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Rim Locks (Installation)

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Printed on: 11/21/2009

Topic:

Topic author: tomass
Subject: Rim Locks (Installation)
Posted on: 01/23/2005 11:23:29 AM
Message:

I have an 02 DRZ 400-S and I'm gonna be replacing my worn out Dunlop 606 rear tire for a new one soon and I would like to put a rim-lock on while I have the tire off. Is there a kit out there somewhere that I can get to put one on my bike? My bike doesn't come with rim-locks on it so a hole will need to be drilled in the rim to install it. Some step by step instructions on how to do the job would be nice.
Thanks.
Tom

Replies:

Reply author: Admin
Replied on: 01/27/2005 3:33:40 PM
Message:

Just for you, Tom:

4Strokes.com Tech: Rim Lock / Bead Lock / Bead Stopper Installation

If you get a chance to snap some pictures, we'd love to put them in the article and put your name in the credits! Either way, please let us know how it works for you.

Reply author: tomass
Replied on: 01/27/2005 4:45:12 PM
Message:

Thank you very much. That article is exactly what I needed. Also, my wifes new digital camera, that Santa gave her, will come in very handy.
Thanks again.

Reply author: Admin
Replied on: 01/27/2005 7:29:08 PM
Message:

You are very welcome Tom.

Reply author: tomass
Replied on: 02/05/2005 6:24:03 PM
Message:

I went riding today, in the Ocala National Forest, and I noticed after a while that my front tire was flat. Well, one of the trails we were on, brought us to State Road 40. We were near a convenience store so I went and paid 75 cents for 5 seconds worth of air and hit the trails again. The tire went flat shortly after so I went home. Well, when I got it home, I found that the tube had tore away from the valve stem. I like to keep the tire pressure low (10lbs.) for sand.

I would have thought that the back tire would be more succeptible to such things rather than the front. But I use the front brake much more than the back because the back brake doesn't come close to the stopping power of the front. That has to be what caused the tear. There's no other way on the front.

Well, last week, I ordered a rim lock for my rear tire and it cost $42 dollars and change. That seems insane for such a simple device. But that's the price you pay for "Original Equipment". I was wondering if someone knows the exact size rim lock for my front rim. I've seen sizes like, 1.40,1.60, 1.85, 2.15, and 2.50. These were good quality rim locks, that weren't Orig. Equip. and the most expensive one I saw was $18.95. Are any of the sizes mentioned, the right size for my front rim? Suzuki charges over $30.00. Any suggestion would be appreciated.

Reply author: Admin
Replied on: 02/06/2005 07:41:39 AM
Message:

If you have a standard 21" front tire and rim, the rim lock should be the 1.60 size.

Reply author: tomass
Replied on: 02/06/2005 09:21:37 AM
Message:

Thanks. It is the standard rim.

Reply author: doubleodevine
Replied on: 02/09/2005 9:18:37 PM
Message:

i was actually pretty suprised when i saw the valve stem on my 200 start to get a funny angle also...its amazing what a little stopping can do

Reply author: tomass
Replied on: 02/15/2005 12:09:20 PM
Message:

Well, I installed the rim-locks front and rear. They were quite simple to put on. Getting a tire off and then on again is the harder part. I learned a good lesson. Make sure you spray a generous amount of soapy water on the rim and tire. I guess I didn't spray enough the first time because I had a hell of a time removing it(the back tire) and putting the new one back on. I strained so hard the first time, that I got careless with a screwdriver and put 6 holes in my tube, which I didn't know until I got the tire on and attempted to put air in it. It was quite disheartening after all that struggle. After an hour of sulking,(and buying a new tube) I went back at it. I sprayed the hell out if it with soapy water, being certain that I get every nook and cranny, and that damn tire came off with incredible ease. I switched out the tubes, sprayed the hell out of it, and that sucker went on with, literally, 1/3rd the effort as the first time. Like they say, you learn from your mistakes. My right shoulder is still sore from that mistake.

If anyone wishes to put rim-licks on their "S" model, the size for the front rim-lock is 1.60,(Thanks Admin) and the rear one is 2.15. These sizes are only for the stock rims. They're inexpensive if you go with aftermarket. About $25.00 for the pair, as apposed to $75.00 for "Orriginal Equipment".

Reply author: Dezracer
Replied on: 06/26/2005 9:45:28 PM
Message:

quote:
Next comes the rim band. This goes over the top of the rim lock, basically holding it in place. Be sure to align the rim band's hole with the hole in the rim for the inner tube's valve stem. Now install the completely deflated tube into the tire, over the top of the rim lock and rim band, as flat and unwrinkled/untwisted as possible. Align the valve stem so it points straight at the wheel axle. Spin on the nuts for both the rim lock and valve stem, but just a little bit -- only a few threads

Although it is informative, this article fails to mention 2 key things whenever a person is mounting a tire. 1- ALWAYS coat a tube, weather it's a new one or not, with a generous amount of BABY POWDER. This will help to prevent the tube from "Chafing" or scuffing in the tire. 2- THROW THAT RUBBER BAND/ BRA STRAP, in the trash. These thing are about as valuable as a screen door on a Submarine. Instead, put a couple of wraps of GOOD QUALITY Duct Tape in place of the rubber band and after it's wrapped, pop out the holes for the Valve stem and the Rim lock stem.