Puncture repairs

[Bass]

Kinky.

So is it the lack of lube or the swearing that heats the bead up and makes it easier to get on?

Rubber actually shrinks when it's heated - so this could be the reason for the struggle.

[warewolf]

Is there a particular reason adv bikes don't have centre stands?
...
Is it just because the ground clearance is so high?

No, and No. The 640A probably has the best ground clearance in the class, and comes standard with a centre stand.

[Bass]

Is there a particular reason adv bikes don't have centre stands? I would've thought if there was an essential application, this would be it. Raise rear just with the stand normally, or put something heavy on the back seat and take the front wheel off. I can't stand not having a centre stand on a roadbike, but if I had to do tyre changes in the middle of nowhere...?

Is it just because the ground clearance is so high?

I'm pretty sure some of them DO have centre stands - just not the economy models.
I guess it could be something else to get hooked up in the scenery though.

[warewolf]

A small container of dishwashing liquid is always a good idea.

I've changed from dishwash to glass cleaner, as dishwash supposedly tends to linger and exacerbate the problem of tyres spinning on the rim. Glass cleaner evaporates away better.

ie, use your visor/goggles lens cleaner. Dual-function, always A Good Thing when travelling light. And your tyre bead will never fog again!

[ducatijim]

Is there a particular reason adv bikes don't have centre stands? I would've thought if there was an essential application, this would be it. Raise rear just with the stand normally, or put something heavy on the back seat and take the front wheel off. I can't stand not having a centre stand on a roadbike, but if I had to do tyre changes in the middle of nowhere...?

Is it just because the ground clearance is so high?

Quality 'man sized' real adv bikes do come with center stands as standard, as their manufacturers realise this is a very important part of an adv bike, they seem to be able to fit them without it seems any hanging down/sticking out catch in the scenery type issues!

God save us from Japan....no...no, too late, save us from the rest of Asia?

[Oscar]

I've changed from dishwash to glass cleaner, as dishwash supposedly tends to linger and exacerbate the problem of tyres spinning on the rim. Glass cleaner evaporates away better.

ie, use your visor/goggles lens cleaner. Dual-function, always A Good Thing when travelling light. And your tyre bead will never fog again!

THe last guy I saw changing a tyre was using shaving foam.
I didn't get around to asking why...

[Underground]

Anyone tried using KY or does it just slip off the rim when it gets wet ?

[warewolf]

We still talking about tyres??

[cobber]

I carry this 10 x 40 x 365mm wooden slat around with me - fits under paddock stand lugs. Works well on the back wheel and is stable - probably more stable than the KLR idea using the foot peg. Haven't got a solution for the front, but am motivated to try something based on a walking cane..

There was an article in Two Wheels a couple of months back about a stainless steel turnbuckle with foot. Looked neat, but my slat works for me.

I have a Kathmandu bicycle pump that fits under the bike seat. Fine for adjusting tyre pressure (e.g. going from gravel to seal) and would work (slowly) to fix a flat.

Cheers

I have welded a piece onto the front side[ with stand down] of the stand pivot area and drilled a 8mm hole thru it and the stand mount [frame], slip a 8mm pin thru to lock the stand down then with the handle bars on full right lock tie your tow rope around r/h bar and pull bike back up onto stand with front wheel off the ground , tie your rope around convenient post tree or power pole [might struggle to find these in Otago] . For rear tie onto r/h grab rail and pull towards left front on to stand to lift rear wheel off ground , tie rope off again in forward diagonal . Your wooden slat or alloy props would
probably work just as well.

[Bass]

Quality 'man sized' real adv bikes do come with center stands as standard, as their manufacturers realise this is a very important part of an adv bike :

Nah! It's cos they realise that their product is gonna be mostly bought by softies who can't manage without one.
Google 950, 990 or GS to see what I mean.

[ducatijim]

Nah! It's cos they realise that their product is gonna be mostly bought by softies who can't manage without one.
Google 950, 990 or GS to see what I mean.

I don't recall seeing YOU manage without 1 while in Oz actually.

[cobber]

I don't recall seeing YOU manage without 1 while in Oz actually.

if you really want a centre stand on your Dr650 have a look at Twistedthrottle.com in the Suzuki section .A german outfit called sw-motec make a good looking centre stand that just bolts on,itwould piece of cake to make one if thats what you want and could be bothered . but is necesary if your riding with mates.

[talbertnz]

Anyone tried using KY or does it just slip off the rim when it gets wet ?

WARNING! may have a gentle warming sensation on contact!

[ducatijim]

if you really want a centre stand on your Dr650 have a look at Twistedthrottle.com in the Suzuki section .A german outfit called sw-motec make a good looking centre stand that just bolts on,itwould piece of cake to make one if thats what you want and could be bothered . but is necesary if your riding with mates.

Sorry chum, I guess you don't know me or the history I speak of!

A wee bike like a dr does not warrant a center stand really as almost anything you may have in ur kit, or may find in the nearby scenery, will surffice to aid getting a leg up when needed!

Now, if you need to lift a leg on a 250kg bmr, well then that is going to be a differant matter altogeather isan't it? Hey,......guess wot?.......a center stand might be the go................................................ .......................

[Bass]

I don't recall seeing YOU manage without 1 while in Oz actually.

Well that's only cos I had "staff" along and didn't have to keep tearing bits off either end of my DR anyway.

Just to get this totally off topic, you do realise don't you, that the very fact that you replied, concedes that there is a point to argue?

Since you seem to have your calculator handy, what does a DR weigh wet, with a 35 litre full tank on the front and 50 odd kg of luggage and fuel on the back?

I make it around 235 kg.

So what you are saying in effect is that the difference between having a centre stand or not is about 15 kg.


Pffffft! Like I said - softie.

Oh and if we are into Oz recollections, who was it needed help to pick his bike up pretty much every time he dropped it?

The real bugger is that I actually agree that a centre stand on the big fellas is a good idea. Damn!!