FIND TIRES

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, there were 664 motor vehicle traffic fatalities in tire-related crashes.

Changing a motorcycle tire is challenging. It requires specialist tools and, if you are going it alone, a lot of muscle. It isn’t a simple case of removing one tire and prizing a replacement into its place.

There are many DIY tire-changing tutorials online. But nothing is quite as effective as hands-on experience. For many motorcyclists, though, nothing beats the peace of mind that comes from using a professional tire fitter.

If you do decide to go it alone, though, this is the process you will need to follow.

DIY Tire Fitting and Installation

Fitting or replacing a motorcycle tire is a multi-step process that requires specific tools and skills. Before you begin, you will need to remove your motorcycle’s wheel, which can be a challenging task. You will also need a bead breaker, tire irons, wrenches (if you have a tube), and other tools to complete the process.

To remove the tire from the wheel, start by breaking the bead seal between the tire and the rim using a bead breaker and a tire-specific lubricant or a mixture of soap and water. Once the bead is broken, use three or more tire irons to pry the tire bead off the wheel. Then, fit the replacement tire over the wheel, ensuring the balance dot on the tire aligns with the valve stem and the rotation arrows face the correct direction.

Inflating the tire correctly is the final step. You can use various inflation devices, such as air compressors, gas station air pumps, and car-powered inflators. If the tire is tubeless, the inflation device must be powerful enough to pop the tire bead onto the rim.

However, tire fitting and installation require specific skills, tools, and safety considerations. So, it’s best to leave it to the capable hands of professionals, especially with equipment costs and tire disposal.

Reasons to Choose Professional Tire Installation

Paying for professional installation is a sound idea when you buy motorcycle tires. Most retailers charge for this service on a per-tire basis to include professional installation and balancing. This fee is money well-spent, especially for anyone with limited mechanical aptitude.

There are many benefits to choosing a tire fitting professional, and these include the following:

Accuracy: Professional tire installers have experience and techniques not to scratch your wheels or damage a spoke.
Removal: Professional tire fitters will dispose of unwanted tire(s) legally and responsibly, saving you time and hassle.
Safety: Amateurs may install a tire backward, pinch a tube, lose a wheel spacer, etc. damaging your motorcycle and tires. Worse still, it can result in an accident. Opting for a professional fitter reduces the chances of poor handling and more.
Speed: Tire fitting specialists have the tools, knowledge, and experience to install and balance tires. Better still, they can do it quickly and safely
Tools: You will need wrenches and ratchets to remove the wheel, etc. These tools can get very expensive. Most tire fittings are rather affordable and would be far less than buying the tools on your own.

Although on the surface, DIY tire installation may seem to be an easy process, the time and money it takes soon add up. For this reason, always choose a professional fitter when buying a new tire.

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