replacing seals

smokie · Post by **smokie** » Fri Mar 27, 2009 5:41 pm

What do you guys use to pull the sprocket,clutch pushrod,and shifter seals? I was going to drive a self tapping screw and pull. As far as getting the new ones in, obviously there isnt a socket deep enough to drive the clutch and shifter seals in so just tap them in around the outside? This is on a 380.

Post by **Suzsmokeyallan** » Fri Mar 27, 2009 6:15 pm

The self tapping screws in the seal trick works great as long as you dont nick the shaft when installing them.
For an effective installation tool for oil seals you can use PVC pipe and/or end fittings of the correct size and length to make seal drivers.

smokie · Post by **smokie** » Fri Mar 27, 2009 6:34 pm

Thanks, I waited till riding season to take care of this stuff.

Has anyone noticed tire prices skyrocketing? Called my local dealer on a 110 90 18 rear and for a Dunlop they want $110! This same tire last year was $65. I didnt bother asking about Avons!

jkevinlilly · Post by **jkevinlilly** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 5:59 am

UH OH... Pinky is going to need a new rear tire this summer.

Kevin

jkevinlilly · Post by **jkevinlilly** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 6:34 am

Smokie,
I just checked with the place that I normally buy tires from. The price has only went up about $5 a tire on the Bridgestone Spitfires since two years ago. Shipping to my place is around $15 for one tire on top of the price of the tire, a little cheaper per tire if you buy two.

http://www.tiresunlimited.com

Kevin

Post by **Suzsmokeyallan** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 7:53 am

Dont look now, but think of persons who have to buy the tyres and then have to ship them home outside of the US and pay even more in duties and other charges at the 'other' end.
Suddenly the $80.00 or whatever cost, DOUBLES or is even higher.
Spitfires or the equivalent for the price of around $80.00 each is a STEAL.

jkevinlilly · Post by **jkevinlilly** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 8:11 am

Allen,
It is all just a trade off. You pay higher for tires, but live where the weather is nice for year round riding, except for when you are in Canada in the winter. I live where the tires are cheaper, but riding from about November to April occasionally happens, but is not the norm.

WANNA TRADE???? :^)

Kevin

jkevinlilly · Post by **jkevinlilly** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 8:15 am

Back to the seal question. I don't know how a 380 is set up, but on a 550 the clutch pushrod can be pulled out, the seal replaced, and then the push rod put back in. Then it is not in the way during the seal replacement.

Kevin

Post by **Suzsmokeyallan** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 9:50 am

Yes Kevin you are correct on both counts,,,, ill take the better weather and more expensive everything else right???
Its a good thing you guys are not into riding racing bicycles cause if you saw the price of those tyres you'd really cringe.
They basically start at about $70.00 for an average mid to high end level 700x23c profile tyre, and can go up in price to in excess of $120.00 each for other models.
Not too bad a price you say?? the thing is they only last for about 5000 miles.

smokie · Post by **smokie** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 11:24 am

Yup, pushrod pulls right out. I just didnt know if it was safe to do. Hey Kevin, thanks for that tire hook up! Tires unlimited seems to be the most reasonable. A Kenda challenger is only $47(plus shipping) but still better than everywhere else.

jkevinlilly · Post by **jkevinlilly** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 12:20 pm

Allen,
At $70 dollars for a bicycle tire that will go 5,000 miles, about $7 dollars worth of one would do me a lifetime. :^)

Smokie,
When I bought tires 2 years ago I shopped around a lot, they were the best deal I could find for price+shipping. I saved about 40% over what the local bike shop was going to charge me for the same tire. I ordered mine on a Friday, they were on my porch the following Tues when I got in from work.

Kevin

H2RICK · Post by **H2RICK** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 1:11 pm

Well, gents, IF you can find a deal on tires that seems acceptable to you, then BUY IT/THEM NOW !!! The tires that were made with US$150/barrel oil LAST year are just hitting the tire warehouses THIS spring.... so get ready for big increases. Last year I warned all my customers to buy their tires NOW because of coming increases. The smart ones listened.
Sometimes I hate to be right.....

Post by **Suzsmokeyallan** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 1:26 pm

Kevin the thing is its not a casual bicycle im referring to, these riders will clock up to 800 miles or so a WEEK. Therefore the tyres will last a little over a month..

Id have to say Uncle Rick converted me to the Spitfires for the "old iron", they are good enough to make you realise the bikes stock suspension/handling is way below their performance levels.
Plus the price at under $65.00 bucks each makes them a great deal.