Tried to put on my Shinko 712 rear this evening. I'll save the details, save to say that I can't get the tire to take air. I assume either me or my dad pinched the tube. This is the second tube I have ruined. The first was the old tube for the front. Blamed it on the old tube.

I have yet successfully mount a motorcycle tire. Some people might shake it off, but not me. I have a minimum wage job, and I'm not even good at that. Wanted to work on bikes maybe, but seems like I am not even worth $7.25 an hour if it takes me several hours just to ruin a tube. How much pain does it take to get good at something? How much pain does it take to get discouraged and quit? My life seems more the latter than the former.



Is it okay to patch the tube? I don't want to have to wait a week to get another one.

He took the tube out, and I found that there are at least three holes in the tube. I have a suspicion that I was not the one that made those holes.

I have a no-mar tire lever and it makes the job a lot easier.
http://www.nomartirechanger.com/Mount_Demount_Bar_p/tc-mdbar.htm

but this is a new one...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Baja-No-Pinch-Motorcycle-Tire-Mounting-Tool-Tire-Chan...

http://www.dirtrider.com/features/baja-no-pinch-tire-tool

Dude, I'm not going to sugar coat anything here.
I'm a pretty good mechanic. I've solved problems in the oilfield. I designed a tool that worked after engineers tried Twice, and failed. I have a shop and Probably better tools for the tire. I actually bought the real tools. Not screwdrivers and crescent wrenches. I got hurt fighting the back tire, but I got it. But I would not even consider it again. The front, okay, not so bad, but the back is horrible.
That is why they have a machine..


I can't SEE the tube. I don't know the difference between the rubber It's made of and the ones I patched, lo those many years ago. Can't AFFORD to do it all once. Sure thing you don't need to be having a flat,because the patch leaked. If it needs patched on the surface that would be on  rroad, and it's not too big or a tear, patch it. But think. CLEAN,  scuff, CLEAN, but a patch on the sidewall area, naah, I wouldn't. Just the area that would be on the road.. and that's iffy.

What's the minimum wage job you're not good at? I was horrible at Dairy Queen. Old dude, didn't wanna hurt my feelings by firing me. He could see that I was a willing, hard working kid.. I just didn't belong THERE.  Not everyone can do every minimum wage job. Just because it's minimum wage doesn't mean that it's for everyone. Maybe you should walk in a little shop, shoot the bull with the owner, and while you're talking, grab a broom, sweep up. That's how I got hired by a blacksmith who was known for working alone.. Didn't last long, but I sure liked it.

A old guy secret = use Armor All all over the bead of the old and new tire, inside and out. It helps it slide over the rim much easier.  And talcum powder on the tube and inside of the tire so the tube can shift around easier. Blow it up to pressure, then deflate it, bounce it around LIGHTLY then blow it up for keeps. That helps get rid of folds or stresses tween the tube and tire.

Thanks for what you said (I can't find the proper words tonight ).

My Dad used to be pretty good mechanic as well. His work was in the the coal mines. He had to deal with a lot of dangerous electricity. He had to take some training from time to time. He doesn't even have a high school diploma, and even he out-designed an engineer once.   Speaks a lot for engineers, huh. (Not demeaning your own accomplishments, by the way .)

For as much as I fought with that rear tire, you suggest that I put up a pretty good fight? My biggest problem was that I kept getting dirt in there. How many here wouldn't cuss if every time he got the tire two-third's on only to see a little pebble or pinch of dirt fall in the tire? You know what that means.... Back off the bead; take out the tube; make sure everything's clean; put it back.... Fight some more...

After a couple times, I got smart, and brought it inside. Then someone else got a hold of it. I insisted that I get it clean and prepped. Eventually, he helped me mount it, and it went on pretty easily--- too easily--- it was jinxed.

I'm getting frustrated.

I'm guessing the former?

Anyway, the shops may charge too much since it's an Internet tire.

I assume it's best to get some of the wide spoons similar to those Motion-Pro spoons?