The motorcycle fanatics and the other budget users of the ride like to do all its maintenance work themselves. It doesn’t only help them save a few bucks but also gives them more knowledge about how things work with the ride. The process is not hard to learn, provided you have got all the right tools and knowledge to get the job done.
When The Tires of Motorcycle Should Be Changed?
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The tires of the bike should be changed depending on their wear and tear or how much you have used over some time. In most of the cases, you will need to replace one tire only and not both, and the first tire to be changed by the rear tire.
It is because the rear tires deteriorate in quality or show signs of wear and tear twice as much as the front tire. Therefore, you only need to go for the replacement of the tire that has worn out as the tire with an issue wouldn’t impact the performance of the other tire. You need the instructions given by your manufacturer about tire replacement to get the most specific idea. You must look for the following signs to conclude if tire change is warranted:
- Inspect the tire for treads such as raised segments of the rubber.
- Check it for defects such as dry rot or cracking along the side walls.
- The tube of the tubed tires shows signs of wear and tear.
- Be considerate about the age of the tire.
- For regular cleaning and maintenance needs.
What Should Be The Frequency of Changing Tires of A Motorcycle?
The first thing that comes here is the quality of the tire and the manufacturer. The motorcycle tires are made to last for 10 years on average and this could be less and more based on the usage of the tires. It is better to get your tires inspected annually and replace one or both if needed. The experts and many manufacturers of the tires recommend changing tires on the bike after 10 years of use. They might also be replaced in 5 years even earlier, depending on the wear and tear.
How Much Is The Cost Associated With Changing Tires of A Motorcycle?
The price range for a tire of a motorcycle typically falls between $70 t $160. It all depends upon your motorcycle, the type of tire, and the brand. It also depends if you are considering a brand new or a retreaded tire, where the latter one is a repaired one, which is sold after being inspected. The cost of a retreaded tire is 30 to 50 percent less than that of a brand new one. They are reportedly as safe as the new tires that you rely on. On top of that, the other cost associated is with the process of replacing the tire, which is in your hand if you do it yourself. This is exactly what we will be facilitating you within this guide.
Steps To Follow For Changing Tires of Motorcycle Yourself:
1. Removing Tire
This is the first step where you generally need to elevate your bike off the ground. The axle needs to be removed, which will allow you to conveniently remove the tire from the motorcycle. For this and other subsequent steps, you need to refer to the product manual to get the know-how about specific details.
2. Deflating Tire
Once the tire is removed then you need to deflate it completely. The best way to do so is to remove the valve stem core that is coming from the valve stem. A special tool is required for this step that you can get from an auto parts shop for a few bucks only. It is advised not to remove it using any pliers as that could potentially damage your tires.
3. Breaking the Bead
The next step in line is to break the bead, which is holding the tire with the rim. In case of a narrow tire, a benchtop alone could do the needful. For the larger tires and with the rear wheel especially, a special bead breaker is warranted, which comes with a cohesive tire spoon and it will also be required in the next step as well. Do not try to break the bead by using a hammer as it could damage the rim of the tire rather than loosening it.
4. Lever Sides of the Tire
Start levering the first side of the tire by employing tire spoons. You might have got the small spoons kit with your motorcycle tool kit, but the longer spoon will provide you with supplementary leverage. The latter is recommended for making the entire job easier. Once you have the right equipment then you are required to slide the spoon right in between the rim and the tire. This needs to be done by employing the hooked end to get hold of the edge of the tire and right on top of the rim.
5. Removing Tube Spooked Tire
If you have a tube spooked wheel then it is required to be removed. For this purpose, you need to unbolt the valve stem from the rim and then carefully pull out the tube. You need to use the same technique by levering off the other side of the wheel.
6. Inspection of Tire
A tire needs to be inspected for any debris or rust. You must thoroughly clean the inside of the tire and this becomes more critical if you have steel rims that are much vulnerable to rusting. A cordless drill or maybe a wire brush could do this job more conveniently. You may also think about using a corrosion inhibitor spray once you are done with wire brushing.
6. Coating the Edges
Get hold of the bead lube to coat the edges. This will help in sliding the tire easily onto the rim. If you are having the spooked wheels then also make sure that you also have the rim strip installed. It is a thin band of rubber material, which covers the nipples of the spoke to perfectly protect the tube of the tire.
7. Use Fork Spoon
A fork spoon should be used and lever it on one side of the wheel to get it back on the rim.
8. Inserting the Tube in the Tubed Tires
Insert the tube right in between the rim and tire while ensuring that it does not get kinked or twisted. You also need to ensure for pushing the valve stem right back into the rim through the hole. Now carefully lever the other side of the tire as well on to the rim. A tire spoon is required to be used again.
10. Installing Tire Back Onto The Motorcycle
You just need to get your tire installed back in the motorcycle after inflating it and get the ride back onto the ground, which you elevated earlier for tire removal.
As you can see above, it might be a slightly long but not that difficult process to handle in your garage. The hardest part is only to take off the wheel from the motorcycle. The removal process becomes more difficult if the tires are older. The newer ones are easy to take off and put back on. Keeping in mind the dynamics of your bike’s tires, the steps in between are quite easy to follow.