So, now that I got the rear tire removed from the bike, I started checking on places that work on motorcycle tires.
I f'ing hate New Mexico.
Checked with two motorcycle shops. One wanted $25 per tire to replace the tire valves. Another place was better. Only $19.75 per tire. WTF? Replacing a tire valve takes like two minutes per tire. Tire valves cost shops (who buy in bulk) like a quarter each.
None of the tire shops anywhere near me work on motorcycle tires. They say they don't have the right equipment. It takes the same damn equipment as car tires! So, true. They lack the right equipment but not the equipment they're referring to!!
Pep Boys sells motorcycle tires..but they don't mount them on the rims.
I decided I will not give in to such highway robbery or incompetence. This evening, I drove over to Harbor Freight and bought a bead breaker. Got home, it went together in like 5-6 minutes. Then I was able to break the bead all the way around one side of the tire in about a minute.
Then I got tired and hungry. Had to cook dinner, feed the dog, fill the hummingbird feeders and eat my own dinner.
I'll install the new valve tomorrow.
The bead breaker did cost $50. The same as doing both tire valves at one shop, more than the other. However, it means I won't have to pay more in the future if I replace the tires or valves. I can order new tires and have them delivered much cheaper than buying locally. It can be used for car tires, also.
I could have done this without the special tool. I have a tire tool. However, there is the risk of ripping the tire or injuring myself. I've been known to be very innovative for such things. Like jacking up a vehicle, using a tool or piece of lumber and lowering the vehicle on the tire. However, that kind of thing is highly dangerous. Seen tires shoot out from under the vehicle. Tires are strong and flexible. Tire irons are known to bounce back if you lose your grip and can come back with enough force to break your skull and even kill you. That's why tire shops use special tools. Since I currently have it, I'd rather spend the money and be safe.
I had my voice back enough to work the phones today. It wasn't all that easy but I made it through the day. By the end of the day my voice was stronger. However, I think when my voice comes back completely, I have the feeling my voice may be as much as a full chord lower than before. If my voice gets much lower it will be below the range of human hearing! They'll have to measure my voice by seismology. My voice is already deep enough to sound like someone twice my size.
Okay, I need to finish dinner, take a bath and get to bed.
I f'ing hate New Mexico.
Checked with two motorcycle shops. One wanted $25 per tire to replace the tire valves. Another place was better. Only $19.75 per tire. WTF? Replacing a tire valve takes like two minutes per tire. Tire valves cost shops (who buy in bulk) like a quarter each.
None of the tire shops anywhere near me work on motorcycle tires. They say they don't have the right equipment. It takes the same damn equipment as car tires! So, true. They lack the right equipment but not the equipment they're referring to!!
Pep Boys sells motorcycle tires..but they don't mount them on the rims.
I decided I will not give in to such highway robbery or incompetence. This evening, I drove over to Harbor Freight and bought a bead breaker. Got home, it went together in like 5-6 minutes. Then I was able to break the bead all the way around one side of the tire in about a minute.
Then I got tired and hungry. Had to cook dinner, feed the dog, fill the hummingbird feeders and eat my own dinner.
I'll install the new valve tomorrow.
The bead breaker did cost $50. The same as doing both tire valves at one shop, more than the other. However, it means I won't have to pay more in the future if I replace the tires or valves. I can order new tires and have them delivered much cheaper than buying locally. It can be used for car tires, also.
I could have done this without the special tool. I have a tire tool. However, there is the risk of ripping the tire or injuring myself. I've been known to be very innovative for such things. Like jacking up a vehicle, using a tool or piece of lumber and lowering the vehicle on the tire. However, that kind of thing is highly dangerous. Seen tires shoot out from under the vehicle. Tires are strong and flexible. Tire irons are known to bounce back if you lose your grip and can come back with enough force to break your skull and even kill you. That's why tire shops use special tools. Since I currently have it, I'd rather spend the money and be safe.
I had my voice back enough to work the phones today. It wasn't all that easy but I made it through the day. By the end of the day my voice was stronger. However, I think when my voice comes back completely, I have the feeling my voice may be as much as a full chord lower than before. If my voice gets much lower it will be below the range of human hearing! They'll have to measure my voice by seismology. My voice is already deep enough to sound like someone twice my size.
Okay, I need to finish dinner, take a bath and get to bed.
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