PaulN I found a minor problem with the Dualtron that I wasn’t willing to put up with. It came with straight tire valves which were about 3 cm long and touching the inner hub. Because of this I couldn’t attach anything to the valves. I could barely get the valve caps off. I tried ordering valve extenders, forget it. I also found another complaint about the same problem on Reddit.
Since my tires are marked “tubeless” I did some research and found that tubeless valves are attached to the rim and easy to replace. So, I ordered tubeless 90 degree angled valves. Then when I went to install the valves - I found that there were tubes in my “tubeless” tires. So, next I had to order new tubes with 90 degree valves. Except I misinterpreted the size stamped on my tires (metric, I ordered imperial by mistake because the numbers were the same) and ended up with tubes for 10 inch wheels. So, I had to order another set of tubes of the correct size.
I also had to research how to replace tires and tubes on a Dualtron, and I found a good video about the Thunder and its split rims. Except when I took my wheel apart - no split rims. Just loosely screwed in, cosmetic bolts on the rim (they practically fell off when I put the allen key in the socket). So then I had to order heavy duty motorcycle tire lifters to get the tire off the rim. It took half a day for me to take the swing arm, axle nuts and fender off, coax the tire off the rim without damaging the rim, change the tube and then put tire and new tube back on. I took the opportunity to polish the inside surface of the rim like a mirror and install a tire liner as well. I’m doing the back wheel tomorrow, it has more parts that have to be removed.
It’s starting to look like the scooter gods don’t like me very much. Two scooters with problems in a row, one surprise after another, and no idea when I’ll actually get to ride one. But on the bright side I’ve learned a lot about tire changing and taking my scooter apart. And I’ve acquired a much better set of tools in the process. I’m still looking forward to finally going for a ride, hopefully by the end of this week weather permitting.