Loading...
Changing a motorcycle tyre may seem intimidating, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can easily tackle this task at home. How to change a tyre is a valuable skill that every rider should possess. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of changing the tyre on your motorcycle, empowering you to handle this essential maintenance task with confidence.
Before you begin, ensure you have the following tools:
- Tyre levers (at least two)
- Valve core tool
- Bead breaker
- Lubricant (soapy water or tyre mounting paste)
- Air compressor or foot pump
- Spray-on silicone lubricant or Windex
- Rim protectors (optional)
Having these tools ready will make the tyre change process at home smoother and more efficient.
Find a safe, well-lit area to work on your motorcycle. Place the bike on a stable surface, such as a stand or lift, ensuring it's high enough to remove the wheel comfortably. Put on gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from potential injuries.
Consult your motorcycle's user manual for specific instructions on removing the wheel. Generally, you'll need to:
- Loosen the axle pinch bolts (if working on the front wheel)
- Slacken the axle nut
- Remove the axle nut and wheel spindle
Carefully slide the wheel out, noting the position of any spacers or washers
Remove the valve cap and use the valve core tool to remove the valve core, releasing the air from the tyre. Keep the valve core in a safe place for later use. Ensure the tyre is completely deflated before proceeding.
The tyre bead is the inner edge that sits against the rim. To remove the tyre, you must break the bead using a bead breaker tool or two C-clamps. Apply pressure to separate the tyre bead from the rim on both sides, working your way around the entire circumference.
Spray silicone lubricant or Windex on the tyre bead to help it come off the rim more easily.
Insert a tyre lever between the tyre and rim near the bead break area. Pry the tyre lever upwards to lift the bead over the rim, being careful not to damage the rim or puncture the tyre/tube. Use rim protectors if desired.
Insert a second tyre lever a few inches away from the first and repeat the process, gradually working your way around the tyre. Pull the removed section back over the rim and push the opposite side of the tyre into the rim to create slack.
Continue until the entire tyre is off the rim. For tubeless tyres, repeat the process on the other side to remove the wheel completely.
Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the inside of the new tyre's bead and the rim. Position the tyre onto the rim, ensuring the rotation arrow aligns with your motorcycle's direction of rotation.
Using your hands or tyre levers, work the bead of the first half of the tyre over the rim. For tubed tyres, slightly inflate the tube and insert it into the tyre, being careful not to pinch or catch the inner tube. Work the other half of the tyre onto the rim using tyre levers.
Ensure the bead is properly seated on both sides of the rim. For tubeless tyres, use compressed air until the tyre "pops" against the rim, forming a seal.
Reinstall the valve core using the valve core tool. Attach an air compressor or foot pump to the valve stem and gradually inflate the tyre to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Refer to your motorcycle's user manual for the correct tyre pressure.
As you inflate, listen and feel for any air leaks. If you notice leaks, stop inflating and investigate the cause. Once the tyre is properly inflated, remove the air compressor or foot pump and replace the valve cap.
Slide the wheel back into place, ensuring spacers and washers are in their correct positions. Align the wheel with the axle and carefully insert it, making sure it's fully seated.
Tighten the axle nut and pinch bolts according to the manufacturer's recommended torque specifications. Double-check that the wheel is properly aligned and secured. Adjust the chain or belt tension if necessary.
Inspect the tyre to ensure it is properly seated on the rim and has an even fit. Check the tyre pressure once again using a reliable gauge and adjust if needed. Spin the wheel by hand, listening for any unusual noises or rubbing. Test the brakes to ensure they function correctly.
- Tyre repair kit (includes reamer, insertion tool, rubber plugs/strips)
- Tyre sealant (optional, for emergency)
- Air pump or portable inflator
- Soap water or spray bottle (for leak detection)
- Pliers or a screwdriver
- Gloves (recommended)
- Inflate the tyre slightly.
- Spray soap water around the tread to identify the puncture (look for bubbles).
- Mark the spot.
- Use pliers to carefully pull out the nail/screw/sharp object from the tyre.
- Use the reamer tool from the repair kit to clean and widen the puncture hole.
- Push and twist the reamer several times to ensure the hole is smooth and ready for the plug.
- Thread a rubber plug (repair strip) halfway through the insertion tool.
- Push it into the hole firmly until about two-thirds of the strip is inside the tyre.
- Pull the tool out quickly — the plug should stay lodged in the tyre.
- Use a blade to cut off the part of the plug sticking out from the tyre surface.
- Pump air back into the tyre to the recommended pressure.
- Reapply soap water on the repaired area to ensure no air bubbles form.
- If it bubbles, the repair wasn't successful — you may need to repeat or consult a professional.
- Remove the tyre from the wheel.
- Take the tube out.
- Patch the hole using a rubber patch and vulcanizing glue (like a cycle puncture).
- Reassemble everything carefully and inflate.
- This is a temporary fix — especially for large holes or sidewall damage.
- Visit a professional tyre shop for inspection or replacement.
- Never attempt to repair a sidewall puncture yourself — it's unsafe.
How to change the tyre on your motorcycle is a valuable skill that can save you time and money. By following these step-by-step instructions and using the right tools, you can confidently perform a tyre change at home. Remember, while your motorcycle is on the lift, it's an excellent opportunity to perform routine maintenance, such as assessing the chain, checking brakes, and changing the oil if needed.
And if you are looking to replace your two-wheeler tyres, look no further than Eurogrip, a leading Indian tyre manufacturer. We offer high-quality, durable tyres for motorcycles that are rigorously tested in various road conditions. Our extensive range of products are designed in Milan, Italy, and backed by over three decades of expertise in tyre design and manufacturing.
Finally, mastering how to change a tyre empowers you to take control of your motorcycle's maintenance and ensures you're prepared for any situation on the road.