I managed to replace both the rear tyre and the chain!

I bough the 2009 Tenere a little less than two years ago, with just under 7,000 kilometres on the odo. Now, at just over 19,300 kilometres I replaced the rear Sirac for a new one. Thus, the tyre had rolled for at least 12,000 kilometres. The front tyre still good for some additional mileage.

I don't think the chain had ever been changed, and now, after 19,000 kilometres, it was certainly time. The concept of a chain as final drive is new to me (almost only owned shaft driven bikes previously), so much so that I did not have much clue about how to look after the chain, the importance of inspecting it, or how to tell when it's worn out. In the end it fell off! - Twice!! The last time it came off I put I back on with my fingers, on the roadside - without any tools!

Well, I know, I was more lucky than I deserved, and certainly luckier the smart. Anyway, no big damage made (only a couple of scratches on the swing arm). But I did eventually become aware of my ignorance, and parked the bike waiting for the new chain to arrive (the bike is my daily commuter, but now I switched to the train, just as in the winter season - I live in Norway).

The ordered chain, sprockets and tyre arrived together with new cush drive rubbers. And last Saturday I went to work. When the wheel came off I had to use the side stand to break the bead (I'm going to order the Motion Pro bead breakers). Put on lots of dish soap, and the tyre came off without swearing. I have done it only once before (on my old GS), but concentrating on pushing the side of the tyre, opposite to where I was working the levers, as deep into the well as I could. Tried not to pinch the tube, and took small bites at a time. And voila, off it came! The new Sirac that had been waiting in the sun came on, also without much trouble. However, I did cheat, by bringing it to the local petrol station where the tyre was blown all over the bead lip. Again lots of dish soap applied. Grinded off the worn-out chain, replaced the front and rear sprockets, put the new cush drives in, and mounted the wheel.

I have previously almost never touched a chain, and was a bit worried that would blow it all, attempting to press on the plates and riveting the new link. Again I tried to do it without rush, and doing it in many small steps, stopping and checking many, many times. (Prior to the exercise I had purchased a Motion Pro chain tool.)

Before this operation I made sure to read through as many related threads as I could on this forum, and looked through a number Youtube videos about chain and tyre changes - I believe that helped!

How wonderful to see the new chain on the bike! Looks and feel really snug and nice. And I thought: Aha, this is how it should be!!

A bit shameful of my ignorance, understanding that the wellbeing of my bike was due to good fortune only. At the same time I am really happy for the experience, for two reasons:

Firstly: I have now worked with this so intensely in my brain, that my relation with chain (and tyre) has really evolved and matured. I feel that I'm now seeing the chain.

Secondly: The fact that I managed in the end has really grown my confidence. In a naive way you could say that I now look at these parts of the bike as my friends, and not things that I worry about because I don't master my relation with them.

For all of this I'm happy. The riding and the bike is my big hobby, although not much time for it between work and family. (Have a seven year old kid, and try to spend my free time with him till he gets more independent.)

So thanks to you guys, for all the friendly advice and engagement. Clearly some of you have given quite much time and considerations, providing from your experiences and wisdom.

__________________
Chev.

2009 XT660Z
Gone: 2011 Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport,
1996 XRV750, 2003 R1150GS.