Removing the wheels on the 2014 Valkyrie for new tires - almost a disaster

In this video I lift the Valkyrie to remove the wheels and the whole process almost ends in tears !

[@formegolf]

Good evening, sir. I just have to tell you my experience and what I do to secure my motorcycles. I am just like you very paranoid about them. Falling are use 4 x 4 blocks and 2 x 8 blocks. I make sure I secure all four sides front and back just like you do and I use straps just like you do but the thing that I do differently is use 4 x 4 blocks 12 inches high and they are amazing. Strong can hold 2 tons so it put my mind at ease. Just wanted to share this with you sir. You do a great job. I love your attention to detail and you do not do anything unless it’s done right I respect that, cheers!

[@true-moto-resto]

thanks !

[@flexjay87]

Really nice example of a Honda flat 6 !

[@true-moto-resto]

Yea, she's a beauty, smooth as butter

[@crupert23225]

Glad to finally see another Valk video! I was of the identical mindset this summer. My black 2014 Valk only has 3500 miles on it with original rubber that still had good tread, but people had been pestering me to get new tires for the entire three years I've owned it. I kept thinking I may as well get some more ride out of them, but this year I went on the longest ride of my life, and I felt I had better get new tires beforehand. After an exhaustive search and analysis of all the options, I finally settled on some bias ply Metzeler ME-888's. The Battlecruise model seems to be a popular option based on conversations in our forum. Funny how all the tire models differ so significantly in their tread designs. I wish there were a site where you could load various tires and compare all the various factors of every tire from load rating to speed to wet riding to cornering, etc. Hope you'll post on the forum and let us know how you like the new shoes. Sure wish I had your tools, garage and skills!

[@true-moto-resto]

Yes sir, I am posting on the F6C forum. So far I really like the new tires!!

[@talegunner40]

What a nightmare ........ setting up for disaster ! Next time get yourself a 1"x1" square tubing abou10" long ,put it on the rear lift plate of that bike jack, On the front lift plate get two 1/2" thick wood slats about4" long each ,leave about 2" gap between them. Slide jack under bike (works easier with side stand on a short piece of 2x4) you will see a nice flat place between coolant tank & center stand lugs. This is where the 1"x1" tubing will sit . The two wood slats will sit on either side of engine case. It will lift smooth & stable with just the bike jack.........

[@true-moto-resto]

Cheers

[@catman1050]

That was the most complicated wheel install I have ever seen. No wonder dealers charge so much. I just replaced rear tire last week. Can't remember how long it took front wheel as I did it a while back, but rear wheel replacement took approximately 2 minutes from the time I took it out of truck and placed beside bike. I have an ATV winch in my garage with an overhead snatch block. I used 2 soft straps around passenger grab handles and winch to lift bike up for wheel removal and same for replacement. I should have taken a pic, lol.

[@true-moto-resto]

It was a pain, it was sketchy at best. Next time I’ll do them one at a time . Too dangerous to be honest , though other Valk owners have less issues using a home made engine cradle

[@straightchad8059]

Seems as complicated as building an oil rig 😲

[@true-moto-resto]

Oil rigs are far simpler I think

[@grebermuncie3904]

In all my years of wrenching at the dealership changing hundreds of tires, a lot of those on fully loaded wings and sport bikes with no centerstand (this was back in the day before aftermarket front and rear bike stands), we never tried to take off both wheels at once. It was always one at a time. Just too risky. I guess if you're taking the wheels somewhere to get the tires changed, I get why you might try it. Smart move on the tires. My Honda 4x4 multi-purpose tractor has weird size Ohtsu tires only available through Honda. Fifteen years ago, the front tires cost me over $200 each.

[@true-moto-resto]

Yea, my original plan was one at a time , but given I was transporting them 1 hour round trip to get them done, and other guys have done this with success, I figured I’d give it a go.

[@harley1035]

What a process that was! Just a thought but any chance of maybe strapping from above like from steel rafters or trusses? Connecting large I bolts and heavy duty straps? 🤷‍♂️

[@true-moto-resto]

I have a hoist/ engine crane I considered using, but so many have used the jacks that I figured it would be easy….Not

[@harley1035]

@@true-moto-resto that’s a great bike. Hope you ride it and enjoy it.

[@true-moto-resto]

@@harley1035​​⁠ I’m loving it Don, It had 4,000 km on it when I Got this year , now at almost 8000. It’s beautiful to ride !

[@brucesantacory1390]

i ran the Metzler ME888 ran good

[@true-moto-resto]

You could get a front and rear in that tire ? I had to go bias ply (runs/ rides great) as the only radial pair available in OEM size are Dunlops and only from the dealer at $1200 CAD for a set !!

[@iccus62]

Do rhey not come with an engine cradle for lifting?

[@true-moto-resto]

Nope, wish they did, many guys make their own or buy a Center stand off a gold wing (which also requires changing an exhaust silencer)

[@kostaskatsipis8439]

thank you for your video i m on the way to bye a bike like yours and i m in doubt about the tires cause of the difficulty of the options after all what kind of tires did you put and in what sizes? how do you see it with this new tires? working correctly? thank you

[@true-moto-resto]

I got Bridgestone battle cruise tires. They’re bias ply but have the same rating as the dunlops . They ride awesome !

[@kostaskatsipis8439]

@true-moto-resto thank you Same size as original Dunlop?

[@true-moto-resto]

@@kostaskatsipis8439I think they were the same.

[@dougmoore224]

Hmmmm......just do one wheel at a time.....why so complicated.....my grandmother who is 94 lifts one end of the bike while i remove the tire.....

[@true-moto-resto]

Yes, the only reason it’s complicated here is because I wanted 2 wheels off at the same time . I live in the middle of nowhere a long way from a place to do tires, 2 round trips for tires wasn’t desirable. If your grandmother is available to help me next time, I’d happily take her help.

[@rogernegley8016]

Why make a video on something when you're not sure how to do it yourself or are you only looking to make money.REALLY

[@true-moto-resto]

No Roger, I don't make money off this, just a hobby. Hope people can learn from my mistakes. Have a nice day.