My new rear tire install

[Saddletramp]

For you more experienced FJR owners you can disregard this thread but for those interested, today was the first time I removed the rear wheel & driveline on my bike by myself. I bought my '05 in the fall of '04 and have racked up a mere 14,728 miles. Before flaming my low miles, keep in mind that I have three other street bikes that I also crave my riding attention.

I ordered my third rear tire, second Avon, from my local Yamaha dealer after talking them into an INTERNET comparable price of $125.00. They hit me for a mere $25 for the installation & balance since it was off of the bike.

The rear wheel was a breeze to take off. I followed FJRtech's advise and put the center stand on a 3/4" board to help in getting the rear tire under the rear fender. I took the driveline apart, cleaned the splines & smeared them with Honda Moly 60 paste prior to the re-installation. I had the previous rear Avon installed last FJR "tech-day" at Sunnyside, so of course, they had also inspected & lubed the splines. That was 9,100 miles ago. The splines still looked like new & had retained a fair amount of grease on them. There was no sign of rust or wear.

The wheel slid back on so easily I was shocked. Well designed machinery is very rewarding to work on!

Now my FJR is ready to roll again & best of all, I have a better understanding of how she goes together!

 

[Mike-H]

Nice report Saddletramp....should help alleviate any newbies few on taking off the rear wheel.... k: :nyam:

 

[rogdeb]

Thanks saddletramp,

This is something I have to get into one day. I'm always afraid I'll be stuck with something I cannot fix after I remove it.

A better understanding is a good thing after all.

 

[SkooterG]

Well done Saddletramp. Everyone has to start somewhere. Before my FJR, I used to take my bikes to the dealer even for oil changes! Well, due to riding a lot more miles and the abundance of resources online, I was able start doing some of my own stuff. I am by no means one of the technical gurus around here, but with Warchild's and other's help, I have learned to do a lot, including changing my own tires. Never thought I would see the day that would occurr.

Keep up the good work. The more you try, the more confidence you build, making it easier to try new things.

 

[Saddletramp]

I forgot the funny part!

After I had reinstalled the rear tire & spline I decided since the bike was still on the centerstand I should start the engine, put the bike in gear to see if any parts would fly off & to make sure the tire rotated the right direction. I know I know, I'm a detail freak!

My wife had just stepped into our garage to view my progress as I started the engine. When I put the bike in gear & released the clutch, there was a horrible "clunk" sound & the engine died. I about filled my britches because I knew I had assembled something wrong. I reached down & spun the tire, all seemed normal, I put the bike in gear & could feel the resistance of the engine. So I tried it the second time..same result. My bike was ruined! CRAP!

Once I regained my composure & could think clearly, I realized the sidestand was down! :huh:

When I stared it the third time, with the sidestand up, the rear tire spun as smooth as a used car salesman's dribble!

Gawd, sometimes I'm a real dork! :dribble:

 

[wheatonFJR]

Thanks Saddletramp and other FJR owners AND those that have contributed to FJRTech writeups.

I have seen yamaholic put on a TBS techday in INDY along with lubing the drive splines.

I have had a local FJR owner -onedriver- put together a harness and install Magnum Blaster horns on MY bike.

I have had Smitty and others install and/or balance my tires and show me how it's done.

Yamaholic sold me a stock rear shock for minuscule fee and install it.

I have had people invite me to rides and show me the BEST roads...

Because of people on this board I have had a great time riding and meeting people and learned a few things along the way.

I even did the wheel/tire removal and drive spline lube recently...this coming from a guy who previously may not have always known which end of the screwdriver to hold

In short, I LOVE this board.

You stick around here and the other FJR sites referenced here and you MAY learn a thing or two...