The process of changing motorcycle tyres is not as convenient as car tyres. The motorcycle tyres are attached with different parts that need to be removed and refitted for replacing tyres. Therefore, in order to do it properly, you need some expertise and also appropriate tools.
Here are the complete details regarding the process and tools required in changing your motorcycle’s tyres.
Steps to Change Your Motorcycle’s Tyres
Safety is highly crucial for motorcycle riders. While they wear motorcycle helmets to protect themselves in case of accidents, they should also pay attention to bike maintenance to prevent such incidents. Therefore, you should never ride a motorcycle with a flat tyre.
If you suspect a flat tyre, change it before taking your bike out for a ride. Changing a bike’s tyre is as easy as changing a car’s tyre. If you have a spare tyre, you can easily change it yourself. However, if you don’t have the right tools, it is best to take your bike to the nearest workshop.
Following are the steps involved in changing a motorcycle tyre, but first, take a look at the tools required for the task.
Toolkit
Removing a motorcycle tyre requires certain tools, including:
- Tyre iron (tyre spoon)
- Valve core remover
- Rim protectors
- Compressed air pump
- Tyre lubrication
- Breezer tool (optional)
- Bead breaker (optional)
Certain tools are optional as you can use dedicated tyre irons to get the job done.
Step 1: Removing the Valve Core
Start off by removing the valve cap of the tyre. Use the valve core remover tool to completely remove the valve to let all the air out.
Step 2: Detaching the Bead
The inflated tyre will make it easier to remove the bead. You can either use a bead breaker tool or stick to the regular tyre irons or tyre spoons to detach the bead. The tyre iron is inserted in between the tyre and wheel rim. This will require some strength and practice as you insert the tyre iron to separate the tyre from the rim edges. The process needs to be repeated for both sides to loosen up the bead for removal.
Step 3: Use Tyre Lubrication
Lubrication around the tyre bead will help it come out easily. It is advised to use tyre specific lubricants instead of homemade soap water to avoid corrosion. As you proceed to detach the bead, spray the lube to lubricate the rubber around the rim. This will allow the tyre to slip under the bead while using tyre irons.
Step 4: Use the Rim Protectors
During the process of bead removal, it is possible to damage the inner tyre tube or rim with the tyre iron if you are not careful. To mitigate the chances of damage, use rim protectors while prying the bead out. You may need more than one tyre iron to effectively pull out the bead.
Step 5: Repair Tyre
Once the tyre is out make necessary repairs to the inner tube. In case of tyre replacement, check for tyre dots to know the spin direction of the wheel before refitting the tyre.
Step 6: Lubricating Inner Walls
Before replacing the tyre, lubricate the inner walls of the tyre so it becomes easier to work with. This also allows you to easily adjust the inner tube (if not tubeless). Some professionals prefer to use talcum powder. Hence, it is up to the user to decide the lubricant.
Step 7: Reseating Tyre Bead
Once the inner tube is positioned with the valve, reseat the tyre bead with the tyre iron. Use the rim protector when reinserting the wheel to prevent any damage. Repeat the process for the other side until the tyre is re-seated.
Step 8: Pumping Air
Attach the valve core to pump in the air. The trick is to not completely inflate until you hear the pop sound. The pop sound indicates the bead has successfully seated back into the tyre. Inflate the tyre to the recommended pressure and remount the valve cap.
The procedure for changing a motorcycle tyre does require some practice and it may take you more time when detaching and reattaching the bead, especially for the first-timers. If your tyre often gets punctured, it is suggested to replace the tyre. If you are interested in purchasing motorcycle tyres at affordable rates, browse through used motorcycle tyres for sale in the UAE.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on how to change a motorcycle tyre.
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