Dunlop K70 Tires

[gremlin]

RE: balance -- the tires should come with a mark (little circle) that is to be positioned at the valvestem location.

[Craig McClure]

When I was a young guy I changed my own tires exclusively, I have some nice tire tools about 20" long. But after pinching tubes a few times, I felt it was better economy to let a shop do it that had even better tools/experience + could spin balance etc. I got my tires mounted for $30. each & don't regret the cost.

[GlennF]

I had a new tube fitted to the rear last week and they only charged $30 Australia. However I took the rear wheel off myself, it would have cost more if the shop removed the wheel.

One thing to check is that the shop has left the valve stem nut loose. if you tighten it too much you will get a split in the tube the first time you let the tire pressure get too low.

[mattsz]

I can only buy 17" rim strips locally.  They stretch to match the old 19" strip pretty easily.  Any reason not to use the smaller size?

$3 for two 19" strips and $8 - $10 to ship them is a good reason to use the local ones...

[Jack Leis]

Mattsz, I use to use just plain old duct tape on my desert bikes. Works like a champ !

[bikesnob]

Mattsz, I use to use just plain old duct tape on my desert bikes. Works like a champ !

Ditto

[barenekd]

How to avoid pinching tubes. Add enough air to keep the tube from wrinkling after you have it back in the tire, before applying the tire irons! It doesn't take much air and it saves a lot of tubes.
Bare

[Ducati Scotty]

How to avoid pinching tubes. Add enough air to keep the tube from wrinkling after you have it back in the tire, before applying the tire irons! It doesn't take much air and it saves a lot of tubes.
Bare

He speaks the truth, ask me how I know

[patndhat]

Odd...my Avons are "Road Masters" not "Speed Masters" and came stock on the bike. I'm quite happy with them.

[mattsz]

Thanks for the tube tip!  I've got the awareness of pinching left over from my bicycling days!

I bought a pair of 17" rim strips anyway - just a couple of bucks from a local grump.  He says he's used the smaller size in larger rims without any trouble.  I found a site that is selling a single size rim strip that supposedly fits 17" through 19" rims, so I'm not gonna worry about it!  If I don't like the look of them, I'll consider the duct tape.

I'm really looking forward to getting those tires changed out - the rear one soon, with my swing-arm re-installation, and the front ASAP after that with my fork oil change...