Gather up the tools and wash the hands

I've just finished one of the longest tire changes I've ever done - not helped one bit by the service manual.

The previous Metzler didn't last terribly long. It developed a pronounced roundabout stripe on the right hand side. Bald as and not entirely suitable for a very wet summer. It was really nice when it was new.

The delays were largely down to it tipping down all week but also from trying to get the torx bolt out of the removable section of the swing arm. This, of course doesn't have to come out and brings me to the reason for this post. I wrote a note to myself on the inside of the plastic cover "x2 Hex 49nm. not *! Wheel 138". That should cover replacing the tire in an emergency without the manual and remind me to ignore the torx.

The new tire is a "Michelin Power Pure SC".

" I've just finished one of the longest tire changes I've ever done - not helped one bit by the service manual. "

According to Service Manual Section 15-4, REAR WHEEL/SWINGARM, REMOVAL, the very last step on that page "Remove the right swingarm mount torx bolts and right swingarm. ", but the previous step "Remove the final shaft holder mount bolts and final shaft holder." at that point the rear removable section of the swingarm (final shaft Holder) covering wheel/tire is off, no need to remove anything else.  

The section is slightly confusing, a forward slash between titles usually indicates and/or procedure.

BTW, I found this on "Pictorials" Maintenance Section on this forum ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIADt7L5Gho

I have to admit, I used that video and then used the shop manual just for the torque specs- I can now remove the rear wheel/ tire in about 10 minutes.

Front wheel comes off in about 5 minutes.

Unexpected benefit: The new tire has cured the bit of a misfire that I had! It seemed like a rich spot on acceleration, leaving sooty plugs and a slightly sooty tailpipe.

I assume it was an exhaust leak from the last time I had the silencer off, letting air in and somehow confusing the O2 sensor.

I'll watch the fuel consumption.