Steps to Changing a Motorcycle Tire
Motorcycles can be fun to drive; however there will come a day when your motorcycle will either get a flat or need replacing. Changing a motorcycle tire is really a simple, do-it-yourself process. Knowing how to change a motorcycle tire will prevent you from having a roadside mishap.
1. Gather the tools you will need:
- Air compressor
- Rim protectors
- Foam tape
- Ratcheting tie-down strap
- Sponge
- Soapy water
- Tire Irons
- Wheel weights
- Pencil
- Valve core tool
- 3 Tire irons
2. Remove the tire from the motorcycle.
3. Use the pencil and mark the direction of the tire's rotation.
4. Simply deflate the tire.
5. Place the wheel on the ground and spray the rim area with soapy water. Using something for leverage, like a 2x4, break the beads that are holding the tire in place. You can also purchase a bead breaker tool. Turn the wheel over and repeat until you hear another popping sound.
6. Place the rim protectors on your rim. Insert the tire irons along the rim protectors and press down until the tire comes away from the rim.
7. Turn the tire over and repeat number 6.
8. Clean out your tire rim.
9. Align the dot on the new tire with the valve stem.
10 Place the rim protectors back on the rim. Using the tire irons, working around the rim until your tire is in place.
11. Reinstall the valve core. Place air in the tire. You should hear two pops to let you know that the beads on both sides of the tire has set properly. If you do not hear two pops, the tire in not set properly.
12. Reinstall the tire on your motor cycle.