A Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Motorcycle Tires
Are you tired of spending hours at the mechanic just to change your motorcycle tires? Well, we’ve got some good news for you! In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of changing motorcycle tires like a pro.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting, our easy-to-follow instructions will have you confidently swapping those worn-out treads in no time. So buckle up and get ready to take control of your wheels – because DIY tire changes are about to become your new favorite skill!
Table of Contents
Removing the Old Tire
If you’re like most motorcycle riders, you probably don’t change your tires very often. But if you find yourself in a situation where you need to change a tire, it’s important to know how to do it properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to changing motorcycle tires:
The first step is to remove the old tire from your motorcycle. If the tire is still inflated, you’ll need to deflate it before you can remove it. To do this, find the valve stem and use a tire gauge or air compressor to release the air from the tire.
Once the tire is deflated, use a lug wrench or impact gun to loosen the bolts that hold the wheel in place. With the bolts loosened, you should be able to pull the wheel off of the bike.
Prepping the New Tire
Assuming you’ve already procured the new tire (if not, check out our guide to buying motorcycle tires), it’s time to get it ready for installation. This process is known as “prepping the new tire.”
There are a few different ways to prep a new tire, but we’ll focus on the most common method: using tire lube. First, you’ll need to remove the valve stem core so that air can escape as you’re lubing up the tire. Next, apply a generous amount of tire lube to the inside of the tire. Be sure to get coverage all around, including the bead area.
Now it’s time to reinstall the valve stem core and inflate the tire slightly. This will help work the lube into all areas of the tire. Once you’ve done that, deflate the tire and proceed to step three.
Installing the New Tire
Start by putting a small amount of lubricant on the bead of the tire. This will help to prevent the tire from sticking to the rim while you’re trying to put it on.
Next, place the tire on the rim and work your way around the circumference, pushing the tire onto the rim until it’s seated all the way around. If you have trouble getting it started, try using a tire lever or something similar to get things going.
Once the tire is seated on the rim, inflate it to its recommended pressure. You can find this information in your owner’s manual or on the sidewall of the tire itself. Use a digital air gauge for the best accuracy.
Install BST motorcycle Wheels onto your motorcycle and torque all of the bolts to their proper specifications. Make sure everything is tight before taking your bike out for a spin!
Setting Up the Wheel
If you’re new to changing motorcycle tires, the process can seem a bit daunting. But with a little know-how and the right tools, it’s not that difficult. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to do to change your motorcycle tires, from start to finish.
Before you begin, make sure you have the following items on hand:
- Motorcycle Jack
- Torque Wrench
- Set of Tire Irons
- Friend or Family Member (Optional)
Adding Valve Stem and Air Pressure
After the new tire is in place, it’s time to add the valve stem and air pressure. To do this, first, find the valve stem on the new tire. It’s usually located near the edge of the tire. Once you’ve found it, use a valve stem tool to remove the cap from the valve stem.
Next, take your air pump and attach it to the valve stem. Pump air into the tire until it reaches the recommended pressure. You can usually find this information on a placard on your motorcycle or in your owner’s manual.
Once you’ve reached the recommended pressure, remove the air pump and replace the cap on the valve stem.
Replacing Wheel Fasteners
Most motorcycle tires use lug nuts to secure the wheel to the bike. To remove the old tire, you’ll need to loosen and remove these lug nuts. You’ll then be able to pull the wheel off of the bike.
To install the new tire, simply line up the new wheel with the holes in the forks or frame and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Once the new tire is in place, use a wrench to tighten the lug nuts until they’re snug. Be careful not to overtighten them, as this could damage the wheel or axle.
Checking Torque on the Lug Nuts
It is important to check the torque on the lug nuts after changing motorcycle tires. Torque is a measure of how tight the lug nuts are. Too much torque can damage the threads on the bolts or studs, while too little torque can allow the wheel to come loose.
The proper torque for most motorcycle maintenance wheels is between 25 and 35 foot pounds. To check the torque, use a torque wrench to turn each lug nut until it clicks. If any of the lug nuts are not within the proper range, adjust them as needed.
Balancing the Wheel and Tire Assembly
After you have the new tire mounted on the rim, it’s time to balance the wheel and tire assembly. This is important because it helps ensure that your motorcycle rides smoothly and without vibration.
To balance the wheel and tire assembly, you will need a balancer stand or a similar device. You will also need some weights. Start by placing the wheel and tire assembly on the stand or device. Then, spin the wheel to see where it is heaviest. Add weights to the opposite side of the wheel until it is balanced.
Once the wheel and tire assembly is balanced, put it back on your motorcycle and enjoy your ride!
Explore Changing Motorcycle Tires Today
Overall, changing motorcycle tires is easy. When done correctly, you can quickly get back on the road and back to enjoying the ride. If you find yourself needing to make this change quickly and safely, make sure to follow this step-by-step guide for the best results.
Get out there and get riding!
Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our blogs!