Changing tyres

I figured it was time for a bit of practice in preparation for the Slovenia trip so I rolled up my sleeves and changed the tyres on the GS from part worn TKC80s to the original Battlewings that came with the bike. It was definitely a very useful experience. I learnt for instance that the tool kit I have been carrying is missing a couple of items that are needed for tyre changing. Notably a third tyre lever – one of my long steel ones. The two alloy ones I bought do a pretty good job but I needed the extra leverage this afternoon – owning perhaps to a question of experience but also my hand which is still painful. I also used a 13mm open ended spanner to adjust the chain tensioner bolt/nut and this size of spanner was not in my kit except as a ring spanner on one end of an alloy tyre lever.

In removing the rear wheel I found that in practice it was unnecessary to slacken off the chain tensioner adjusters as there was sufficient play to remove the wheel without slackening them. I learnt that a bit of lubricant makes the job much easier and that KY jelly does the job very well. Not a lot is needed so a smallish tube of it is sufficient. I noticed a bit of a tear in the inner tube close to the valve stem. I don’t know if I was responsible for this or someone else. However, the tyre did hold pressure OK. I pumped it up using my new cyclepump for which I soldered up a connection enabling me to use a battery connected fly lead usually used for my heated jacket.

At the last service with South London Mottorad, the rear wheel bearings were replaced as they had started to collapse – great for ony 5000 miles! I asked SLM to carefully check the front wheel bearings as I wanted to be sure they would be OK for the Slovenia trip. SLM told nme they were fine. However, on removing the front wheel it was clear they had not removed the wheel themselves and I could feel a distinct roughness in the bearings which also felt as though there was no grease in them. I am very disappointed in SLM – things have gone downhill since the takeover. However, I am coming to value Mark Holden more and more – he is a super guy to do business with and really knows his stuff. As an independent, he s also a lot cheaper than the BMW dealerships! Mark will be replacing the front wheel bearings for me and altough it won’t be paid for under warranty, I am confident I’ll get a better job and we’ll use SKF bearings rather than some no-name Taiwanese things.