Triumphrat

GrayMitchell · 02-23-2007, 08:27 PM

I was headed to Charleston, SC yesterday. Its about a 275 mile trip. While on one strech of really desolate road, I noticed the rear end got real squishy. Looked back and yep, flat rear.
Luckily I had a friend that lives about 25 miles from where I stopped. he picked me and the bike up in the truck and today I got it to a Honda dealer (no triumph dealer around). They charged me $100!!! I was pissed.

Anyway, would it be worth learning to fix a flat tire myself rather than paying someone out the Ass to do it for me. How hard is it really? Does that Fix-a-Flat stuff work with tubed tires???

-Gray

Baltobonneville · 02-23-2007, 08:31 PM

My last flat--back tire--cost $90+ to fix. And I had to take it back because the mechanic mounted the tire backwards. I think that the sprocket on the "wrong" side confused him. It was a expensive, but at that point I didn't feel like dealing with it.

CYNCRZR · 02-23-2007, 08:32 PM

Gray -

Fixaflat doesn't work, the tube usually tears.. as far as the do it yourself approach, It requires Tire Irons, rim protection, and maybe a bead breaker as the beads are quite stout.

I take my wheels to a local Indy shop, If I buy the tire from them the mouting and balance is free otherwise $25.00

$90.00 - $100.00 doesn't sound unreasonable, they had to remove the rear wheel, fix or replace the tube, and re-install the rear wheel.

Next time remove the wheel yourself. easy if you have a center-stand or bike lift. Save 2/3 the cost right there.

[ This message was edited by: CYNCRZR on 2007-02-23 18:34 ]

CAPTDON · 02-23-2007, 10:21 PM

Mine cost me $100 @ a Honda shop as well. New tube & labor. Sometimes you gotta bite the bullet?

hkt100 · 02-23-2007, 11:04 PM

Casted tubeless wheels anyone?

GrayMitchell · 02-24-2007, 12:16 AM

Anybody know if the wheels can be sealed and converted to tubeless?

-Gray

vertwrks · 02-24-2007, 12:36 AM

There is a conversion for mountain bike wheels (www.notubes.com) but not for motorbikes. I have used it on my mtn bike for years, guess the same technology would work. Kinda messy though, uses something like "slime" to seal the micro holes in the tire.

Changing the tube is not really that hard, I had a flat a few months back and broke out the tire irons and once the new tube was in hand it took less than 30 minutes. Just be carefull not to damage the chrome. I cut up a thin cutting board sheet and placed the peices between the tire iron and rim. You will need three irons to do the job. Another set of hands helps and don't forget to unseat the tire on both sides all the way around. Use some soapy water and do it.

Oh yeah, be careful to noto pinch the tube, then again they only cost about $12.

GrayMitchell · 02-24-2007, 10:17 AM

Could someone please give me the rundown of the tools i'd need to change a tube on the road...I dont have a centerstand, so i'm guessing it would be pretty tricky.

-Thanks

LT · 02-24-2007, 10:44 AM

Quote:

On 2007-02-23 22:16, GrayMitchell wrote:
Anybody know if the wheels can be sealed and converted to tubeless?

Ran into a fellow at Barber on a spoke-wheel Tiger. He sealed his spoke nipples with Goop, installed a stem, had 5000 miles with no problems. Said he cleaned rim real good, 2 applications of Goop letting it dry overnight between coats. Someone else (I think on BA.com) used silicone caulk. Only thing is, seal may be broken when truing wheels.

CYNCRZR · 02-24-2007, 12:18 PM

Fixing a flat on the road without a center stand, pretty tough!

You need a 8mm, 19mm, and 24mm wrenches or sockets.
3 tires irons, something to break the bead with, a bead breaker or large C clamp, soapy water & either a patch kit or new tube.

On a road trip, I'd use Visa, even with a center stand takin all them tools along would hinder the experience for me.

Buchanan's in so-cal has a process to seal spoked wheels so you can go tubeless, I have a buddy who's done it.