PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Cars & Other Vehicles
Motorcycles
Motorcycle Servicing and Repairs
How to Change a Motorcycle Tire Download Article Reviewed by Jason Shackelford
Last Updated: July 7, 2025
Download Article
Removing Motorcycle Tires
|
Installing Motorcycle Tires
|
Video
|
Tips
|
Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less X
This article was reviewed by Jason Shackelford. Jason Shackelford is the Owner of Stingray Auto Repair, a family owned and operated auto repair shop with locations in Seattle and Redmond, Washington. He has over 24 years of experience in auto repair and services, and every single technician on Jason’s team has more than 10 years of experience. This article has been viewed 169,576 times.
Using the right technique is essential when you change a motorcycle tire. Installing motorcycle tires improperly can not only damage the tire or motorcycle but also put you at serious risk of an accident. Once you know the right technique you save time and money as well as increase road safety.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Removing Motorcycle Tires
Download Article
1 Have all the required materials ready before you start to remove the motorbike tire. These are basic tools required for changing motorcycle tires that you should be able to purchase at a motorcycle shop.
Spray-on silicone lubricant (or Windex)
Tire irons
Breezer tire tool
Valve core tool
Bead breaker (or two C-clamps)
Compressed air pump
Rim protector (optional)
2 Let all the air out of the tire with the valve core tool. This tool is either snapped on or screwed into the valve to keep it open.[1]XResearch source The force of the air coming out is usually quite strong, so you will need to hold the valve core tool tightly.
This loosens the tension in the tire, making it much easier to work with.
Advertisement
3 Draw an arrow at the edge of the rim with your pencil so you can see the direction of the spin of the wheel. If you're unsure. hold the tire back up to the motorcycle, the way you took it off. Note how the wheel needs to spin, as this is essential when putting the next tire on.
Wheels spin towards the direction the bike is going.
4 Detach the bead (the inner edge of the tire) from the rim using the bead breaker tool. This is a metallic tool that can be inserted between the tire and wheel rim.[2]XResearch source You will hear a pop sound when the bead breaks loose. Continue to separate the tire from all edges of the rim on both sides.
A "bead" is a curved lip of the tire that goes right where the tire meets the rim and hold it in place.
If the bead isn't coming out, try to push more air out of the tires.
5 Spray silicone lubricant on the tire bead to help it come out. This will allow you to slip the tire off the rim easily by entering tire irons under the bead and pulling the tire away from the rim. Remove both sides of the tire until the tire can slip off completely.
Every time you expose some of the tire bead, give it a spray. It will prevent it from re-sticking and making you start over.
You can also use some Windex.
6 Alternatively, use two C-clamps to push the bead out. Take a large clamp and set it over the tire, right before the tire tucks into the rim. Tighten it so that the tired presses down and the bead starts to bend off. Then add one more clamp 6-8" to the side of the first and repeat. Once they're both on, pull them towards the edge of the tire to pop the bead out. You might need to move both clamps a quarter turn down the wheel or so and repeat once more to get the whole bead off.
When down, the tire should sit just outside of the rim.
7 Use two tire levers to pry the bead up and over the rim. Tire levers are simply long metal tabs. You shove them under the bead, so that the back side sits against the rim, and then push down to pull the tire up. The rim acts like a fulcrum, allowing you to pop the tire up and over the rim. Move in a circle around the tire until the tire is off.
This may chip or nick your rim if you're not careful -- buy some rim protectors, little foam pieces that fit between the tire iron and the rim, to protect it if you're worried.[3]XResearch source
8 Break the bead and pry out the tire on the other side to remove the rim. Repeat the procedure on the opposite side to take the wheel out completely. It should be easier on this side.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Installing Motorcycle Tires
Download Article
1 Lubricate the inner walls of the new tire thoroughly. Use your lubricated spray or Windex. As you work with the new tire, keep spraying it to keep it slippery and easier to work with.[4]XResearch source
2 Place the new motorbike tire so its spin direction matches the direction you marked earlier on the rim. There is also a red dot on the tire that should be located next to the valve stem. Make sure you note this dot and the spin of the tire and set it up
3 Attach one side of the tire to the rim, using the tire irons to pry it in. This time, the tire wall will be placed between the tire iron and the rim so the tire iron can push the tire into the rim. The bead of the tire acts as the fulcrum, with you pushing away from the center of the tire to ease the bead under the rim.
Repeat on the other side once the first is in.
4 Pump some air into the tire using a compressed air pump, but do not inflate it fully. You just want to pump until you hear a small "pop." This indicates the bead has popped in.
You can also take a small hammer and hit the tire around the bead as you fill it up. This will shift the tires slightly as it fills, making it more likely that it slips into the bead.
5 Seal the tire bead into the rim using the Breezer tire tool if you can't get the "pop" while inflating. You can use this tool to press the bead in and then rotate the tire to get the bead in from all edges.
Do not keep pumping up if you can't get the bead in. Let some air back out, then re-pump and use the tool.
When the tire is not fully inflated, you can usually rotate it a bit still. Make sure that red dot is balanced with the valve stem.
6 Pump some ceramic dust into the tire. Squirt a bit of ceramic dust (made for tires) into the tire valve. It keeps the tire balanced and equalizes some of the weight, balancing out any issues. Do this before putting the valve stem back on.
7 Use a valve stem tool to reinsert the valve stem. Tighten it back on and make sure it doesn't move.
8 Inflate your new tire to the recommended pressure. Pump the tire up to normal and you're good to ride!
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Tips
Use multiple tire irons when removing motorcycle tires. This will allow you to pull off the tire with less effort since the stress will be distributed. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
The Breezer tool can get stuck if one side of the tire gets too tight. Change sides to make the job easier. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Motorcycle shops can be excellent sources of information for simpler repairs too. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Things You'll Need
Pencil
Spray-on silicone lubricant
Tire irons
Breezer tire tool
Valve core tool
Bead breaker
Compressed air pump
You Might Also Like
How toGet a Tire Off a RimHow to Put Tires on Rims at Home (No Special Equipment Required)How toReplace a Bicycle TireHow toRemove a Tractor Tire from the RimHow toReplace a Bike TubeHow toFix a Bike TireHow to Change a Mountain Bike TireHow toPatch a TireHow toInstall Valve Stems on TiresHow toSwitch the Wheels on a CarHow toRemove Brake DrumsHow toChange a Truck TireAn Expert-Approved Guide to Replacing Brake Rotors Like a ProHow Do You Loosen Lug Nuts & Take Off a Tire? Advertisement
Reviewed by: Jason Shackelford Auto Technician This article was reviewed by Jason Shackelford. Jason Shackelford is the Owner of Stingray Auto Repair, a family owned and operated auto repair shop with locations in Seattle and Redmond, Washington. He has over 24 years of experience in auto repair and services, and every single technician on Jason’s team has more than 10 years of experience. This article has been viewed 169,576 times. 38 votes - 89% Co-authors: 16Updated: July 7, 2025 Views: 169,576 Categories: Motorcycle Servicing and RepairsArticle SummaryX
To change a motorcycle tire, start by letting the air out, detaching the inner edge of the old tire from the rim, and removing the tire completely. Then, lubricate the inner walls of the new tire so it’s easier to work with, and use tire irons to attach the tire to the rim. Next, pump air into the tire just until you hear a small “pop,” which means the inner edge of the tire is all the way in. Finally, squirt some ceramic dust into the tire valve to keep the tire balanced, put the valve stem in, and inflate the tire to the recommended pressure. For tips on how to use tire levers or C-clamps to free the inner edge of the tire from the rim, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languages Spanish Russian French
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 169,576 times.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Jason Shackelford Auto Technician Co-authors: 16Updated: July 7, 2025 Views: 169,57689% of readers found this article helpful. 38 votes - 89% Click a star to add your vote
Quizzes & Games
Finish the Phrase QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hate Language QuizTake QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Are The Best Compression Socks For Me QuizTake QuizTraffic Signs TestTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toGet a Tire Off a RimHow to Put Tires on Rims at Home (No Special Equipment Required)How toReplace a Bicycle TireHow toRemove a Tractor Tire from the Rim
Featured Articles
How toRemove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?
Trending Articles
Which Fictional Character Would Crush On You?Who Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizAttractiveness Score QuizIs My Crush Pretending Not to Like Me QuizHypersexuality TestWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)
Featured Articles
How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasHow toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out With
Featured Articles
What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Will 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureUnderstanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)
Watch Articles
How toTie a Loop KnotHow toMake Body OilHow toMake Almond MilkHow toWash White Clothes by HandHow toSkin a ChickenHow toClean Tile Floors with Vinegar
Trending Articles
What Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizChoose Your Own Adventure GameYour Red Flag Based On Your Celeb Crushes151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to AskAm I Good at Flirting QuizWhat Is Your Lip Type?
Quizzes & Games
Do I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizTake QuizBumper Sticker GeneratorGenerateThe Impossible QuizTake QuizQuick IQ TestTake Quiz
Categories
Cars & Other Vehicles
Motorcycles
Motorcycle Servicing and Repairs
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Download Article Reviewed by Jason Shackelford 
Advertisement 
Reviewed by: Jason Shackelford Auto Technician This article was reviewed by Jason Shackelford. Jason Shackelford is the Owner of Stingray Auto Repair, a family owned and operated auto repair shop with locations in Seattle and Redmond, Washington. He has over 24 years of experience in auto repair and services, and every single technician on Jason’s team has more than 10 years of experience. This article has been viewed 169,576 times. 38 votes - 89% Co-authors: 16 Updated: July 7, 2025 Views: 169,576 Categories: Motorcycle Servicing and Repairs Article SummaryX
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Generate
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
472 
1 Have all the required materials ready before you start to remove the motorbike tire. These are basic tools required for changing motorcycle tires that you should be able to purchase at a motorcycle shop. 
2 Let all the air out of the tire with the valve core tool. This tool is either snapped on or screwed into the valve to keep it open.[1] The force of the air coming out is usually quite strong, so you will need to hold the valve core tool tightly. 
3 Draw an arrow at the edge of the rim with your pencil so you can see the direction of the spin of the wheel. If you're unsure. hold the tire back up to the motorcycle, the way you took it off. Note how the wheel needs to spin, as this is essential when putting the next tire on. 
4 Detach the bead (the inner edge of the tire) from the rim using the bead breaker tool. This is a metallic tool that can be inserted between the tire and wheel rim.[2] You will hear a pop sound when the bead breaks loose. Continue to separate the tire from all edges of the rim on both sides. 
5 Spray silicone lubricant on the tire bead to help it come out. This will allow you to slip the tire off the rim easily by entering tire irons under the bead and pulling the tire away from the rim. Remove both sides of the tire until the tire can slip off completely. 
6 Alternatively, use two C-clamps to push the bead out. Take a large clamp and set it over the tire, right before the tire tucks into the rim. Tighten it so that the tired presses down and the bead starts to bend off. Then add one more clamp 6-8" to the side of the first and repeat. Once they're both on, pull them towards the edge of the tire to pop the bead out. You might need to move both clamps a quarter turn down the wheel or so and repeat once more to get the whole bead off. 
7 Use two tire levers to pry the bead up and over the rim. Tire levers are simply long metal tabs. You shove them under the bead, so that the back side sits against the rim, and then push down to pull the tire up. The rim acts like a fulcrum, allowing you to pop the tire up and over the rim. Move in a circle around the tire until the tire is off. 
8 Break the bead and pry out the tire on the other side to remove the rim. Repeat the procedure on the opposite side to take the wheel out completely. It should be easier on this side. Advertisement 
1 Lubricate the inner walls of the new tire thoroughly. Use your lubricated spray or Windex. As you work with the new tire, keep spraying it to keep it slippery and easier to work with.[4] 
2 Place the new motorbike tire so its spin direction matches the direction you marked earlier on the rim. There is also a red dot on the tire that should be located next to the valve stem. Make sure you note this dot and the spin of the tire and set it up 
3 Attach one side of the tire to the rim, using the tire irons to pry it in. This time, the tire wall will be placed between the tire iron and the rim so the tire iron can push the tire into the rim. The bead of the tire acts as the fulcrum, with you pushing away from the center of the tire to ease the bead under the rim. 
4 Pump some air into the tire using a compressed air pump, but do not inflate it fully. You just want to pump until you hear a small "pop." This indicates the bead has popped in. 
5 Seal the tire bead into the rim using the Breezer tire tool if you can't get the "pop" while inflating. You can use this tool to press the bead in and then rotate the tire to get the bead in from all edges. 
6 Pump some ceramic dust into the tire. Squirt a bit of ceramic dust (made for tires) into the tire valve. It keeps the tire balanced and equalizes some of the weight, balancing out any issues. Do this before putting the valve stem back on. 
7 Use a valve stem tool to reinsert the valve stem. Tighten it back on and make sure it doesn't move. 
8 Inflate your new tire to the recommended pressure. Pump the tire up to normal and you're good to ride! Advertisement 
Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.