Is It Easy to Replace a Motrcycle Tire
How to Remove and Replace a Motorcycle Tire
Changing a motorcycle tire is physical and the process differs depending on whether it is a tubed or tubeless tire. Yet, it's 100 percent doable once you have the right tools. So sit back and relax while we take you step-by-step through the entire process.
Removing the Motorcycle Wheel
The first thing you need to do is get the motorcycle in the air. To do this, you can use either a jack or a stand. Each option works well provided they are correctly positioned and high enough to remove the wheel. Make sure the motorcycle is stable! The last thing you want is to turn a simple tire change into repairing the dent in your fuel tank.
Front Wheel: Front wheel removal is easy as the disc(s) stays on the wheel. Simply remove the axle and place something between the brake lever and handlebars. This action prevents accidental activation of the brake.
Rear Wheel: Slacken off the chain or belt adjusters and remove the chain/belt. Shaft driven motorcycles will substitute this step by unbolting the drive shaft . Pull out the axle and take note of the location of any spacers or washers.
Removing the Tire (tubed)
With the wheel clear of the bike, ensure the inner tube is fully deflated. Then, undo the valve's lock nut and push it back inside the tire. Next, walk on and around the tire and, using your heels, ensure the bead is free of the rim.
With a tire lever, begin to ease the edge of the tire over the rim. You will need several tire levers as the first one should stay in position as you work your way around the tire.
This removal stage is physical, but tire lubricant or a diluted soap solution will help with the process.
With one side free of the rim, remove the inner tube and place the wheel upright. Then, use the same method to free the tire completely.
Removing the Tire (tubeless)
The process is the same as above. Except for a tubeless tire, you will most likely need a mechanical bead breaker to separate the tire's rim from the wheel. If you have painted mag wheels, you may want to use rim protectors to prevent damage from the tire levers. Tire lube will also make this process easier.
Installing the New Tire (tubed)
First, check the new tire's direction of travel arrows and line them up on the wheel accordingly. Then, reverse the removal process to get one side of the tire fitted to the rim. Next, push the inner tube inside and locate the tire valve through the hole in the rim. Partially inflate the inner tube as doing this will help prevent accidental pinching. Then, use the tire levers to fit the other side of the tire. Tighten the valve lock nut, then inflate.
Installing the New Tire (tubeless)
Having lined up the rotation arrows with a light lubricant application, the first side of the tire should push onto the rim by hand. The opposite side of the tire is more challenging. So if doing the job alone, you may need to apply pressure to the rim with your knees as you work your way around with the tire levers.
While you can inflate a tubed tire with a foot pump, the tubeless tire forms a critical seal around the wheel. In which case, you must inflate a tubeless tire using compressed air until the tire 'pops' against the rim.
Replacing the Wheel
Before returning the wheel to the motorcycle, clean off any tire lube or soap and check the tire for leaks.
Double-check the orientation of the tire and also for correct inflation.
Finally, refit the wheel to the bike, ensuring any spacers or washers go back in the correct order. Then, tighten the nuts and bolts to the correct torque settings. Don't forget to adjust your chain or belt tension if your motorcycle is equipped with one.
FAQs:
How do you know when your motorcycle needs new tires?
There are several signs that a motorcycle needs new tires:
- Tread indicators are level with the top of the tread groove
- Tires are more than six years old
- Tires are worn unevenly or have sidewall damage
Must the front and rear motorcycle tires match?
Except for a few specific cases, front and rear tires should be a matched set. Manufacturers design tire sets to work optimally together. Swapping out one tire for a different brand can negatively alter a motorcycle's handling characteristics.
Should I replace both front and back motorcycle tires at the same time?
Rear tires wear faster than front ones, so it is not necessary to change both tires simultaneously. However, the remaining tire must be in good condition and not more than six years old.
How often should you change motorcycle tires?
You need to replace worn, damaged or defective tires straight away, but tires also have a shelf life. Manufacturers recommend changing tires that are six years old from the date of manufacture.
Need new tires and want them replaced by an expert? Find a Dunlop motorcycle tire dealer here.
Source: https://www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com/about/how-to-change-motorcycle-tire/