Motorcycle Tire Change: The Complete Easy DIY Guide

It's time to make a Motorcycle Tire Change to the tires on your motorcycle and guess what? You've come to the right place.

This is the moment you stop riding and start going dirt on your bike. Just you, the wheels, and the wonders. Don’t worry about what the weather’s like or how long you've had only resting in the garage. How bent and bruised the bike is, or how much grit is on the wheels. It’s all for you and you alone, a freedom like no other.

1. Getting Started: Tires are the Heart of the Machine

You understand the tires and what they do in a ride. To give you the support you need to appreciate the beauty of going, they need to ensure there’s no friction with the ground. Each component and curve of the bike tires are essential. The only thing stopping you is the motorcycle.

So, keep the rubber on the road and breathe in the beauty of going with the wind. As the two patches of rubber that keep you in full contact with the ground, they need to be your furthest thought from worry. Keep yourself in check. Sorry. Don’t let your bike rest.

They may lack the majesty of a thunderous roar and the brilliance of mirror-like chrome, but without them, you aren't moving, or worse, you are moving in a direction you don't want to go.

1.1. The Consequences of Neglecting Preventative Tire Maintenance

Picture running an entire marathon in a pair of old, floppy, busted sneakers. The likelihood of performing well is slim and the chances of getting hurt are extremely high, right? The same principle applies to your motorcycle.

Tires that are well maintained are more than just a means to an end. They also improve performance, save on gas, and most importantly, keep you safe. An improperly pressurized or low tread depth tire can greatly alter your capability to lean, brake, and accelerate, especially in Bad Weather.

The difference can be night and day between a fantastic motorcycle experience and a petrifying hardware failure due to lack of attention. It's not just a thick piece of rubber, and your motorcycle tire calls for respect too.

1.2. Are You Able to Change Your Motorcycle Tire on Your Own? (Do It Yourself vs. Have It Done)

You have settled on changing your tires. The question is, do you take the motorcycle to a mechanic or do you try to change the tire yourself? All sides have valid points. There's the argument for the fact that it is the most inexpensive option, it is the most stress-free option, and it is the most viable option. But the argument against it is that is takes time, effort, and planning for the person to do it on their own. Nevertheless, tools have to be bought. Costs captive to the labor are also something that needs to be taken into consideration. Replacing tools becomes far more cheaper. There is also a sense of achievement that comes with doing these types of things. The wrench is on the motorcycle and the person knows they have done the job well. The money spent on the motorcycle is something that is also simple too and less. It also means that you replace tires only. There is not a single argument that can be made against doing the job yourself or claiming pride of ownership makes a person realizing they have accomplished something, or feeling more attached to the motorcycle. For those who appreciate and cherish saving money and DIY projects will absolutely love this option.

2. Understanding Your Tires: More Than Just Rubber

Before moving to more practical aspects of this topic, we would actually like to see praise the technology of bringing to life a modern motorcycle tire. It is not just a circular piece of rubber, and to consider it as such is an insult. It is a sophisticated device that is capable of operating under immense amounts of stress

2.1. Anatomy of a Motorcycle Tire : A Quick Overview

In its essence, a motorcycle tire is made up of a number of discrete parts: the tread , the sidewall , the bead and the carcass which is also referred to as the plies. The tread is the part of the tire that comes into contact with the road and provides grip as well as wears away, the sidewall is deflected and provides the tire with a shape and structure during a lean, the bead is a rigid bundle of wire or aramid fiber that locks the tire to the rim, and the carcass is made up of layers of fabric, which may include steel or rayon, that provide a tire with strength and structure. Understanding these parts is important as it assist with the functionality of the tire and issues that may need to be addressed during the review process.

2.2. When to Say Goodbye: Recognizing Worn-Out Tires

This is very important, and crucial to be specific. Riding on tires that are worn out is equated to playing a deadly round of Russian roulette. It is vital for you to grasp the appropriate time to change them out.

2.2.1. Tread Depth: The Legal and Safety Minimum

Some places have a legal minimum tread depth that can be around 1/32 or 1/16 of an inch. However, I would not recommend waiting until the legal limit to get a new tire. Most tires have Tread Wear Indicators (TWI) . An example of this would be a small bar that is raised and is located within the main tread groove. When the tread on your tire is flush with the TWI, that’s the time to replace the tire. Tires with low tread can be extremely dangerous, especially in the rain because they have the tendency to slip. The tread is meant to be embraced to get rid of the water to prevent hydroplaning. If the tread is low, there is nothing there to embrace the water making it dangerous.

2.2.2. Cracks, Dry Rot, and Deformities – all warning signs

In addition to that, without the TWI, it is recommended that other things be checked before the tires be replaced. These include checking the the sidewalls for cracks and doing a visual inspection of the tire. Sometimes tires can develop dry rot , especially when storing tires and bikes outside. Bulges, flat spots due to braking, and tire wear are all examples that demonstrate internal damage to a tire. Tires with dry rot, internal damage, and are flat are candidates for replacement.

The integrity of a tire remains critical, due to its function as a pressure vessel as well. Compromise to the tire’s integrity is therefore one major red flag.

2.2.3. Age: The Silent Killer

The age of the tire is one such factor. Worn tires can absolutely have plenty of tread, especially if the rubber compounds have aged. Age is a main factor in degradation due to UV light, ozone, and temperature. Often, tire manufacturers suggest replacing motorcycle tires due to age alone, about every 5 to 7 years, regardless of the distance the tires have traveled. The manufacturing date is on the sidewall of tires and can appear as a 4 digit code, such as “3522”, which means the 35th week of 2022. Don’t take chances with old tires due to the fact that rubber hardens with age, becomes inflexible, and optimum grip is lost.

2.3. Choosing Your Next Set: The Right Tire for Your Ride and Style

There are a plethora of options to choose from, which can be quite overwhelming. However, it is of utmost importance to choose a tire that matches the particular type of motorcycle as well as the type of riding style.

2.3.1. Bias-Ply vs. Radial: What’s The Difference?

This part deals with how a tire is built. A bias-ply tire has its carcass plies running from bead to bead diagonally, overlapping to form a multi-ply network. They’re less expensive, offer a more comfortable ride, and are typically found on cruisers and older motorcycles. Radial tires have plies running from bead to bead and across the tire, with a separate belt pack located underneath the tread. Radials provide greater stability, better handling, and increased tread longevity at high speeds, which is why they are the standard on sportbikes and other modern touring motorcycles. Bias-ply and radial tires should never be mixed, other than in special situations outlined by the manufacturer of the motorcycle. That can lead to a grave loss of control.

2.3.2. Tire Compounds: Grip, Longevity, and Your Riding Preference