How to Change an Inner Tube on a Motorcycle Tire

A flat on a tubed motorcycle tire requires the replacement of the inner tube.

Motorcycle tires fall into two categories: tubeless and tubed. Both are quite durable nowadays, and it is quite rare to get a full blow-out that will render a tire completely useless. In the event of a flat tire, you will notice the handling and steering of a motorcycle will deteriorate rapidly. Your bike may also start swerving. Pull over immediately. If you have tubed tires, you need to remove the wheel and replace the inner tube.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench
• Tire iron
• Air pump

Instructions

1. Lay the bike on its side with the axle nut facing up. Remove the axle nut with a wrench and pull the axle out. Take the chain off the sprocket and pull the wheel out of the swing arm. Place the wheel on its side, away from the bike.

2. Loosen the rim lock and remove the valve core. Start removing the actual tire from the rim by pushing the edge of the tire, or bead, down away from the rim. You can use your foot to push the tire away from the rim's edge. You only need to remove the tire from the rim on one side of the wheel in order to get the inner tube out. As the tire starts to move away from the rim, take a tire iron and work the tire completely off the rim.

3. Reach in and pull the inner tube out of the tire. You may have to struggle with the tube depending on the type, but it will come out eventually. Keep the tube facing upward and in alignment with the tire. Once the inner tube is out, place it on top of the wheel in the exact position it was before. Look for obvious punctures, and check the tire at the same location for any nails or other objects that need to be removed.

4. Insert the new inner tube into the tire. It is best if the tube is partially inflated, as it will retain its shape and be easier to work with. Make sure that the valve stem is in the right position so you can inflate the tire fully once it is on. Use the tire iron to start pushing the tire back into the rim. The bead of the tire should slip back under the rim. Using your knees, hold down the section of the tire with the bead already in place as you move along. As you reach the end of the circle, the bead will be hardest to maneuver. Be careful not to puncture the new inner tube with the tire iron.

5. Inflate the tire with your pump once it is completely on the rim. If the tire does not inflate evenly, the inner tube could be trapped against the rim and tire somewhere along the wheel.

6. Put the wheel back on the bike by placing it back between the swing arm. Slide the axle back in place and stand the bike up. Secure the axle with the nut using the wrench and place the chain back on the sprocket.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the inner tube is not caught between the rim and tire bead or it will pop off once you inflate the tire.

References

• Dirt Rider: Fix a Flat on the Trail
• Sound Rider: Motorcycle Tire Repair