How to Change a Motorcycle Tire

By James Thompson

There are many different methods people use when they are changing a motorcycle tire. Using the right or wrong techniques is the difference between a quick and clean 10 minute job and the worst hour of your life. By using the simple tips and techniques below you will save yourself a lot of nicks and even more grief. The most important part of a changing a motorcycle tire is coming prepared.

Before you even attempt to change a motorcycle tire you have to make sure you are equipped properly. You are going to need a tire iron, a valve stem tool, lubrication, a bead breaker, compressed air, and something to expand the tire bead. Attempting to change a motorcycle tire with the majority of this equipment is going to make the task much more aggravating.
The first step to changing a motorcycle tire is getting that old and useless tire off. First off you should use your valve stem tool to remove all of the air from the tire.

Next you are going to use your lubrication; this can be anything from dish soap or silicon spray on lubrication on both of the tire beads. You will also need to use your bead breaking tool to break both of the beads. Using your tire irons you will start removing the tire from the rim. Generally when you are changing a motorcycle tire you should place the tire irons four to seven inches apart.

Next you are going to insert the tube and align it with the approximate position of the valve stem. Once you have the tube in place you are going to need to add a small amount of air to it. This is done for two reasons while changing a motorcycle tire; first to help the tube retain most of it shape and secondly to help protect it from damage caused by the tire changing tools you are using. Lubricate the tire bead using the same type of lubrication you used before to get the old tire off.

Next use your breezer tire tool to slowing position the tire bead onto the wheel rim. Use a rotating method so that you are working the opposite beads, one after the other. Now the only step left is to inflate the tire. Using compressed air, or a handheld pump, no stronger than 55 PSI inflate the tire and your changing a motorcycle tire experience in done!