How to Replace a Motorcycle Tire
Motorcycle tires become worn over time and must be replaced. Replacing the tire on a motorcycle is much easier than replacing a car or truck tire. The process only requires a few common tools.
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Things You'll Need
- Motorcycle stand
- Replacement tube (if needed)
- Crescent wrench
- Hammer
- Crowbar
- Air compressor
Instructions
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Removing the Old Tire
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1
Position the motorcycle in an open, flat area and pull the bike up on a center stand.
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2
Use a crescent wrench to loosen and remove the tire's lug nut. Remove the washer between the nut and the axle.
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3
Use a hammer to thump the lug bolt as far as you can through the axle shaft. Pull the lug bolt the rest of the way out. Remove the square bracers in the swing arm's tightening channel.
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4
Press the tire forward slightly and roll the chain off the sprocket. Pull the tire away from the motorcycle, being sure that the brake disc doesn't become hooked in the brake assembly.
Replacing the Tire
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5
Use a knife or screwdriver to press the valve-stem core and let all the air out of the tire.
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6
Pry the side of the tire up over the rim's edge using a crowbar. If you plan to re-use the tube, be careful not to pinch it.
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7
Pull the old tube out of the tire. Pull the other side of the tire off the rim.
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8
Place the new tire against the rim and press it over the rim's edge. Slide the old tube (or a new tube) into the rim. Line the tube up with the valve-stem hole in the rim.
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9
Use the crowbar to pry the other side of the tire onto the rim. Be careful not to catch the tube between the crowbar and the rim. Doing so will pinch and ruin the tube.
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10
Stand the tire on end. Drizzle a small amount of soapy water down into the rim, all the way around the tire on both sides. Pump up the tire with an air compressor. The soap will act as a lubricating agent to allow the tire to pop out onto its bead.
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11
Place the tire back on the motorcycle, just like you removed it. Replace the brake disc back into the braking assembly as straight as possible.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Have another person help you hold the rim as you remove the tire.
Be aware of pinch points when working around movable motorcycle parts.
- Photo Credit www.extrememotorsales.com
