Where I spent the weekend

[sixlow]

garage floor under 2 Valks, can't hardly move right now and the back spasms have me worried about work this week, but I loved it, lots accomplished and some observations to share.
I couldn't see selling the standard with the taxi tire, to each his own, I like the CT, but you know the first thing somebody does with a new bike is take it up over 100mph, so I didn't want to be responsible for that, so I decided to swap wheels over to my Tourer N Teal (TNT), "she's dynamite", and she has the Belly Tank, let me tell you what a PIA it is to change the rear with the tank holding up the swing arm, I had to remove final drive and pull it all out together. The reassembly was a trick and thanks to a quick call to Bert let me know the final drive shaft is keyed to go on only one way, It took me about 20 little turns of the shaft to line it up right to slide in, all while balancing the tire/rim and final drive in my left hand. Ya, Super human strength was needed. Not only that but the swing arm rests so high it was even a struggle to get the shocks back on, having to compress them ever so slightly maybe half an inch was no fun. Getting the bag rails to line up was another test of patience. I see how the standard with Leatherlike bags are so much quicker and easier to work on now, but the end product of a tourer is worth it I think. So now I had the 01 rim on rear, one must now do the front, hell while at it check those forks on Teal that bottomed out on driveway apron, the right fork had about 6 to 8 ounces in it and the left had what seemed to be the required amount, 32 ounces recovered total from both forks. The fork seals had been done by a Honda dealer by previous owner somewhere near Bonita Springs. The proper amount of new 15w oil added to those forks and swapped them as well to the standard to keep my new progressive springs with the taxi tire set up, it really gives the bike a more commanding feel, sits higher front and back and is just what these long legs need to be comfy.

I also got to remount those driving lights on TNT with some 3 piece chrome mounts from Amazon about $14 each.
TNT is in show room condition right now and after a short 20 mile test ride she feels great, that big bike feel I wanted.

[sixlow]

oh and the speedometer cable end cracked in 3 pieces as I was cleaning the gunk off it, some super glue was able to piece it together again, they are brittle !

[John Schmidt]

Only one time have I jacked my bike nearly 2' in the air to change a tire. Having upwards of 800 lbs. up in the air like that isn't necessary, and scary. Whip the bags off, remove the rear half of the fender, raise the lift enough to get the wheel 2-3" off the floor and put a floor jack under the swingarm. Take the tension off the shocks and remove the bottom end(I usually remove them completely). With the shocks loose or off, the floor jack will raise/lower the swingarm as needed to pull the axle. Then slide the wheel to the left and roll it out.

To install it, I use a piece of 4x2 about 4" long as a fulcrum. Get a piece of 3x1, roll the wheel in place and lift with the board, hold it with your knee while having both hands free to engage the splines. I usually have the axle started and will shove it clear through, allowing me to slide the wheel in completely. Once engaged, pull the axle enough to insert the spacer and rear brake setup. As for putting the driveshaft back in, put the bike in gear. I have it in gear for installing both the wheel and driveshaft. You do less fishing for insertion that way. All the above doesn't require any lifting of the wheel, just roll it out, then roll back in and raise with a board as described.

I realize it's a bit more involved with the I/S, but wouldn't be if you did the Super Valk mod so you can pull the trunk in 2-3 minutes. 

[flsix]

Sounds like you have found yourself a hobby Mike.

[Bert AKA,Valkaholic]

Good Job ! I Would Have Helped You But I Was Nursing A Tweaked Back With Muscle Spasms Since Saturday Morning.
 Ride Safe.

[MelbourneDan]

Looks like you had a blast!

Dan

[sixlow]

Thanks John, I will practice these work smarter not harder techniques of yours, my arms hurtin. I do enjoy this hobby, either riding or wrenchi :cooldude:n and chrome polishin. It's all good. 
I hope everybody feels better .  Back spasms will put ya down.