How to Change and Balance Your Motorcycle TireTaking off the Old Tire After you’ve purchased a new tire,you can begin the tire changing process by removing the old one. You can use a stand or jack it up. …Installing the New Tire Spray the lube,then check the rotation marker on the tire and rotate the tire on the rim. …Zip Ties …Tools …Balancing a Motorcycle Tire …Final Thoughts …

What is the best way to balance a motorcycle tire?

Temporarily add wheel weights to the light spot.Now that you’ve found the heavy spot at the bottom,you know the light spot is the top. Use a piece of tape to mark the light spot.Arbitrarily choose a number of wheel weights as a starting point to test. …Add the wheel weights to the light spot using tape. …

Is balancing a motorcycle tire really important?

Balancing your motorcycle tires is an important aspect of maintaining your bike. Unbalanced tires can cause uneven wear which can lead to unsafe driving conditions (up to and including loss of control). Properly balanced tires ensure a smooth ride. Anytime you purchase new motorcycle tires, you should have them balanced. You should also balance …

Do motorcycle tires need balancing?

Motorcycle tires should be balanced at all times to keep drivers safe. A set of unbalance wheel will affect the motorcycle’s performance and might lead to an accident when neglected. Keeping your motorcycle tires balanced will also help keep them longer. Unbalance increases the damage to motorcycle tires through easy wear and tear.

How to tell if motorcycle tires are good?

When To Replace Motorcycle Tiresa) Tread Depth. To ensure that you don’t guess the expected lifespan of your motorcycle tires,manufacturers often add wear bar running across the tire tread.b) Age. As a general rule,the lifespan of your motorcycle tires should not go over and beyond five years. …c) Cracking. …d) Punctures and Cuts. …e) Loss of Pressure. …f) Odd Feeling. …g) Inflation. …

How to balance a balancer?

The metal rod on top of the balancer consists of 2 cones pointing inwards. Pull 1 of the cones to the side and off of the rod. Then, slide the wheel onto the rod, pushing the axle sleeve onto the cone. …

How to put weight on rim?

Tape a wheel weight to the rim’s top end. Purchase some adhesive wheel weights from a tire shop. The wheel’s highest point, opposite the point you marked earlier, is the lightest part of the wheel. Place the weight directly on the rim. Instead of peeling off the backing, secure the weight with a piece of masking tape.

How much does a static balancer cost?

Set a static balancer on a flat surface. Static balancers can be purchased online or at tire and motorcycle shops for about $100 USD. Set the machine on the ground or on a table. Pick a spot that seems completely even and stable.

How to put balancer cone back on?

Put the other balancer cone back in place. Slide the cone back onto the balancer’s rod. Push it forward until it fits tightly inside the axle sleeve. The wheel should be centered on the rod and set firmly between the cones.

How to protect yourself and your motorcycle?

You can protect yourself and your motorcycle by balancing your tires before going out on the road. By adding adhesive weights to the tire’s lighter end, you’ll be able to enjoy a much more stable and controllable motorcycle ride — all you need is a static balancer to get started! Steps.

How to stop a tire when it is too heavy?

1. Gently spin the tire and wait for it to stop. Give the wheel a spin so it turns 2 or 3 times. If you use too much force, touch the tire with your finger to slow it down. When it comes to a complete stop, the heaviest part of the wheel will be at the bottom.

How to mark the lowest point of a wheel?

Mark the lowest part of the wheel with tape. Peel off a small piece of masking tape. Position it on the bottom part of the rim, right in the center. Fasten it in place to mark the wheel’s lowest point. You may also mark this point with chalk. Mark this low point by drawing a small line on the tire.

How to set a tire bead?

Setting the Bead. Once your tire is on the rim, you need to inflate it to set the bead. An air compressor is recommended to fill it up. When the bead sets, it will make a loud noise and pinch whatever fingers, toes, or clothing is nearby. Be safe during this step- the bead will set quickly and oftentimes without warning.

How to remove a bike wheel?

Removing the Wheel. The first thing you will need to do is get the bike in the air. You can use either a jack or a stand, each works provided it is set up safely and allows you to get the tires off the frame. Next, you will want to remove the chain and axle hardware, making sure to keep the pieces organized as you go.

Why mirror front tread pattern to rear tread pattern?

Most manufacturers mirror the front tread pattern to the rear pattern mainly to improve wear characteristics because they are subjected to different primary forces (braking on the front and acceleration on the rear). It is this pattern that also determines which direction the tires deflect water when the road is wet.

What is a tread indicator?

Tread indicators are level with the top of the tread groove

How to get tire off rim?

Work methodically on the tire, going section by section with your tools to work it off the rim, being careful not to cause damage as you go. Using your knee as a counter force helps keep the tire in place while you work with your hands. Once you have finished one side, flip it over and start working on the other. Eventually, the remaining part of the tire should slide off.

What to check before putting wheel back on frame?

Before you put the wheel back on the frame, check the tire for any leaks.

What does backwards tread do?

Additionally, the “backwards” tread helps reduce noise and vibration while you ride.

How to change a tire after buying a new tire?

After you’ve purchased a new tire, you can begin the tire changing process by removing the old one. You can use a stand or jack it up. Whichever method you use, make sure the bike is stable and both of the wheels are off the ground.

What do you need to ride a bike?

When you ride you need the right gear, including a cool helmet, a jacket that can protect you from the elements and potential road rash, and a visor or goggles. But if you want to learn how to actually work on your bike, you’ll also need to pick up some essential tools that you can use for a variety of repairs.

How long is a zip ties tire?

This technique requires you to use more muscle and zip ties that measure in at more than twenty inches long.

How to break a tire bead?

Deflate old tire and break bead with bead breaker or your heel. Lever off one side of tire and flip, lever off other side, and push tire off rim. Push first sidewall of new tire on rim. Taking small "bites," lever second sidewall onto rim. Set bead, check for leaks, and inflate to proper psi.

How to fix broken bead on rim?

Once you’ve broken the bead, snake a zip tie between the bottom lip of the sidewall and the inside of the rim. Cin ch the zip tie and push the two sidewalls closer together by standing on either side of the zip tie. Cinch it again until both sides of the sidewall are touching.

How to get a new tire on a bike?

Push the first sidewall over the lip of the rim and grab your tire irons. Work in small sections to get the new tire over the lip of the rim. Cycle World. Take small “bites” and lever the second sidewall over the rim. You won’t get it all in one shot.

How to break a motorcycle tire?

Deflate and break the bead on the motorcycle tire. You can accomplish this with a dedicated motorcycle tire bead breaker, tire irons, or by pushing down on the sidewall of the tire with your heel. Grunting during this step is optional, but recommended.

How to set a bead on a tire?

Set your bead by inflating your tire, either at a gas station, using an air compressor, or one of those emergency tire inflators that connects to your car’s power. Warning: When your bead sets, it is loud and can pinch any stray objects near it. Do not have any loose wrenches, fingers, or toes near your rim.

What to do if you see no tires?

If you see none, inflate or deflate your tire to the correct psi and install your wheel back on your bike. You’re not changing your tire at a shop, so you are responsible for recycling your tire. Don’t throw it in your dumpster; go to your nearest recycling center and dispose of your tire properly.

How to get a tire to break free?

If you’re having trouble, or the tire doesn’t want to break free, stand the wheel vertically and put your knee on the tire, right behind where you inserted the tire iron and push.

How to change a motorcycle tire

The first thing you do before when you learn about how to change a motorcycle tire, ( otherwise referred to as how to mount a motorcycle tire) is go to the kitchen and mix up a 50/50 solution of warm water and dish soap. You are going to use this as your lubricant throughout the tire change process so get that ready and have it handy.

How to read motorcycle tire size

According to https://www.chapmoto.com/ the reality is that most people don’t know what size tires their bikes are running. How do you find your bikes tire size? There are three common size formats for street tires: Metric Sizing (Most Common) , Alpha Numeric (Mostly Cruiser) and Inch Sizing (Mostly Dirt Bike)

How to balance a motorcycle tire

If you are doing this yourself there are 4 basic steps below that cover the process:

Can you plug a motorcycle tire?

The processes for tubed and non-tubed tires are different, but both tires can be made rideable again (at least enough to get you home). Patching a tubed tire requires you to remove the wheel, popping the bead (not easy!) and pulling out the tube to fix it.

How to seal a tire bead?

Seal the tire bead into the rim using the Breezer tire tool if you can’t get the "pop" while inflating. You can use this tool to press the bead in and then rotate the tire to get the bead in from all edges.

How to tell if a tire has popped?

Pump some air into the tire using a compressed air pump, but do not inflate it fully. You just want to pump until you hear a small "pop." This indicates the bead has popped in.

How to get tire off rim?

Spray silicone lubricant on the tire bead to help it come out. This will allow you to slip the tire off the rim easily by entering tire irons under the bead and pulling the tire away from the rim. Remove both sides of the tire until the tire can slip off completely.

What is a bead on a tire?

A "bead" is a curved lip of the tire that goes right where the tire meets the rim and hold it in place. If the bead isn’t coming out, try to push more air out of the tires.

How do you pull a tire lever?

Tire levers are simply long metal tabs. You shove them under the bead, so that the back side sits against the rim, and then push down to pull the tire up. The rim acts like a fulcrum, allowing you to pop the tire up and over the rim. Move in a circle around the tire until the tire is off.

Why does my Breezer tool get stuck?

The Breezer tool can get stuck if one side of the tire gets too tight. Change sides to make the job easier.

How to get air out of a tire?

Let all the air out of the tire with the valve core tool. This tool is either snapped on or screwed into the valve to keep it open. The force of the air coming out is usually quite strong, so you will need to hold the valve core tool tightly.

Why are there cost fluctuations?

One of the things that many new riders may not realize is how expensive the materials are, and how time-consuming changing the tire on a motorcycle is compared to a car.

How much does it cost to have new tires put on a motorcycle vs. retreads?

It costs between $250 and $1,100 to put new tires on a motorcycle, including the cost of the tires. The cost will depend on the type of tires and motorcycle, where you change them, and the tires’ quality.

Does the type of motorcycle tire affect the cost?

There are several different types of motorcycle tires. There are sport, touring, cruiser, ADV or dual sport, and offroad and motocross tires. There are also specialized sand tires.

How much does it cost to change tires on a motorcycle by yourself?

To answer your question, yes, you can change the tires on your motorcycle on your own. This is a little time-consuming process and takes some elbow grease. However, knowing how to change and balance your motorcycle tires is a skill well worth having.

What is the cheapest way to change the tires on a motorcycle?

The cheapest way to change the tires on your motorcycle is to buy your own tires and install them by yourself. If you have the right tools and are sufficiently handy , this method will only cost you the price for the tires and a few hours of your time.

What is retreaded tire?

Retreaded tires are tires that have received new tread and are being resold. Retreaded tires receive a lot of bad rep. The authorities have not found retreaded tires to be any more dangerous than regular new tires. However, the reality may not be as promising.

How much does it cost to put new tires on a motorcycle?

It costs between $250 and $1,100 to put new tires on a motorcycle, including the cost of the tires. The cost will depend on the type of tires and motorcycle, where you change them, and the tires’ quality. On average, putting on new motorcycle tires, which have been bought from the same shop, should cost between $450 and $550.