How To Change A Motorcycle Tire

Changing a motorcycle tire is not as hard as it seems. The technique for changing tires on your motorcycle stays the same, whether you use tubeless or conventional tires (unless you're removing the inner tube). You will only require the appropriate abilities to break the beads if you intend to work on tubeless tires.

In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of dismantling and reassembling a motorcycle tire on a wheel. Keep in mind that different motorcycles may have different procedures, so always consult your owner's manual if you are unsure about how to proceed. Let's get started!

Step One: Take out the Schrader Valve Core

The Schrader valve core is located at the center of the valve stem. To remove it, you will need a valve core tool. Insert the tool into the hole at the center of the valve stem and unscrew it counterclockwise. Once the Schrader valve core has been removed, press on the tire to release any air that may be left inside.

Next, use your hands to push on either side of the tire until it's flat. If you have a tubeless tire, this will help break the bead so that you can remove it from the wheel later on.

Step Two: Break the Tire Bead

After deflation, the next step is to shatter the bead. You are undoubtedly aware that the tire's bead travels around the rim that holds it in place. The rim is essential for keeping the tire firmly in a groove around the wheel. Because the rim keeps your tire in position after it has been inflated, your inner tube isn't required.

Breaking the bead on a tire is difficult without the correct equipment and machinery. This implies you'll have to seek special tools or machinery to assist you with the task. If you don't have access to the proper equipment, your best bet is to repeat the process many times or use a hefty weight to loosen up the beads.

Step Three: Lifting The Tire Off The Rim

After the bead has been broken, it should be easier to remove the tire from the rim. Start by lifting one side of the tire off of the wheel. If you are having difficulty removing the tire, try using a pry bar or a large screwdriver to help loosen it up.

Once one side has been lifted off, work your way around to the other side and repeat the process. You may need to use both hands to pry the second side off of the wheel. With both sides removed, you should now have access to the inner tube.

Step Four: Pull Out The Inner Tube

If your tires have inner tubes, the next step is to remove them. Start by finding the valve stem on the tube. Once you have located the valve stem, use your fingers to push it through the hole in the wheel.

With the valve stem through the hole, begin working your way around the wheel, pushing the tube through until it is completely free. If you run into any resistance, double-check to make sure that there isn't anything caught between the wheel and the tube.

Once you have removed the inner tube, inspect it for any holes or punctures. If you find a hole, patch it up with a tire boot or a piece of the inner tube before proceeding. If everything looks good, go ahead and inflate the tube so that you can begin the process of reassembling the tire. Inflate the tube to about half of its maximum capacity before moving on to the next step.

Step Five: Preparing To Refit The Tire

Now that the inner tube has been removed and inflated, it's time to start refitting the tire onto the wheel. Begin by lubricating the inside of the tire with a soap solution or a commercial bead lube. This will help to prevent the tire from sticking to the rim and makes it easier to get started.

Step Six: Reassembly

With the inner tube inflated, it's time to start putting the tire back together. Begin by threading one side of the tire onto the wheel. Once you have the tire in place, start working your way around the wheel, threading the tire as you go.

As you thread the tire, be sure to line up the valve stem with the hole in the wheel. Once both sides of the tire are threaded, it's time to inflate it. Inflate the tire to its maximum capacity and check the bead to make sure that it is seated correctly.

If everything looks good, go ahead and screw the valve stem back into place. With the valve stem in place, you can now start riding! Just be sure to check your work before heading out on the road.

Step Seven: Do A Checkup On The New Tire

It will go without saying that when you change a tire, it does not always hold the correct pressure. As a result, performing some comprehensive inspections to ensure that the new tire can maintain the required pressure is sensible. Check if the same tire has been properly balanced or re-installed in its original position. If any old wheel weights are available, remove them before rebalancing the wheel.

After you have finished these preliminary checkups, take it for a spin around the block to check that everything is working correctly. Be sure to pay attention to how the bike handles and how the new tire feels. If something doesn't feel right, be sure to stop and check your work. This step is necessary as it will allow you to catch any mistakes before they become bigger problems.

Takeaway

Changing a motorcycle tire is not as difficult as it may seem. With a little know-how and the right tools, you can change a tire in no time. Just be sure to take your time and double-check your work before heading out on the road. It might take you between 30 minutes and an hour to change a motorcycle tire from start to finish, depending on how much experience you have with the vehicle. At the very least, if you do it correctly, you may save money and time.

If, however, you find this procedure too difficult, you can always take it to a professional mechanic.