bolts were tightened to spec...oh BTW, you guys were right...after 19K + miles, my front brakes still had a lot of pads left.

 

This morning, I went for a 25 mile ride and everything feels perfect as expected. Below are some pics I'd like to share with my son as my assistant for he was the one who loosened and removed the axle for me. Ride Safe.

[V7Goose]

Glad things went well for you.

 

But even tho' it's no skin off my nose, I'm really sorry to see you went with those horrible tires. There is absolutely nothing you could buy that will make that bike handle as bad as the Brickstone Excedra tires. I'm sure you are happy with them, or you would not have bought new ones, but if you have never ridden on good tires on this bike, you can't possibly imagine how bad that decision was. I only post in the hopes that you will consider something different next time.

 

Oh well, enjoy the riding!

Goose

[N3FOL]

Hi Goose. I know very well how you feel about the Bridgestones and that is ok. It is all about preference at this point. To me, I am very happy with how the OEM brand tires handle so I did not try any other brand of tire. For $88 bucks (front tire) with free S/H, I think I got the best deal out there as far as I'm concerned.

 

Perhaps someday, I may try another brand but that decision may not come soon.

 

Regards and Ride Safe.

[V7Goose]

I agree that it is all about personal preference, but there is a huge difference between preferring something because it is the only thing you have ever tried and preferring something because you actually think it has value over other options you have experienced.

 

At the risk of further beating a dead horse, I do want to add a few other comments. There are differences in handling and wear characteristics between all different tire brands and models, and you can find riders who prefer Avon, Dunlop (404 and E3), Pirelli, Metzeler, etc., on this bike. All of those are personal preferences that I can understand.

 

But the feelings about the Brickstone Excedra tires on this bike are virtually universal - the difference between them and ANY other tire you can buy is so phenomenally HUGE that I will go out on a limb and state that I am unaware of ANYBODY who has ever actually compared the Brickstone with any other tire who doesn't totally despise the Brickstone. If they were even remotely acceptable, you would find some riders who actually prefer them in comparison to other tires, but you just do not - that is how bad they are and how significant the difference. For me, that takes a claim of being happy with them out of the realm of true personal preference.

 

My bike did come with the Brickstones. And for the first 8,000 miles I, too, debated with others who said how bad they were. I sounded much like you, telling them I thought the bike handled just fine. But that all changed when I tried something different. With actual experience comparing different tires on the same bike, I could clearly see just how unbelievably bad those tires really are.

 

OK, I'll let this rest now. Back to our previously scheduled programming . . .

Goose

[N3FOL]

I always welcome your comments, Goose. No problem on that. I understand everything you've said and I am glad to know that you are happy with your current tires, Avons. I've tried Dunlops and Metzlers previously, but not on a Venture. I still love my Bridgestones and 100% happy that I have achieved happiness everytime I ride.

 

As far as replacing my front tire is concerned, it went well with no problems at all. I hope this thread encourages another rider who has not tackled the job before. Believe me, it is so easy...just take your time and enjoy working around your bike.

[kj1961]

Can't find it on a search,but does anyone know if its possible to take off either the front or back tire just using the centre stand??I have been at shops that do not have jacks.Freebird posted great pics on doing it on a first gen,just wondering if possible on the second gen?

[Freebird]

No is the answer on the rear tire. I've never tried the front so can't say for sure but I'm going to say no to it also unless you remove the fender.

[Cougar]

To change the subject a bit , I just finely changed out my front tire after 3 years

and I always had RIDE-ON in it. I saw the tire at my dealer after he took

it off and the RIDE-ON was perfectly formed down the middle of the inside

tire and spread right to the side wall the mechanic says he had never seen

tire junk in a tire that was so easy to change and not make a huge mess.

It is also water soluble (sp?)

 

I am still to this day VERY happy with RIDE-ON I now also have it in all

our car tires as well.

 

I was also happy with the venture rider discount even buying it for my cars

[Cougar]

http://www.venturerider.org/wheel/MVC-262F.JPG

[flb_78]

Can't find it on a search,but does anyone know if its possible to take off either the front or back tire just using the centre stand??I have been at shops that do not have jacks.Freebird posted great pics on doing it on a first gen,just wondering if possible on the second gen?

 

It is possible. I've done it before.

 

To do it though, the final drive has to be removed.