Apart from being the only point of contact with the road, motorcycle tires also support the vehicle load and maintain traction. While we don’t deliberate upon tires much when buying a new motorcycle, they still are arguably the most important component of your vehicle.
As a regular bike user, you may be required to change them by yourself many times. Having prior information about the process may be helpful and save a good amount of money too.
We’ve provided the best DIY motorcycle tire changing tools and tips that’ll make you proficient at tire swapping.
But first, let’s know how important the tires are for a safe ride. So let’s dive right in.
Importance of tires for a safe ride
- Some things that these people don't know about tires are that they actually affect fuel economy, riding comfort, and braking distance. Sometimes a rider's safety depends majorly on the quality of tires he chooses.
- Other than providing grip for braking and acceleration, tires also support the weight of the motorcycle as well as act as a shock absorber for vibrations from the road.
- Since, these tires are the only point of contact that your vehicle has with the road, keeping them in good working condition becomes necessary.
Now, let’s talk about the Motorcycle tire changing guide. By having the right tools and following the process we’ve provided in the next section, you will be able to swap tires like a pro.
Motorcycle Tire Changing Guide
Step 1: Make sure to have all the necessary tools to accomplish the job. We recommend you using a Bead Keeper Tool for smooth working. It has a super rubberized coating that will protect your tire from creeping during installation.
Step 2: Start with removing the valve core. This should be followed by loosening up the nut on the rim lock.
Step 3: Now you need to break off the tire bead. Use a tire iron and push it between the tire and the rim. Force the iron downward and the bead should break loose. Repeat the process at various spots around the rim.
Step 4: After the bead is free, use the tire iron to lift the lip of the tire over the rim. Now, you need to get the whole tire over the rim.
Step 5: Remove the tube and deflate the motorcycle tire. After this, detach the tire from the wheel.
Step 6: Inspect the rim lock and rim band to make sure that they are in good condition. If they are in good condition, begin the process of installing a new motorcycle tire.
Step 7: Start the process at rim lock by pushing it downward. This will make the bead of the tire sit underneath the rim lock. Now, you need to begin at the valve stem.
Step 8: Slide the tube completely into the tire and note that the tube is inside to avoid getting pinched by the iron nails.
Step 9: Rub the tire with soapy water. First, apply it on the top side of the tire onto the rim.
This complete process can be made trouble-free with the use of Classic HD Motorcycle Tire Changer. This has a heavy-duty stand, increased outside diameter capacity up to 34 inches, and a heavy-duty breaker arm.
The Major causes of Tire Damage
Many riders take their vehicle’s tire maintenance for granted, but they really shouldn’t. Tires tend to get damaged more frequently and suddenly than any other component of your vehicle. You’ll find much debris on the side of roads, of which the majority are the pieces of blown-out tires. Knowing the causes of tire wear and tear becomes important to avoid any tire destruction.
That’s why let’s know about some of the major causes:
- Riding over Potholes:
Riding over potholes can cause damage to your tire which leads to problem with your vehicle’s alignment and suspension. Most often, the damage is so bad that it bends the rim and gives rise to an air leak. Pothole damage, when less severe, can cause uneven wear.
- Maintenance of vehicle:
This is another important factor that causes damage. Neglecting regular vehicle maintenance can acutely decrease the tire life. This can increase its running cost.
- Bumping into curbs:
This factor doesn’t cause as much damage as hitting a pothole on the highway, however, the sidewall of the tire is affected whenever a tire bumps into a curb.
Sometimes, the tire damage is so bad that it can be cured only by replacing the tires. Most people prefer professionals to get the job done. You can save a bit of money by changing the motorcycle’s tire on your own.
Here are some Tire care Tips
- Check the air pressure:
In wet conditions or humid environments, riding with improper tire pressures can affect your motorcycle’s handling and braking. Under-inflated tires due to heat build-up can lead to the loss of your vehicle’s control and sudden accidents.
You should check your tire pressure before every long trip.
- Examine your tire:
The riders may not notice the damaged tire until it’s late. Get a regular complete inspection of your tire by yourself and check whether they are damaged to avoid any unforeseen problem. You can also have it done by a professional.
- Know the load capacity:
Exceeding the load capacity relative to the tire’s load index may result in the tearing of your tires. Loading the vehicle beyond its limit can cause excessive heat build-up which may result in tire destruction.
You need to be careful about loading your vehicle and should respect the load capacity for a safer ride.
Parting Notes
It’s worth putting a little effort and time to install the new tire by yourself. At No-Mar Tire Changer, you’ll find unique tire tools and products required for an efficient tire changing. Our current tire changer line has been designed to be upgradable, and this will allow you to add more features to your vehicle.
For more information, visit our website or contact our knowledgeable staff. We’ll be happy to assist you.