cootertwo
Living Legend
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2013
- Messages
- 2,117
- Location
- Labelle Florida USA
- Ride
- 2013, & 2 05's R3R, 2006, 2004 Harley's, 2004 Kaw
OK, I was holding off on posting this until I got everything done. 2013 R3R, 2500 miles. Coming back from the post office, a couple of weeks ago, I was cruising along at about 90 mph, (60 speed limit), came up on a semi that was running about 65 or so, kicked her down to 4th, and twisted the grip. Was up to around 110/115, and as I crossed the center line, pulling back into the right lane, heard a loud thump/bang on the rear fender. Figured I kicked up a rock, or something, UNTIL, it went into a slow motion tank slapper. Managed to keep it going, slowing down, was looking around at the front tire and axle, to see if everything looked OK, then the rear tire went down, right now! Both legs stuck out, and a wobble to the side of the road, just as the pissed off semi came by. BIG hole in tire. Looked like it was a lag bolt that came out at speed. Hole had a ring around it, like one of those screws with a washer made on. Half way home, on side of road, only about 18" of pavement between the white line and the grass. Popped out the side stand, and with the crown of the road, and a flat rear, the bike was just barely level. Called a good friend, and asked if he could run out with his air tank and a plug or two. No problem.....NOT! We put two plugs in the hole, and still couldn't get enough air in it. (Still seated on rim, it's just a BIG tire). So my good friend made two more trips into town for more air, and 2 cans of fix a flat. I was on the right side of the bike, holding it up, while my bud was trying to screw the air hose on the valve stem, when all at once, the ****ed fat Girl fell over on me! Luckily it was on the grass, so all it did was knock the rear view mirror cocky, and bruised my legs, Long story long, got her home. Called dealer, as I bought 5 year tire and wheel insurance. Turns out they don't have a metz in stock. Ordered a Bridgstone exedra from motorcycle superstore for $200. Dealer said they can't mount anything but what matches the front tire, unless I bring in the wheel only, then they will mount anything. Soooo, I pulled the rear wheel. Not near as easy as I thought. Removed 4 bolts holding rear fender. Removed shocks from top mounts, and attached a cable to each shock mount, and hooked that to my engine hoist. Lifted the rear up, pulled the axle, caliper pivot bolt, and managed to pry the wheel out. Not much room for play, to get the spacer out. Had to take out one of the little screws that hold the anti lock disk on the wheel, in order to be able to slide the spacer out. Took to dealer. Paid $75 for mount and balance. Supposed to be getting a check for $250 or so from insurance company. I ain't holdin my breath though. Bike now up and running again. Had to stick on some saddle bags, to hold my new CO2 inflation kit, plus plug kit, etc. I do like the Bridgstone. I HATE FLAT TIRES!