Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Front tire flat; how to remove and reinstall?

I went out to ride, today, and found the front tire is completely flat. It was fine when I put it up two days ago after a few hunred mile ride (total).

Since the bike is in my garage and I only have a two-door car, I need to remove the front wheel to take it to get mounted and balanced. Then, I will have to reinstall it.

Anyone have a picture tutorial on "how to"? Or tips?

I have spoke wheels with tubes in Metzler tires. I plan to just replace the tubes unless the tires is greatly messed up.

I don't suppose you have a centre stand fitted Cory?

No, that would make it easy.....

A centrestand would certainly come in handy if you don't have a bike lift.
The following Text is an extract from a BA/SM W/Shop Manual
Let's hope I'm not breaking any copywrite laws?

FRONTWHEEL Removal - America
WARNING: Before starting work, ensure
the motorcycle is stabilised and
adequately supported. This will help prevent it
from falling and causing injury to the operator or
damage to the motorcycle.
1. Support the motorcycle so that the front wheel is
clear of the ground.
NOTE: Provided that the front of the motorcycle is
raised sufficiently ,it is not necessaryto remove
the front brake caliper to remove the wheel.
2. Remove the front wheel spindle bolt.
3. Slacken the wheel spindle clamp (allen) bolts on both
forks.
4. Support he wheel and withdraw the spindle.
5. Manoeuvre the wheel out from the forks collecting
the speedometer drive as you do so.
6. Recover the spacer from the right side of the hub.
7. (My bit) Take front wheel with the flat tyre to the dealer to get fixed or tyre & tube replaced.
8. Good luck.

#1 as to JQ's list, but you got to jacker up/\. Do you have a SkilSaw? And a 2x4 you can hack into 10" lengths? You could block up the frame. Your load focal point is right in front of the filter and across the frame as to raise the front and leave the back on the ground. The safest and sturdiest way to block is with wood, build to elevation by an alternating square pattern, you need exactly twice the cut pieces to reach the needed elevation and one extra this method. Once built, muscle the bike on or build a simple incline and drive far enough up you can slide your blocking in, roll back a few inches and be set. You might screw this together, it becomes slidable as a unit and way easier to set in place, save it for next time. BTW, move the load point directly behind the O. Filt. and the rear is up. Keep in mind that you need to raise the bike enough to install an inflated tire, might as well only jack it up once.

You guys forgot to disconnect the battery.

Ryk's idea is a good one. I also use a homemade lift. Just lay it down under the bike, stick a pipe through the hole for a lever and tip the block up, which in turn lifts the bike.

Being as you don't have a lift, you might re-inflate the front tire and ride it to the shop. The wood lift won't get your front wheel high enough to remove the wheel from under the fender. So if you do use the wood lift you'll have to remove the fender too.

As far as replacing the tube, do insure that the tire puncture is clean and that the belts show no sign of de-lamination. Most tire shops won't do what you want. However, if they do, at least have them use one of those vulcanizing cap plugs on the tire carcass. (these have a mushroom head on the inside of the tire that gets vulcanized to the tire and a tail that gets pulled through the hole.)

An aside: What is the cause of the flat? Can you see anything in the tire? Have you checked the valve-stem valve to ensure it is fully seated?

P.S.: You'll need a torque wrench when re-installing the front wheel.