top forum..!

[2kwacks]

once again thanks to "viper" for saving me £135.00 I originally orderd a rear wheel tyre prssure sensor from my local dealer after a work colleague accidently caught the sensor when removing the tyre the dealer told me, you can't just buy the "stem valve" I must buy the complete sensor but I needed it, so asked the dealer to order the full sensor at a cost £168.57 and dam but lucky enough for me that very nice member "viper" replied to my "moaning" post at my disgust, that kawasaki did not supply just the replacement stem valve. after the information "viper" supplied, I called kawasaki customer services and asked them to confirm the part number for the stem valve, then quickly phoned my dealer and told them this part was available, the dealer said he had made a mistake and would order the stem valve right away, I took my wheel in today to have replacement valve fitted and he never charge me for removing the tyre, fitting the stem valve and re-fitting the tyre and balancing the wheel I've now re-fitted the wheel and as soon as it stops bloody raining will take the gtr for a ride to make sure the sensor is reading the pressure. finger's crossed..! it was only the valve stem that was damaged and not the sensor. p.s viper.. there's a few pints with your name on if you can make the next GTR meeting

[Lonewolf]

Creep!

[100milesaway]

Kin ell!!!!!!!!   watch yer Viper    

[2kwacks]

Creep!

NOW.. NOW.. MR wolf...!!

[viper]

geee , shucks     


seriously , this is when forums are at their best, one a bunch of members can save each other money . I ve made many savings over the years being a member and always like to make a financial contribution to the running of the site, made a small one recently ( cough ** no acknowledgemnt from asif**  cough )
thanks to the guys who make it all possible at their expense 

[mecki]

Well, I had my front tire changed by my trusted dealer yesterday and when I told the guy at the service desk to remind the mechanics in the workshop to look out for the TPS  they knew all about it because they obviously had to fix some in the past and as a dealer if they break it they would have to replace it free of charge. He also told me that you can just replace the stem valve in many cases. So not all dealers are hopeless. 
It may cost me a few quid more to buy my tires and have them mounted there - ride in - ride away, but for peace of mind it is worth it.   
Those guys have to recover their cost and as long as they provide good service I'm willing to pay the price. 
BTW they didn't change the plugs and only charged me £135 for the 7500 service. 

[Kwikasfuki]

( cough ** no acknowledgemnt from asif**  cough )

Sorry, indeed you and others have. Looks like the PayPal notifications are going to spam.

[viper]

thats ok, as long as you got it 

[2kwacks]

Well, I had my front tire changed by my trusted dealer yesterday and when I told the guy at the service desk to remind the mechanics in the workshop to look out for the TPS  they knew all about it because they obviously had to fix some in the past and as a dealer if they break it they would have to replace it free of charge. He also told me that you can just replace the stem valve in many cases. So not all dealers are hopeless. 
It may cost me a few quid more to buy my tires and have them mounted there - ride in - ride away, but for peace of mind it is worth it.   
Those guys have to recover their cost and as long as they provide good service I'm willing to pay the price. 
BTW they didn't change the plugs and only charged me £135 for the 7500 service. 

that's a fair comment.. from now on, only a kawasaki dealer will be removing my tyres. if they break the sensor, they can dam well replace it or the  will it the fan

[viper]

im getting some 24inch tyre levers and rim protectors and am gonna change my own front tyre, i currently remove the wheel and do the balancing , so hell why not have a go at changing it as well

[2kwacks]

im getting some 24inch tyre levers and rim protectors and am gonna change my own front tyre, i currently remove the wheel and do the balancing , so hell why not have a go at changing it as well

what do you use as a "bead breaker" already thought of this, but I do I've excess to very expensive motorcycle tyre machines at work. but I've not change a tyre for many years, our tyre fitters do that now. so thought best to leave it to the professionals  well this time " THOUGHT"  itself.. LOL.LOL also don't fancy trying to get a 190/50 tyre over the rim with just tyre levers. I'm not saying it can't be done. but you need to ask your self... the question! for the sake of £10.00 the dealer chargers for fitting the tyre to a loose rim is it worth the it could cause you doing it your self, "the old fashion way"

[viper]

i dont see it as saving a tenner, more like saving a tyre sensor, im currently working 6 days a week and getting the tyre to someone is a hassle, so i thought id have a go , even to teach me a lesson in how hard it is, its just the front so should not be too bad



i like the challenge of learning these skills and next time im on the road of bones it may be a useful skill to have 

[Kwikasfuki]

I'm with Viper. I've often thought of doing this myself. Its a challenge

[viper]

we wouldnt be where we are today re bike maintenance if we didnt have a go , if its a PITA then i will admit so and back to plan A

[Martin#30]

I have all the kit needed to change my own tyres, and regularly do on my race bike. I bought the Abba tyre changing package (http://www.abbastands.co.uk/product_details.asp?id=38 - currently £173), but you do also need a way of getting the tyre up to about 80-90 psi to 'pop' the bead back on and re-seat. I bought a mahoosive compressor second hand. You won't be able to do this with a foot-pump, and the more common electronic garage line compressors have too much in-built safety controls to allow it to happen.

You will also need some pretty cheap consumables, tyre soap to help the bead seal, plus some wheel weights for the balancing.

Changing the tyres is physically tough, particularly on sports/touring type tyres with very stiff sidewalls. You have to really lever on the tyre levers (raising a sweat level of levering) and unless you are monumentally patient and careful, you *will* chip the paint on your rims. Super sticky track tyres are a little easier as the sidewalls have more flex.

Personally, I have a mixed opinion. I continue to change my race bike tyres myself as I change them once a month at least, and I don't mind the odd chip on my race bike wheels. For the GTR, I take it to the pros each time so the wheels stay immaculate.

Just my 2p, learned from doing 40 or so tyres over the last 3 years.

If anyone is anywhere near Wiltshire, and wants to ride over to mine at some point, happy to supply all the kit and help you do the tyre change so you can experience the fun before deciding.

Martin.