How do you change motorcycle tires?

Question

How do you change tubeless motorcycle tires and what tools/materials are needed?

Answer 1

Let a Pro Do it . I have changed tires myself also for years But I Do Not do my bikes

Answer 2

I get the feeling that many of the responders have never changed a tubless tire. Unless you have the proper tools for breaking down the tire, forget it because you'll never get the bead broke loose. Nearly all rear tubeless rims have an automotive style safety bead, a small raised ridge set back maybe 3/8" from the wheel shoulder. It's there so that if you have a flat, the tire stays on the wheel rather than coming loose and wallowing around on the rim. Have a flat at speed and it's the rear one that will dump you in a ditch faster than a flat on the front. I once had a sudden blow out from something that cut an inch long hole in the tread. I slowly rode the full dress bike nearly a mile on a field road to get back to my house. While the rear did wallow around some, the tire never came off of the rim. To break the bead on a safety rim, you need a $50 Harbor Freight bead breaker or a hand held one shaped like a very large, dull chisel. The latter is hard to use, the former easy. Tubeless tire dimensions are no different than tube style, it's the rims that are different. Tubeless are easier because you don't have a tube to stuff in there and possibably pinch. However, if the tire has been stored on its side with other tires stored on top, the sidewalls can be mashed together and you'll never get the the beads to mate up to the wheel enough to take air. You then must use the old starting fluid and torch striker to ignite the starting fluid enough to explode, popping the wire onto the rim. You need to be careful because if you go pounding on a mag wheel, you can bust them and then you have junk. You also have to be careful when laying the wheel down or working on it because you can slightly warp the brake disc.

Answer 3

No offense intended, but what a bunch of wimps! I do it all the time on tires that range from a bicycle to tractor tires taller than I am and heavy enough to need two people to move around. And I even do it with old fashioned tools! The process isn't that complicated, but very time consuming to explain in words. The best way is to watch someone do it. The secret to changing tires is to lubricate the tire bead so it slips easily over the rim and to keep the opposite side of the bead down in the drop center of the wheel. That's what lets you put a tire with a 16 inch diameter between beads onto a 17 inch wide rim. Also be very careful with cast rims, protect them with leather or a wadded up rag when prying on them and don't strike them with a steel hammer. If you have to use a hammer on the tire, use a rubber one. Also be careful to protect the brake disc when you lay the wheel down because you can warp them if you're not careful. I'd hate to see what you guys would do if you had a flat tire Sunday mroning and had a big ride planned on Sunday afternoon. You sure wouldn't be going anywhere until Tuesday!

As far as tools needed, I use a heavy sledge hammer, rubber hammer, at least two spoons, a "bead buster" which is a large chisel like tool, a cheap Harbor Freight tire fixing outfit (not an absolute necessity), ArmorAll silicone lubricant, valve stem removing tool and tire gauge.

Answer 4

Tubeless tires on street motorcycles are just like car tires, very strong beads that require a tire machine, either power or manual to change them, unless you are getting into the buisness of changing tires it really makes more sense to take them to someone who already has invested a couple thousand dollars for the proper equipment, and let them fix you up.

Answer 5

On a ATV they soak then in some kind of liquid all day to help with breaking the bead. If you try to break the bead that helps seal the tire to the rim. You are gonna ruin the rim and the tire. So best bet just take to shop to have done that way if anything gets tore up they pay not you or just dont fix it.

Answer 6

you have to take the wheel off the bike then let the air out, then use a rubber hammer to break the bead ( get the tire away from the rim on both sides) then using two long handle screwdrivers or tire irons, you will have to pry the tire off the rim a little at a time, it is not to bad, use some liquid soap on the tire and rim to make it come off easier

Answer 7

i learned from an expert at a car and truck repair dealer. he has been changing tires for over 30 years. DONT DO IT YOURSELF when it comes to motorcycles or quads. the rim and tire set up is much different then on a car, truck or lawn mower. its worth the extra 10-30 dollars to have a proffesinal do it. if you dent or bend the rim its going to cost you hundred to replace or fix. beleive me, i have tried

John

Answer 8

front tires are easy, rear tires on some bikes are easy, others darn hard. Rather than try in this limited space to give generic directions, just go purchase the service manual for your bike and follow the step by step directions, Wiah I could give a better answer, but that is the best way to do it. Good luck

Answer 9

Buy a new motorcycle-it's easier.l

Answer 10

IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DO AND YOU WILL MOST LIKELY RUIN THE TIRE AND OR THE RIM.