How to Change a Motorcycle Tire Tube

Dunlop Tire

Motorcycle tubes, in most cases, are made from very thin rubber, and can easily develop leaks and cracks. Even heavy duty tubes, that come for quite a larger price, are still only made with a thin rubber compound, so they can be very vulnerable. This being said, one of the most common tasks in owning and maintaining a motorcycle, is changing damaged and ruined tubes.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement tire and tube
• Standard tool kit
• Valve stem core remover
• Crow bar
• Cup of soapy water

Instructions

1. Remove the tire from the motorcycle and lie it on a clean rug or towel, sprocket down.

2. Use a valve stem core remover to unscrew the core from the valve stem and let all the air out of the tire's tube.

3. Use a crow bar to pull up one full side of the tire. Start at one point and slowly work your way around the tire. It may be desirable to have another person hold the sections you've already pulled up with another crow bar.

4. Reach in the side of the tire and pull out the tube.

5. Pull off the other side of the tire and replace it with the new tire. Make sure to match the tire's treads with the forward direction of the tire.

6. Slide the new tube into the rim and match the valve stem with the stem hole in the rim.

7. Use the crow bar to pull the other side of the tire back on to the rim.

8. Stand the tire on end and dump soapy water around both sides, just inside of the rim. Then, begin to pump the tire up using an air compressor. The soapy water will allow the tire to slide and pop out onto its bead. You may have to thump the tire with a hammer as well to get the tire to pop onto its bead.

Tips & Warnings

• Get another person to help you with the process to make it go even easier.

• Be very careful of pinch points when working with changing tires.