So...the R1200GSA is new to me. Are there any good videos or helpful hints to instruct a newbie how to remove the rear wheel? What tools should I have? I want to practice this winter before the spring riding season.
Extremely simple to pull the rear wheel on an R1200GS/GSA - just remove the five lug bolts (Torx 50) and the wheel comes off just like a car. The brake disc and caliper stay with the bike. Just torque the bolts to 60 Nm in a star pattern when reinstalling, and keep the bolt threads dry.
Might want to think about getting a tire changer and balancer. I mounted and balanced my 44th tire last month and have saved a lot of money for myself and friends not going to a dealer to get it done. The tire changer/balancer has paid for itself many times over. A great investment.
Manxman, posting photos like that should not be allowed. That is one sweet set-up you have. However, I think I see a dust bunny in the corner by your tire changer.
Manx, Where can one find a tire changer like that? I know I'll be changing tires at least 3 time a year and if I can save $30/tire each time, I don't mind spending a little up front to do it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
First that is an awesome shop. More like an ER than a shop. Do you sell tires? Cuz that many would be hard to wear out before they get hard. Nice!
Been averaging 6 TKC80s (4 rears & 2 fronts) per season for the last 3 years, so the supply doesn't last long.
5000kms (3000 miles) from the rears and double that from the fronts. Use my GS mostly for gravel road exploration and I find that once I get to these mileages, they are worn enough that they have lost their advantage over the regular dualsport tires.
BTW, I spooned my first rear tire on the GS a few weeks ago... SUPER easy... the V channel is very deep and allows the lip of the tire to drop into the V and really just pop off the rim super easily. Easiest manual tire change EVER. Bill's video is the real deal... I traveled with him to the Overland Expo in Amado AZ in 2011 and he took a new rear TKC 80 with him... on Sunday after the event, he changed the tire out for the ride back... Just like in this video, but in a sand-covered parking lot / camping area. Bill Dragoo rear Tire change:
