A running list of my own stupidities (warning: longish rant)

[Hmar]

So, I got the seedometer fixed! I bent the ring with the prongs pretty good, as well as the metal collar that holds it in the tire. Had to take them both out and staighten them (used the bench vise)
This concludes the damage I did inflating a tire.

[3Phase]

So, I got the seedometer fixed!

Nice mod! I presume you will soon be reaping the benefits?

[barrelguy]

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading through this post as I will be replacing tires this winter. Hmar - could you please replace your rear tire and post your successes with that venture? Armed with all that information, a passable tool kit and very little talent I should have as much fun as you did!

[Hmar]

Well, I don't really have the nerve to go after the rear tire unless I have to, but I can give you Hmar's patented repair guide for anything, free of charge!

All repairs begin by taking the (engine, axle, wheel, blender etc etc) apart. Once you identify the piece that needs replacing or adjusting, replace or adjust that piece. Put everything back together. Examine the pile of leftover parts, to see if something looks important. Check for leaks. Realize that yes, that part was important, and that you spent about 3 hours longer than planned on this project. Put all the parts someplace safe (in the middle of a walkway is always good) and go drink yourself into a stupor, which will help you approach the problem with a fresh perspective the next day.
Return to the broken whatever. Realize that you have no better insights than yesterday, just a splitting headache. Call Dave (Your gearhead friend may not be named Dave, but I am pretty sure they all are)
Tell Dave everything you have done. Hang up. Dave will cal you back when he is done laughing. He will than tell you that he is a Ford/Harley/Toaster guy, but will make some calls and see if he can figure out what you have done. Post your problem to the apporpriate website.
Dave will show up, tell you you have really destroyed it, drink the rest of your beer and leave. Now it is time to open the repair manual and read all about your problem. Now, following those steps, redo all of the work you screwed up yesterday, after finding where all those extra parts scattered to. If it still does not work, look for answers to your post on the internet. now, drive/ride/make a smoothie and go to bed.

Hope this helps

[Lbrown311]

I remember my first repair on my XS's front tire. I had both tires off with the bike on the center stand and tied up to the rafters in my garage. Was a site for eyes to behold. Posted pics on FB and my friends were like..."WTF happened to your bike, it was in one piece the last time I saw it". Turns out I had a few more things off then just the front and rear tires. ie: tank, carbs, tires, drive shaft, seat, side covers, brakes, exhaust. Ya know....things of that nature. I also take all my pics of my bike where I stash all my junk in the alley... Wife LOVES IT!!!

[LoHo]

And for what it is worth, the order of putting things back onto the fronnt forks/tires does make a difference. I did it the way I thought was right, scared myself on a short ride, then followed the manual step by step to get it working better than ever.

When in doubt, read the instructions.

Something else I have paid dearly to learn: Modern outdrives don't work the same as 60s outboards, for those with boats.

[fredintoon]

- - - Something else I have paid dearly to learn: Modern outdrives don't work the same as 60s outboards, for those with boats.

Hi LoHo,
sounds like an interesting story, share it, eh?