In the 10 years I rode my VN900 I changed out the rear tire 4 times. Each time I had the same problem putting the wheel back on. I never worked out a solution. I just struggled each time, then when it was complete, I forgot all about it.
Here’s the problem. The only thing that holds the brake caliper bracket on is the axle. But the axle goes in from the other side of the bike. So I would get everything precariously lined up, lower the bike gently down to line up the holes and start sliding the axle through. About half way through the bracket would slip out of place and I couldn’t get it back without pulling the axle out and starting over. Usually it would take me 4 or 5 tries before everything stayed put and the axle slid through.
Well, I replaced the rear tire on my Vaquero for the first time yesterday. When I took the wheel off to take it to the shop, I realized I was going to have the same problem. At 2:00 am yesterday morning, I finally figured it out. For those that already worked it out, I gave myself good, hard dope slap when I was done.
With everything still removed, I placed the bracket on the frame. I located a socket that had about the same O.D. as the axle and slipped it into the bracket, pushing it far enough in that it also sat in the frame. I used a zip tie to lock the bracket to the frame and, like magic, everything slipped right into place the first time. I can’t believe I didn’t figure this out years ago! Now to see what kind of mileage I get out of this Shinko 777.
Here’s the problem. The only thing that holds the brake caliper bracket on is the axle. But the axle goes in from the other side of the bike. So I would get everything precariously lined up, lower the bike gently down to line up the holes and start sliding the axle through. About half way through the bracket would slip out of place and I couldn’t get it back without pulling the axle out and starting over. Usually it would take me 4 or 5 tries before everything stayed put and the axle slid through.
Well, I replaced the rear tire on my Vaquero for the first time yesterday. When I took the wheel off to take it to the shop, I realized I was going to have the same problem. At 2:00 am yesterday morning, I finally figured it out. For those that already worked it out, I gave myself good, hard dope slap when I was done.
With everything still removed, I placed the bracket on the frame. I located a socket that had about the same O.D. as the axle and slipped it into the bracket, pushing it far enough in that it also sat in the frame. I used a zip tie to lock the bracket to the frame and, like magic, everything slipped right into place the first time. I can’t believe I didn’t figure this out years ago! Now to see what kind of mileage I get out of this Shinko 777.