Steps for Replacing Motorcycle Tires

One of the joys of owning a V-twin cruiser bike is doing things yourself. From customizing the look of your motorcycle to replacing motorcycle tires, there are many DIY tips you can learn as a motorcycle owner. Changing tires is one of those things you can't avoid doing, and choosing to do it on your own instead of hiring an expert can save you money and time in the process.

If you're changing motorcycles tires the first time or want to learn to do it yourself, here's a simple guide on how to do it using the correct technique:

Assemble the Right Tools

Before you start removing your motorcycle tires, you should have the right tools. You can purchase most of these tools or tire care products at a local motorcycle repair shop or online:

• Tire irons
• Valve core tool
• Spray-on silicone lubricant
• Breezer fire tool
• Bead breaker or two C-clamps
• Rim protectors - optional
• Compressed air pump
• DIY motorcycle tire changer - you can build your own affordably

Remove the Tire from the Motorcycle

• Start by lifting the motorcycle off the ground and remove the axle so that the wheel can come off the bike quickly.
• Deflate the air from the tire using a valve core tool. Doing this makes it much easier to remove the tire.
• Take note of the direction of the spin of the wheel to put back the replacement tire correctly.
• After that, you need to detach the inner edge of the tire or bead from the wheel using the bead breaker tool. This process requires patience and caution to ensure that you don't damage the wheel and the tire. If you don't have this tool, you can use a pair of C-clamps and a supporting board.
• Once you've broken the bead, you can now remove the tire. To make this process easier, spray the silicone lubricant on the motorcycle tire bead so that the tire can come out quickly.
• Place the multiple irons under the tire bead and use the wheel protectors to pull the motorcycle tire off the wheel. Work your way around the tire until the tire slips off completely. Replacing your motorcycle tire should now be possible.
• If your tire has a tube, remove it carefully and replace it with your new tire. In this guide, we focus on tubeless tires.

Installing New Motorcycle Tires

• Lubricate the inner walls of your new motorcycle tire thoroughly. Do this continuously as you work on it to ensure a more straightforward installation.
• Place the motorcycle tire so its spin directly matches the direction you noted earlier when removing the wheel. That should guide you when setting up the tire.
• Attach one side of the motorcycle tire to the wheel using the tire irons and pry it in carefully. Push the tire irons away from the center of the tire to ease the bead under the wheel. Repeat this process on the other side of the tire. This is a critical step when replacing motorcycle tires.
• Use an air compressor to pump air into the new tire but don't inflate it fully. Listen for a "pop" sound that indicates that the tire bead has popped in. Make sure that the entire tire on both sides slips into the bead.
• Seal the bead into the wheel using the Breezer tire tool in case you don't get the "pop" when inflating the tire. Look out for the red dot on the tire and ensure it balances with the valve system.
• To ensure your tire is balanced, pump tire-specific ceramic dust into the tire valve. After that, reinsert the valve stem using a valve stem tool and tighten it.
• Inflate your new tire to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. You're now ready to get back on the road.

Shop Replacement Tires at West End Motorsports

If you need more information about replacing motorcycle tires or DIY motorcycle tire changer options, don't hesitate to talk to our experienced experts at West End Motorsports. We also sell top-brand motorcycle tires for your V-twin cruiser bike as well as other customizable motorcycle parts and accessories that you can install by yourself, including custom seats, exhaust kits, windshields, fairing kits, and others.

Order your replacement tires now and enjoy free shipping for orders over $99 and guaranteed fitment.