Changing a motorcycle tire is one of those skills that’s satisfying to know but frustrating to actually do—especially the first few times.
I’m not going to pretend it’s easy. It’s not. It requires specific tools, physical effort, patience, and the ability to not lose your temper when the tire refuses to cooperate.
But if you want to learn, here’s how.
Why Learn This?
Pros:
- Save money (shops charge $50-100+ per tire for labor)
- Independence (you’re not waiting on appointment availability)
- Satisfaction (you did it yourself)
Cons:
- Requires specialized tools
- Physically demanding
- Easy to scratch rims if you’re not careful
- Time-consuming until you get good at it
Most riders pay shops to do this. There’s no shame in that. But if you want to DIY, here’s the process.
Have you ever changed your own tire, or do you always take it to a shop?
Tools You’ll Need
Essential:
- Tire irons (2-3)
- Rim protectors
- Valve core remover
- Tire lube or soapy water
- Bead breaker
- Air compressor or hand pump
- Torque wrench
Helpful:
- Bead buddy (holds tire in place)
- Gloves
- Tire pressure gauge
- Clean workspace
If you don’t have these tools, buying them costs more than paying a shop once or twice. But if you plan to do this regularly, the investment pays off.
Step 1: Remove the Wheel
Secure the bike: Use a center stand, paddock stand, or jack to lift the wheel off the ground.
Remove the wheel: Loosen axle nut, disconnect brake caliper if necessary, note the position of spacers and washers for reassembly.
Keep small parts organized. You will lose something if you don’t. Trust me.
Step 2: Remove the Old Tire
Deflate completely: Remove the valve core. Press on the tire to expel all air.
Break the bead: The tire’s edge sits tightly against the rim. Use a bead breaker to separate it. No bead breaker? Stand on the tire’s edge or use a C-clamp. This is often the hardest part.
Pry the tire off: Insert tire irons under the bead. Use rim protectors to avoid scratching. Work your way around the rim, alternating between irons, until one side comes off. Repeat for the other side.
If it’s stuck: Apply more lube. Warm the tire in the sun. Be patient. Forcing it damages rims.
What’s the most frustrating part of tire changes for you—getting the old one off or the new one on?
Step 3: Prep the New Tire
Check the tire: Verify size matches your bike’s specs. Note directional arrows (tires have a correct rotation direction).
Check manufacturing date: Tires have a four-digit code (week and year). Don’t install tires older than 5 years—rubber degrades.
Lube the beads: Apply tire lube or soapy water generously around both edges. This makes installation much easier.
Replace valve stem if needed: Old, cracked valve stems leak. Replace them now—it’s cheap and easy.
Step 4: Install the New Tire
Fit the first bead: Push one side of the tire onto the rim by hand as far as possible. Use tire irons for the last section. Don’t pinch the tube if you have one.
Fit the second bead: This is where people lose patience. Work slowly around the rim. Use a bead buddy to hold the tire in place. Apply more lube if needed.
Check alignment: Make sure the tire is seated evenly on the rim before inflating.
Step 5: Inflate and Seat the Bead
Inflate slowly: As pressure builds, you’ll hear popping sounds—that’s the bead seating. Normal.
Check for leaks: Spray soapy water around the bead. Bubbles mean a leak.
Inflate to spec: Check your manual for correct PSI. Use a reliable gauge.
Have you ever had a tire that just wouldn’t seat properly—what finally worked?
Step 6: Reinstall the Wheel
Slide wheel back on: Align with chain, brake caliper, spacers.
Tighten to spec: Use a torque wrench. Don’t guess. Over-tightening or under-tightening causes problems.
Check chain tension: Adjust if needed.
Test brakes: Pump the lever several times before riding.
Test Ride
Take a short, cautious ride. Listen for unusual noises. Feel for wobbles or imbalance.
If something feels wrong, stop and inspect. Better to catch problems in your driveway than at speed.
My Honest Take
I’ve changed tires. It’s doable. But it’s also one of those jobs where I understand why people pay shops.
If you do it yourself:
- First time will take 2+ hours and involve swearing
- You’ll probably scratch a rim (use rim protectors!)
- You’ll question if it’s worth the effort
- Second time is easier
- By the fifth time, you’ll be reasonably competent
If you decide it’s not worth it, that’s fine. Shops have better tools, more experience, and won’t scratch your rims.
Do you change your own tires, or is this one job you gladly outsource?
