03-JUL-2008
Fedex delivered 5 boxes weighting over 100 lbs...
After doing lots of homework with the excellent help of Nomar (Steve and Sue), I ordered the Nomar Classic Ultimate Package II that included the tire changer and tire balancer. I asked to substitute the floor stand with a 2" hitch mount so I won't have to drill holes on my garage floor. I will just slide it onto my Toyota 4Runner's 2" receiver whenever I need to use it.
I ordered it on a Sunday and I received it on Thu, shipped to California from St Louis, Misouri! That's impressive, given that I made some changes (substitute of the floor stand with a receiver hitch mount, also substitute 1 of the 4 spoons with a NoMar YellowThing) and also ordered some additional items such as BMW specific balancer cones and shaft (Vu has a BMW R1200R), valve stems, wheel weights, weight scraper.
Fedex dropped off 5 boxes totalling over 100 lbs on my front porch. I moved them into my home garage and here are the boxes before I unpacked them.
03-JUL-2008
Nomartirechanger.com
They are nice people and they all ride. They always answered all my questions promptly, day or night or weekend...
03-JUL-2008
Made In The USA!
These were made in the good old USA. Hardened steel, solid welds and attention to details.
Unlike those Chinese junks that fail before you even start using them...
03-JUL-2008
Started unpacking...
Everything was well packed and well padded.
03-JUL-2008
Tire balancer
Here is the tire balancer, with dual ball bearings on both ends. On the right are the tire clamps, mount/demount bar and misc items. On the left are the big spoon bars.
03-JUL-2008
Assembly started...
Here I assembled the tire changer...
03-JUL-2008
Tire changer completed
Here the tire changer was fully assembled and now ready for action. I will change my tires in about another 1000 miles, which is about 1 month. Now I need to order some new tires...
July 6, 2008 - Tires ordered
I just ordered a set of Michelin Pilot Road, front 120/70ZR-17 rear 180/55ZR-17, for $255 delivered.
I have been running Bridgestone BATTLAX BT-57 ever since. The Bridgestone lasted an average of about 10000 miles and I have used 4 sets since I owned my Honda CBR-1100XX.
Why Michelin Pilot Road? The Bridgestone BT-57 was discontinued long ago and the tire technology has advanced greatly since the BT-57 was designed in 1997 and that was 11 years ago. Time to try some better tires, may be I'll be able to drag knees now...
Michelin motorcycle tires selection chart
By looking at this chart, I think I will try their Pilot Road 2 (dual-compound) next but they cost 20% more for a set of 2 at US$305 vs US$255.
The Pilot Road 2 has the same compound as the Pilot Road at the center of tire, but softer compound on the shoulders for more traction at cornering.
Michelin Pilot Road performance data
This chart was published by Michelin as to the performance of the Pilot Road tires.
12-JUL-2008
New Tires
Fedex just delivered the 2 tires I ordered from sportbiketrackgear.com. A pair of Michelin Pilot Road in 120/70ZR17 and 180/55ZR17 rated for speed over 168 mph.