DIY: Mounting a motorcycle tire tutorial

This video is a walk-through/tutorial on how to mount a new motorcycle tire. I bought a new tire way back in a video Shopping with Skeefoo, and I'm just now getting around to installing it. This was the first time I'd ever mounted my own tire. I think it's one of those things a lot of riders are afraid to do, and prefer to spend the money having a professional do it. I used a couple of cheap tire levers (http://amzn.to/s2UL4A) and had my new rubber mounted, tube back in, and wheel on the bike in only about 30 minutes. This certainly isn't rocket science. You just need a couple of levers and a bit of determination and you will be changing your own tires in no time at all. Save your money, ride more.

One of the more difficult parts of the install was getting the valve stem of the tube back through the rim. I had to monkey with it for quite a while. Someone suggested I pick up on of these handy Valve Stem Pullers (http://amzn.to/xBasTP). Looks like a great idea.

I didn't worry about balancing the tire, this ain't no race bike if you know what I mean. I've since had it over 60 mph a few times and haven't noticed any vibrations from the tire.

Having the proper tools, and knowing how to change/repair a tire on the side of the road is a skill every adventure rider should know. I road from Utah to Panama on my BMW and had no clue what to do if I got a flat tire. I didn't even have the tools to take the wheel off. Thankfully luck was on my side during that ride, and I didn't have any problems.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Mounting a motorcycle tire
• motorcycle
• klr650
• klr 650
• motorcycles
• kawasaki
• motorcycle tire
• flat tire
• new tires
• changing a motorcycle tire
• DIY
• tutorial
• Kawasaki KLR650
• Wheel
• Kawasaki Motorcycles
• 'hand
• tools

[nathanial41]

You should try dismounting a semi truck tire lol that's a workout. Good job man love your vids !

[halfthrottle]

@nathanial41 I seriously hope I'm never in a situation where I need to do that.

[RaceDayPhoto]

The wait for the pump video is killing me!!!!! God I need a life. Oh, ask the wife if they need a bilingual ultrasound tech for the winter. I need to get out if here.

[halfthrottle]

@RaceDayPhoto They probably do. It seems they need all the help they can get at the hospital down here. But you would need a special visa to be able to work in Panama. Tourists can't have jobs here.

[halfthrottle]

@RaceDayPhoto You are the 2nd or 3rd person to ask me where the pump video is. I was gonna wait until monday, but you all changed my mind and it's uploading right now. Will take a few hours to finish the upload so look out for it tonight.

[advfilmer]

The KLR tire can be static balanced easily if the bearings are good. Just support the tire by the axle from two level points. Whatever side of the tire is at the bottom is the heavy side. Lucky the KLR tires isn't supper sensitive to balancing. On another note, it is a great idea to put a new tube in the tire when changing it. If the old tube is still goo it can be stored on the bike as a spare. Only other hint I can think of is to use the spoon upside down to to pry a stuck tire from the bead.

[halfthrottle]

@advfilmer Excellent tips dude. I actually have a new tube around here somewhere, but didn't think to put it in. So if the old one dies on me at least I'm prepared.

[CalQwax]

Watch my video for a couple tips to save you frustration in the future: Search for "Motorcycle Tire Repair XL75"

[billspompano]

soapy water !!!



[ultimadriver]

PRO TIP:only one thing that i saw that you forgot is to lube the new tire it makes it a hole lot easier to pot on then :) i use soap and its good because it drys so the tire wont slip on the rim after it drys

[rusty7two]

ok if you look at the rim you will notice that the center of the rim is smaller in diameter than the outside edge. If you put the bead of the tire in the "Drop Center" and use your tire spoons on the opposite side it will be much much easier. And yes a third one make the job a little easier too, as well as a little soapy water.

[coloricanking]

I always ask for things in English or really crappy spanish out of curiosity for what "el precio para el gringo"(the price for the white guy) is. Then when they give me a price I know is outrageous I ask again in flawless spanish if I heard correctly. (I once got charged the American equivalent of $5 for a bottle of Soda when the price was only .50 cents)