How to Change a Motorcycle Tire

One of the most essential things you need to know how to do if you own a motorcycle is change a motorcycle tire. This isn't the easiest thing to do and is much different from changing a tire on a car or truck. But, with the right tools and plenty of patience, you can accomplish it. Make sure you have good quality tools to work with, as well as a reliable air compressor. Places like the Motorcycle Superstore and BikeBandit.com are great sites to visit to find what you'll need and to learn everything about changing a tire on your motorcycle. As soon as you get all the tools together, you're ready to change the tire.



The Tools You'll Need



You'll need a valve core tool when removing the tire. A pencil can be used to mark the direction the wheel rotates in. The tire always rotates forward. Make sure it's in the right direction. Have a can of silicone lubricant, which can be found at any auto supply or hardware store. Also, have a bead breaker tool, a breezer tire tool, and an air compressor. If you don't have a bead breaker, a large sized vise will work well.



Removing the Motorcycle Tire



Deflate the tire with the valve core tool. Make sure it's totally deflated and hold onto the tool tightly, because the air will come out of the tire quickly and with a lot of force. Use the pencil to mark the rim. The bead is pulled away from the rim with the bead breaker tool. You might need to use a lot of force on it. When you get the bead broken, use the same procedure on the other side of the tire. Spray lubricant on the beads, then use a tire iron to get the tire off the rim. If you spray a lot of silicone lubricant on it, the tire should come off easier.



Putting on the New Tire



Spray lubricant on the new tire. Using the mark you made on the tire rim, match up the new tire, and make sure it's attached in the right direction. If necessary, use the tire iron to get the new tire totally over the rim. Match up the stem of the valve where it should be. Using the air compressor, inject a small amount of air into the tire. This makes it easier to get the new tire attached to the rim. Put the tire bead onto the rim with the breezer tool. The tire has to be rotated, and you have to alternate working on one side, then the other. When you inflate the tire, don't use anymore than 56 PSI.



One final word of caution. When you have a flat or damaged tire on your motorcycle, always make sure to replace the tire rather than trying to patch it.



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