New used rear wheel installed, Valerie is back ;-)

[VanCityValkyrie]

I was lucky and found a used rear wheel on ebay, located in Edmonton. Shipping was fast and it got here within 48 hours. By the thickness of the brake disc I guess this wheel has not been used for many miles. Gave it a good clean, installed the tire, put in new dampers and wheel bearings, got it balanced and installed and since Sunday evening we're back on the road again!

First things first... put the bike on the lift and took the rear wheel off, as well as the final drive and u-joint.



Gave the new wheel a little clean and got the tire installed:





Installed new dampers:





Installed new bearings on both sides and dust seal on one:







Got the tire balanced:



Took care of myself and got hydrated:



And now she's back on the road, everything seems to work fine 
Since I mostly ride solo I changed the rear and took the passenger seat, sissy bar and luggage rack off and installed a cruiser bar. I really like the look and when I need to put more luggage on or the lady wants to go for a ride, it can be changed back within 5 minutes.



And of course just after I had her back together and out of the shop I got another piece in the mail yesterday. The ECT Timing Mod will be installed on Friday.



Have a great week everyone!!!!

Christian

[Madmike]

nice job on the wheel.  How is that tire treating you?

[VanCityValkyrie]

nice job on the wheel.  How is that tire treating you?

Hi Mike,

I switched to the Darkside last year and put on a Yokohama Avid Envigor, 205 60 R16, and loved it! This season I wanted to try out an Ultra High Performance Tire and decided to go with the BF Goodrich G-Force Comp2, it's an all season tire. AAA grip rating and I just love the profile. It's a 205 55 R16, which means my rpm's are a bit higher, but I can live with that. Grip and handling are amazing and I will get the same tire again when this one is done.

[gordonv]

I didn't notice it was a car tire. Looks good when I went back.

It also looks like you have a metal valve stem. Good for that.

I can't tell from the pictures, but when you put the bearings in, did you have the metal spare in between them?

[Madmike]

Looks like a good tire. You just self balancing with wheel weights or beads??   Thanks

[Canoodle]

Jeez talk about a wrencher of note ! I'm horribly envious-are you guys all certified bike mechanics !!

[VanCityValkyrie]

I didn't notice it was a car tire. Looks good when I went back.

It also looks like you have a metal valve stem. Good for that.

I can't tell from the pictures, but when you put the bearings in, did you have the metal spare in between them?

First things I changed were the original to metal valve stems. They don't wobble around like the OEM ones and feel just safer.

Yes, the metal spacer is in 

[VanCityValkyrie]

Looks like a good tire. You just self balancing with wheel weights or beads??   Thanks

I used weights this time and will eventually also add Ride On tire sealant and balancer.
Some folks just put the Ride On or beads in, no weights at all.

[VanCityValkyrie]

Jeez talk about a wrencher of note ! I'm horribly envious-are you guys all certified bike mechanics !!

Hehe, I wish!

When I was riding in Germany I never did anything on the bike myself, I always gave it to a former BMW motorcycle mechanic who started his own shop. When I imported the bike to Canada I started doing everything by myself. I know what needs to be done, search for tips and tricks on the forums and a couple facebook groups, read everything 5 times and then get started. Working on a Valkyrie is actually quite fun and most of the usual maintenance can easily be done by yourself. Even better when you have a pair of extra hands helping.

Here's a good link for some reading on different things...
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/

[gordonv]

Looks like a good tire. You just self balancing with wheel weights or beads??   Thanks

I used weights this time and will eventually also add Ride On tire sealant and balancer.
Some folks just put the Ride On or beads in, no weights at all.

If you want beads, I buy them bulk. I pre weigh them, and usualy give them out at the Valhalla Rally. If you want some, let me know. I'll be covering for the guy in Surrey/Langley, and might be able to drop them off.

[VanCityValkyrie]

If you want beads, I buy them bulk. I pre weigh them, and usualy give them out at the Valhalla Rally. If you want some, let me know. I'll be covering for the guy in Surrey/Langley, and might be able to drop them off.
[/quote]

I am curious about the beads, never used them before. Let me know when would be best to meet...
Thanks a lot, Gordon!

[gordonv]

OK, I'm busy this weekend. Are you around during the day or weekends?


Here's a youtube on them

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq263AYgyYg

[VanCityValkyrie]

OK, I'm busy this weekend. Are you around during the day or weekends?


Here's a youtube on them

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq263AYgyYg

Hi Gordon, I'll be out for a long weekend ride this weekend and available again next week.
No rush for the beads right now but I would take some from you and test it out soon.
Cheers