We’ve all experienced a time when we’re stuck in traffic due to a flat tire, wondering how to change it. Learning to change a tire is not as difficult as it seems. You can quickly remove your old tire, fit your new one, whether you have a flat tire or it’s just time to change your motorcycle tire. Of course, you could always take it to your dealer or a mechanic, but some passionate riders enjoy maintaining their motorcycles.
Besides, the process of changing a tire needs a skilled and honed person. If you are passionate enough about the maintenance and recovery of your motorcycle, you might have learned these basic techniques. Sometimes, calling a mechanic for these petty issues will cost you a lot. However, they will charge more than what they provide. Therefore, it is always better if one is ready to take up the notch themselves.
Having said that, we have compiled some basic techniques in this guide to help the riders in their quest. So without further ado, let`s get started.
Contents
Equipment for Changing Tire
If you’re changing a motorcycle tire at home, you must have a list of tools to assist you in the process.
- Tire levers
- Rim protectors
- Breaker of beads
- Valve core tool
- Tire pressure gauge
- Tire pressure gauge Zip ties
Taking the Wheel Off
Removing a tire requires a skillful technique. Before removing the tire, it is important to suck the air out from the tire. You’ll need to grasp the valve core tool tightly because the force of the air flowing out is usually fairly considerable. This helps to loosen the tire’s tension, making it much easier to deal with.
When you have released enough air, the next step is to lift the bike into the air. For this process, you either use a jack or a stand. It will help the tire to be lifted by the time you work on removing the tire from the frame.
The next step is to remove the chain and axle hardware. You should now be able to remove the wheel and begin removing the tires.
Breaking the Bead
After you’ve separated your wheel from the frame, you’ll need to break the bead so you can remove the tire. You can buy dedicated bead breakers or use a tire iron, clamp, level, or strength.
Because everyone has a distinct approach, this will be the most difficult step in the process. This step seems considerably easier if you use a tire lubricant. If you don’t have any commercial lubrication, you can make your own by mixing equal parts of water and soap.
Work gradually on the tire, removing it from the rim section by part with your tools. It would be best if you were careful while working to prevent it from any damage. While working with your hands, use your knee as a counterforce to maintain the tire in position. Flip it over and start working on the other side once you’ve done one side. The remaining portion of the tire should eventually slide off.
Putting on the New Tire
Now, align the tire and rim orientation before you begin attaching the new tire. Also, lubricate the new tire bead to make it easier to move. The lubrication will make your work easier and will also save you time.
Making a mark on the valve stem will help with the balancing process. Then, work in small parts to get the bead over the rim’s lip, just like you did while removing the tire.
Setting the Bead
Then comes the next step that implies the setting up of the bead. To set the bead, pump your tire once it’s mounted to the rim. It is recommended that you use an air compressor to fill it full. When the bead hardens, it makes a loud noise and pinches any close fingers, toes, or clothing. Be cautious at this stage because the bead will set quickly and without warning.
Wheel Replacement
To prevent any hassle, it is advised to check the tire for any leaks before reinstalling it on the frame. First, however, it would be best if you double-checked that the tire is oriented correctly. Now it’s time to inflate or deflate the tire to the proper PSI level if everything is in place. Then, in the same sequence you took it off, but the wheel and any other hardware back on the bike, you are good to go.
FAQs
How many miles do motorcycle tires last?
Different manufacturers provide different responses. According to a rough estimate, a motorcycle’s average front tire lasts about 3700 miles. Rear tires require significantly more frequent replacement, and the approximate figure here is closer to 1800 miles.
Should I replace both motorcycle tires at the same time?
It is not required to replace both tires at once. However, back motorcycle tires wear out faster than front motorcycle tires; thus, they’ll need to be replaced more frequently. If both tires are old, they should be replaced at the same time.
Is it necessary to balance motorcycle tires?
To keep riders safe, motorcycle tires should always be balanced. When overlooked, a pair of unbalanced wheels may affect the motorcycle’s performance and even result in an accident. If you maintaining the balance of your motorcycle tires will help them last longer.
Why do motorcycle tires wear out so quickly?
Motorcycle tires are made of softer, stickier rubber compounds that wear out more quickly. As a result, touring motorcycle tires are more durable and last longer than sport motorcycle tires, which are softer and wear out faster.
What is the reason behind the high cost of motorcycle tires?
Motorcycle tires are composed of a variety of materials. Workers inspect each tire’s shape and measurements for flaws before putting it through a computerized road simulation that spins it at typical highway speeds.
What is the yellow dot on a motorcycle tire?
The yellow dot denotes the tire’s lightest spot, as determined by the manufacturer. By matching that spot to the heaviest spot on the rim, nearly typically where the valve stem is mounted.
Final Verdict
Your motorcycle tires will wear down faster than the tires of your vehicles, whether due to age or mileage. Fortunately, changing the tires on your bike at home is easier. If this is your first time replacing a motorcycle tire, it may appear to be a difficult task, but if you follow the steps in order, you can soon learn to change your tire on your own.
On average, it takes around half an hour to change a motorcycle tire, from removing the wheel to re-balancing it. If you do it correctly, you can save your money as well as your time.
