After fighting with numerous tires and diy changes over the years, learning how to use the "drop center" is going to be a game changer! I would watch videos and still suffer and cuss. This is the first time it was explained and I thank you.
Great video Craig! This is the kind of stuff regular riders need to expand their comfort zone working on their bikes. You should try teaching Sean some of this stuff!
I’m definitely interested in more home mechanic tutorial videos like this from Craig!! Love it! You guys are what made me want to start working on bikes so stuff like this is a huge help!
The first video I watched a few weeks ago mentioned absolutely zero about the drop center and I ended up bending my rim with my spoon from prying on it and damn near went psychotic trying to change my rear tire. I said I'd never do it again but thanks to your video I feel like I can handle changing my front tomorrow. Now I know the drop center is the key to success. Thanks for the video!
Great tips, this works for tubeless tires too, although a bit more difficult. Most car tire machines can mount a motorcycle tire (it's what I did at work). Just be careful mounting it. Balancing is super easy, bought one at harbor freight and done. I'll give my pro tip. Most tires moto/auto have a dot on the tire, i believe that indicates the "light" spot on the tire. Put it opposite to the valve stem and I've had a few times where i didn't need to even add weights. 99% of tire shops don't do it.
You meant to suggest they put the light spot on the tire on the SAME side as the valve (NOT on the opposite side). That way the heaviest side of the TIRE will be opposite of the heaviest part of the WHEEL, which is the valve side. That helps to balance it out.
Great tips Craig. Wish we would have had the internet back in 1973 when I was 12 years old changing the tire on my Suzuki TM 75 with 2 screw drivers and a crowbar on the concrete garage floor. Makes me feel cocky that I actually got it done and did not pinch the tube!!!!👍
Hi Craig, I think 1st important step before starting is finding out the tire rotation before installing it, would suck to find out you got the rotation wrong after you finish :)
Great mounting tips. As for balancing, I've been using Dyna Beads by Innovative Balancing since 2006 and will never go back to conventional stick-on wheel weights. Tires wear out of balance over time making internal balancing the obvious choice. I've used them on my ZX-10, and numerous Harleys that I've owned since 2006 without any out-of-balance issues - even at 186+ mph.
I would humbly suggest two more tips: 1 - unless you have a tire with symetric rubber patern, ALWAYS put on the tire in the proper direction, which is indicated by an arrow on the tire side 2 - to ease the balancing job, position the RED indicator dot (marking the heaviest spot on the tire) opposite the valve stem; if you have a YELLOW indicator dot (lightest spot on the tire), place the tire so that it's right above the valve stem; if you happen to have both on your tire, bypass the yellow dot and proceed per the tip for the RED one Great video 🙂 e.g. I was not aware of the baby powder and a few other experience-based tricks.. Good to know.
I'm having a tire fitted tomorrow! My mate's got a bike shop and he's already bought the tire, so I'll have him do it. But even though he's giving me mate's rates, it's still bloody expensive! All in, I could've saved over £50 doing it myself 🤬! I honestly had no idea I could change a motorcycle tyre at home. Craig, you've made what I thought was a near impossible task, very possible. Tools are dirt cheap, too. Thank you, Craig, this is really useful. If you've got any more of this excellent content, don't keep it to yourself 😂👍🏻. Cheers 😉
Don't use this method, use the cable tie method instead as with tyre irons there is a very strong likelihood that you will damage your bike's wheels and also the beads of the tyres you are trying to change. Not so with cable ties. It's so simple you will kick yourself when you have done it.
Good video. I haven't changed a bike tire for many years. But I have changed car tires using the drop center method. I use big C clamps to break the bead.
Using a static balancer has caused so many arguments with alot of riders. But when tell them to go to AMA race..go thru the pits n see what the racers use..they come back red faced!! Thanks for all y'all do!! Love the scriptures with each video Sean..thank you!!
At 5:10 for tip number 4 if the tire is packaged where it’s taped/squeezed together that’s how you easily put the tire on. Not ends are together so lube it up and slide it on. I’ve done many tires with the zip ties method. Way easier than doing one side at a time. Squeezing both beads together like that makes life a lot easier.
Absolutely the best tire mounting and balancing video to date! Concise, and informative explanation of the topic. I'm ready to watch the video for the second time and take notes. Thank you.
No it isn't. Use this technique if you want to knacker your bike's wheel rims and new tyres. Repairing and repainting them is expensive. The cable tie method is much easier and zero damage to your bike rims or new tyres by trying to lever them on. It is so simple and much easier you will kick yourself having knackered your wheels trying this method and failing.
Hi, Very informative video. Thank you. I had not a clue on the center channel thing. I'm so glad I know now. I noticed you didn't mention the painted dot on the tire and how it goes in line with the valve stem, and how the directional arrows on the tire is important as well. Thank you and keep up the good work.
I absolutely LOVED the last putting a test balancing weight on at the 3:00 or 9:00 wheel positions. If I change a Tubed Tyre, I first find the Heavy Wheel Spot with the Tube on it. These Two are in fixed relationship and cannot vary. Then IPI add the Tyre, slide Tyre round till heavy bottom spot recurs, and then turn the Tyre back round 180°. This minimises the amount of weight needed to balance full Wheel/Tube/Tyre Assembly. Also, the heavy bit of the tyre will wear off as it tried to turn itself ellipsoid with Two heavy points opposite each other, and the Tyre High Point will wear off while the Balancing weight does not decrease. Therefore I recommend rebalancing every 1000 Miles, depending on Tyre Type and Use. I had a BMW that would Pogo-Stick out of some Potholes. I learned about Wheel Balancing pretty Quick. Thanks for the Weight Tip. .
Doing this for a few decades now. I've seen tons of videos about the subject. The vast majority fail right from the start. You got me with the use more than 2 spoons/irons. Most people miss me on this detail alone... Thumbs up. Cheers PS: Missing an extremely important tip. Make sure to work with CLEAN BEADS both on the tire and wheel/rim. Rust, mud, debris, etc. Will create trouble later down the line. Cheers
The first thing I do, I am usually changing tires during the spring and summer months. Before starting, leave the tire and rim out in the sun to soften up the tire to make it easier to take off. As you're taking off the old tire, have the new tire warming up in the sun. Which can really help. You can also leave it in the bed of your pickup in direct sunlight. It will really get warm, some time's the rim will be hot to the touch. Softens up the rubber for easier changing. I used this method for decades for street tires and dirt bike tires with rim locks. A side note, that leaving stuff in the bed of your truck to bake really works. Several times I have painted tanks and put the tank to cure / bake in the bed of my truck. Taking out, I had to use gloves because the tank was too hot to touch. In the bed, I guess the heat waves seem to reflect around to heat up the object better.
That was a wonderful video Craig. Long enough for a complete explanation, while short enough to keep us ADD types from losing focus. Some subtle humor thrown in the keep the hook set, and .....................viola! We all just learned some good info. Keep up the great content.
Great to see new content! I have both this and B&B feed in my notifications. Very much appreciate the team and Craig’s role. I have a new to me 2011 KLR650, a new Hawk250, and a 2011 BMW R1200RT. This information was exactly what I was looking for to be able to swap the tires myself on the KLR and Hawk. Information I need from a source I trust. Thank you guys!
This video is really well done and the information is priceless. Great job, Craig. One detail to be aware of: The tire has a bead, the rim has a hook wall and a bead seat. Every time Craig refers to 'the bead of the rim' he means the bead seat.
Great video! Helped me change my own tires for the first time! Just wondering if your tire will be off balance after you remove the zip-tie from the sprocket?
I was struggling like hell to get my new tire on. Golden tip for me was to warm up the tire with a hairblower. After doing that, I've put it on in 3 minutes! Thanks!
Jenga blocks! If you have kids take a few of their wooden Jenga blocks and place them between the tire and rim. This will hold the tire in the drop zone. Once I learn this changing tires became so easy. I do my own HD cruiser tires.
Great valid info. I always add a bit of air to the tube after it goes in but before the second bead, this helps set the tube and avoid pinches. Side note, it is very tough to get a 200 or bigger tire to drop into the center on a manual changer.
First time I needed a new tire on my bike I took just the wheel and a new tire and tube to a motorcycle shop. I expected a reasonable price since they didn't even have to take the wheel off the bike. They charged me $80! When it came time to replace the rear tire I did it myself in a parking lot.
Well done Best tire installation video I've seen so far It's clear and concise. You don't waste your time talking about your life. I learned a lot in a short time and the key I was missing, understanding and using the "DROP CENTER"!! That's really what made the difference. THANKS !
Well done. Also, The valve, tubeless or not, Start at the Valve when Removing, start Opposite the Valve when Installing!! Don't do that & he valve doesn't let the bead go fully down into the drop center & that extra 1/4in or so is enough to make the job a lot harder then need be. Also, also, to emphasize - IT DON'T STRETCH!
Hey, good video! I made my spoke rims tubeless, and I’m using balancing beads, 2 oz for a motorcycle. They come with a special core to prevent beads getting into the stem area. 3M 3500 marine grade adhesive/sealant permanent. Works great!
I know one day I will need this advice when my KLR gets a puncture in the middle of the Canadian wilderness (meaning anywhere north of the 49th parallel). I carry a spare front tube and tire irons (due to space considerations) but I lack the experience and confidence to actually get it done. This helps immensely.
Try the cable tie method. Cable ties are cheaper and lighter than tire irons. Also there is zero risk of damaging your bike's rims or the tyre you are trying to lever on.
Great pro tip to use an empty bucket to set your wheel in to avoid having the rim get scuff damage from the floor also eliminates risk of warping your brake rotor during to tire change process as well. Don't forget to check for proper tire rotational direction arrows on the sidewalls and to also spin the wheel on the axle while it's off the ground to inspect the wheel bearings for smoothness or noise and try to wiggle the wheel from the left and to the right a few times and to replace them if needed to eliminate any free play or slop that could be dangerous and also cause scallops or cupping on the outer shoulders of the tire tread pattern which will make your tires wear unevenly and also causes the tire to wear out more quickly if you ignore fixing the root of the problems caused by worn wheel bearings and/or improperly balanced wheel or not torqing the axle nut to manufacturer specification. Tire changes and wheel mounting procedures along with excericising due diligence in preventative maintainance inspection is key to achieving the best ride comfort and maximum tire life. Stay safe and happy motoring guys!
This is a great video and very informative, really gives me confidence that I might be able to do bike tires also. Can you do a dual carb video. And maybe gasket alternatives
One tip that someone told me years ago, there is a dot on most motorcycle tires near the bead. This supposedly indicates the heaviest spot on the bare tire, position it directly opposite of your balance stem for easier balancing.
Thanks for the video but I believe you forgot 2 things, The yellow dot on the side of the tire that is to be aligned with the valve stem and the other is to pay attention to the direction of rotation marked on the tire prior to installing the tire on rim,
Coats bubble balance stand works better than computers I have found in my 45 years of riding with 22 years of MX. Balance your dirt bike wheels! It is worth the weights. Especially can feel the difference when airborne.
Great video - one thing though (and I'm not sure it applies these days or not). Back in the day, motorcycle tires used to have a dot on them and that dot was supposed to be positioned in-line with valve stem. The tire was a bit lighter at that point so no balance weights were needed. . . .did this many times on my RD400.
I’ve changed three motorcycle tires in my life. The first one took me four hours (yes, four hours). I don’t know why I tried again after that. I tried the zip tie method with poor results. I just figured that I don’t have enough hand strength. I kept my tire spoons for some reason, perhaps I’ll try again. I have invented several new swear words by the way (they weren’t much help). You make it look easy.
My nearest shop charges $15 for off the bike wheels. $10 for new wheels where they don't have to pull a carcass. $30 a wheel if you bring the bike and they must mount and dismount. That makes them the no brainer for me vs $60 worth of hand tools. However I do know how to mount and unmount in a pinch from years ago. At least how to break the bead to skinny out a punctured tube to lay a patch. If you use a big D-Clamp you can do that without removing the wheel. Breaking the bead on the old tire is the step he missed. Small dirt bike tires you can typically break bead with a good stomp or hard hand squeeze. Street tires...no.
Oh you can balance by his method laying the axle bolt between two identical kitchen chairs or tall jack stands....saves the cost of the vertical balance rack
Been using Counteract Balance beads for years in all my Harleys. For people with a "Dyna wobble" they also fix that problem. Tires balance changes as it wears the beads keep the balance right down to the belts, i know.
"If you don't have a sun where you're at..." Darn, you beat me to it. I was just going to rant how swapping tires is an off riding season winter thing and here way up north we actually don't have sun.
I'll second every thing he says. base on my personal experience, find that the sidewalls on tubed tires aren't as stiff as tubeless tires. also I discovered on tubed tires, I don't hear the pop when the beads sit. forgot to mention about the direction of rotation on some tires.
excellent tips. I almost always change my own tires not so much truck and car anymore but I can if I have to it always helps to have a friend there. to help. I built a simple bead breaker and from there it's just a matter of a couple of spoons. with most shops either charging extremely high amount to do the job. we're not doing the job at all. especially if you bought the tire and would bring it into the shop along with the rim they prefer to sell the tire to you most shops will say they do not Mount tires unless you buy from them. and I understand that. so as with most mechanical things today you better be able to do it yourself if all possible or with the help of friends and their knowledge and if you got big bucks. and don't have the time or just don't have the time or the strength then a shop is the only option. even when I would have things done at a shop years ago I would have to go back and just check and many times bolts were loose say the drive belt was improperly adjusted so I figure I just do it myself.
On top of the baby powder the other dirt bike trick I use especially with low air pressure is to take the old tube cut the inside of it all the way around remove valve stem and put it in before the tube to wrap and protect your new tube
Great video. Definitely get a stand as soon as you can afford one. A bucket will work, but a stand is a lot better. Also if you are balancing spoke wheels spend the money to get the weights that attach to the spokes. Worth the money.
Should’ve watched this BEFORE I started war with my front tire… I nearly lost. But now discovering the ‘drop zone’, I think that would’ve made it a less intense mission for me.
After fighting with numerous tires and diy changes over the years, learning how to use the "drop center" is going to be a game changer! I would watch videos and still suffer and cuss. This is the first time it was explained and I thank you.
I don't know how you pull it off without the drop center technique.
Great video Craig! This is the kind of stuff regular riders need to expand their comfort zone working on their bikes. You should try teaching Sean some of this stuff!
I’m definitely interested in more home mechanic tutorial videos like this from Craig!! Love it! You guys are what made me want to start working on bikes so stuff like this is a huge help!
The first video I watched a few weeks ago mentioned absolutely zero about the drop center and I ended up bending my rim with my spoon from prying on it and damn near went psychotic trying to change my rear tire. I said I'd never do it again but thanks to your video I feel like I can handle changing my front tomorrow. Now I know the drop center is the key to success. Thanks for the video!
This is the series we need! Craig just teaching us stuff!
He has his own channel now but STILL doesn't do that.
Great tips, this works for tubeless tires too, although a bit more difficult. Most car tire machines can mount a motorcycle tire (it's what I did at work). Just be careful mounting it. Balancing is super easy, bought one at harbor freight and done. I'll give my pro tip. Most tires moto/auto have a dot on the tire, i believe that indicates the "light" spot on the tire. Put it opposite to the valve stem and I've had a few times where i didn't need to even add weights. 99% of tire shops don't do it.
You meant to suggest they put the light spot on the tire on the SAME side as the valve (NOT on the opposite side). That way the heaviest side of the TIRE will be opposite of the heaviest part of the WHEEL, which is the valve side. That helps to balance it out.
Dot goes at the stem.
Great tips Craig. Wish we would have had the internet back in 1973 when I was 12 years old changing the tire on my Suzuki TM 75 with 2 screw drivers and a crowbar on the concrete garage floor. Makes me feel cocky that I actually got it done and did not pinch the tube!!!!👍
Hi Craig, I think 1st important step before starting is finding out the tire rotation before installing it, would suck to find out you got the rotation wrong after you finish :)
@@aarongalea that's a scammer you are replying to.
Great mounting tips. As for balancing, I've been using Dyna Beads by Innovative Balancing since 2006 and will never go back to conventional stick-on wheel weights. Tires wear out of balance over time making internal balancing the obvious choice. I've used them on my ZX-10, and numerous Harleys that I've owned since 2006 without any out-of-balance issues - even at 186+ mph.
I’ve never had the guts to try them. How many beads do you add front and rear? Do you ever hear them at really low speeds?
I would humbly suggest two more tips:
1 - unless you have a tire with symetric rubber patern, ALWAYS put on the tire in the proper direction, which is indicated by an arrow on the tire side
2 - to ease the balancing job, position the RED indicator dot (marking the heaviest spot on the tire) opposite the valve stem; if you have a YELLOW indicator dot (lightest spot on the tire), place the tire so that it's right above the valve stem; if you happen to have both on your tire, bypass the yellow dot and proceed per the tip for the RED one
Great video 🙂 e.g. I was not aware of the baby powder and a few other experience-based tricks.. Good to know.
I'm having a tire fitted tomorrow! My mate's got a bike shop and he's already bought the tire, so I'll have him do it. But even though he's giving me mate's rates, it's still bloody expensive! All in, I could've saved over £50 doing it myself 🤬!
I honestly had no idea I could change a motorcycle tyre at home. Craig, you've made what I thought was a near impossible task, very possible. Tools are dirt cheap, too.
Thank you, Craig, this is really useful. If you've got any more of this excellent content, don't keep it to yourself 😂👍🏻. Cheers 😉
Don't use this method, use the cable tie method instead as with tyre irons there is a very strong likelihood that you will damage your bike's wheels and also the beads of the tyres you are trying to change. Not so with cable ties. It's so simple you will kick yourself when you have done it.
I’m a diy guy and really appreciate you and the team for this video. I’ve done many repairs on my bike but never tires till now. Thanks again
One the best videos on tire maintenance. Thank you Craig.
Good video. I haven't changed a bike tire for many years. But I have changed car tires using the drop center method. I use big C clamps to break the bead.
I successfully did my first tire change over the weekend. The video was a big help. Thanks!
Using a static balancer has caused so many arguments with alot of riders. But when tell them to go to AMA race..go thru the pits n see what the racers use..they come back red faced!!
Thanks for all y'all do!!
Love the scriptures with each video Sean..thank you!!
At 5:10 for tip number 4 if the tire is packaged where it’s taped/squeezed together that’s how you easily put the tire on. Not ends are together so lube it up and slide it on. I’ve done many tires with the zip ties method. Way easier than doing one side at a time. Squeezing both beads together like that makes life a lot easier.
Absolutely the best tire mounting and balancing video to date! Concise, and informative explanation of the topic. I'm ready to watch the video for the second time and take notes. Thank you.
No it isn't. Use this technique if you want to knacker your bike's wheel rims and new tyres. Repairing and repainting them is expensive. The cable tie method is much easier and zero damage to your bike rims or new tyres by trying to lever them on. It is so simple and much easier you will kick yourself having knackered your wheels trying this method and failing.
Hi, Very informative video. Thank you. I had not a clue on the center channel thing. I'm so glad I know now. I noticed you didn't mention the painted dot on the tire and how it goes in line with the valve stem, and how the directional arrows on the tire is important as well. Thank you and keep up the good work.
I absolutely LOVED the last putting a test balancing weight on at the 3:00 or 9:00 wheel positions.
If I change a Tubed Tyre, I first find the Heavy Wheel Spot with the Tube on it.
These Two are in fixed relationship and cannot vary.
Then IPI add the Tyre, slide Tyre round till heavy bottom spot recurs, and then turn the Tyre back round 180°.
This minimises the amount of weight needed to balance full Wheel/Tube/Tyre Assembly.
Also, the heavy bit of the tyre will wear off as it tried to turn itself ellipsoid with Two heavy points opposite each other, and the Tyre High Point will wear off while the Balancing weight does not decrease.
Therefore I recommend rebalancing every 1000 Miles, depending on Tyre Type and Use.
I had a BMW that would Pogo-Stick out of some Potholes.
I learned about Wheel Balancing pretty Quick.
Thanks for the Weight Tip.
.
Doing this for a few decades now. I've seen tons of videos about the subject. The vast majority fail right from the start. You got me with the use more than 2 spoons/irons. Most people miss me on this detail alone... Thumbs up. Cheers
PS: Missing an extremely important tip. Make sure to work with CLEAN BEADS both on the tire and wheel/rim. Rust, mud, debris, etc. Will create trouble later down the line. Cheers
The first thing I do, I am usually changing tires during the spring and summer months. Before starting, leave the tire and rim out in the sun to soften up the tire to make it easier to take off. As you're taking off the old tire, have the new tire warming up in the sun. Which can really help. You can also leave it in the bed of your pickup in direct sunlight. It will really get warm, some time's the rim will be hot to the touch. Softens up the rubber for easier changing. I used this method for decades for street tires and dirt bike tires with rim locks. A side note, that leaving stuff in the bed of your truck to bake really works. Several times I have painted tanks and put the tank to cure / bake in the bed of my truck. Taking out, I had to use gloves because the tank was too hot to touch. In the bed, I guess the heat waves seem to reflect around to heat up the object better.
Excellent instructions, I learned this stuff when I was a teenager, but I had to learn it the hard way. I am now a fan of this channel.
Great job, man. Been working on bikes for years at home and just learned tons of great tricks here.
That was a wonderful video Craig. Long enough for a complete explanation, while short enough to keep us ADD types from losing focus. Some subtle humor thrown in the keep the hook set, and .....................viola! We all just learned some good info. Keep up the great content.
Great to see new content! I have both this and B&B feed in my notifications. Very much appreciate the team and Craig’s role. I have a new to me 2011 KLR650, a new Hawk250, and a 2011 BMW R1200RT. This information was exactly what I was looking for to be able to swap the tires myself on the KLR and Hawk. Information I need from a source I trust. Thank you guys!
Absolutely the best video on tire mounting I have ever seen, have shown it to all my kids.
I’m a beginner rider that’s changed my tires a few times on my own and this s definitely the most helpful video so far.
This video is really well done and the information is priceless. Great job, Craig.
One detail to be aware of: The tire has a bead, the rim has a hook wall and a bead seat. Every time Craig refers to 'the bead of the rim' he means the bead seat.
The note about the drop center is the one thing people don't talk about, thank you so much
Great video! Helped me change my own tires for the first time! Just wondering if your tire will be off balance after you remove the zip-tie from the sprocket?
I was struggling like hell to get my new tire on. Golden tip for me was to warm up the tire with a hairblower. After doing that, I've put it on in 3 minutes! Thanks!
Jenga blocks! If you have kids take a few of their wooden Jenga blocks and place them between the tire and rim. This will hold the tire in the drop zone. Once I learn this changing tires became so easy. I do my own HD cruiser tires.
Great valid info. I always add a bit of air to the tube after it goes in but before the second bead, this helps set the tube and avoid pinches. Side note, it is very tough to get a 200 or bigger tire to drop into the center on a manual changer.
First time I needed a new tire on my bike I took just the wheel and a new tire and tube to a motorcycle shop. I expected a reasonable price since they didn't even have to take the wheel off the bike. They charged me $80! When it came time to replace the rear tire I did it myself in a parking lot.
Great tips. I've been changing my motorcycle tires for years with good results. Thanks.
This is the best explanation of the "drop zone" I have heard. Many thanks!
Great video Craig, You did an excellent job explaining. I hope you do more videos like this. You're a natural.
Thank you for reminding me how easy it is to diy tires change. Your presentation was fast, fun to watch, and to the point. Cheers!
I’ve watched so many videos and tried so many times with no luck and after this video got it done in 10mins, thanks so much.
Well done Best tire installation video I've seen so far It's clear and concise. You don't waste your time talking about your life. I learned a lot in a short time and the key I was missing, understanding and using the "DROP CENTER"!! That's really what made the difference. THANKS !
Well done. Also, The valve, tubeless or not, Start at the Valve when Removing, start Opposite the Valve when Installing!! Don't do that & he valve doesn't let the bead go fully down into the drop center & that extra 1/4in or so is enough to make the job a lot harder then need be. Also, also, to emphasize - IT DON'T STRETCH!
Hey, good video! I made my spoke rims tubeless, and I’m using balancing beads, 2 oz for a motorcycle. They come with a special core to prevent beads getting into the stem area. 3M 3500 marine grade adhesive/sealant permanent. Works great!
I know one day I will need this advice when my KLR gets a puncture in the middle of the Canadian wilderness (meaning anywhere north of the 49th parallel). I carry a spare front tube and tire irons (due to space considerations) but I lack the experience and confidence to actually get it done. This helps immensely.
Try the cable tie method. Cable ties are cheaper and lighter than tire irons. Also there is zero risk of damaging your bike's rims or the tyre you are trying to lever on.
We all know Craig is the true mvp of the SRK and B&B world! Keep his tips coming!
The drop center works great with the zip tie method for stubborn tire/wheel combinations.....
Great pro tip to use an empty bucket to set your wheel in to avoid having the rim get scuff damage from the floor also eliminates risk of warping your brake rotor during to tire change process as well. Don't forget to check for proper tire rotational direction arrows on the sidewalls and to also spin the wheel on the axle while it's off the ground to inspect the wheel bearings for smoothness or noise and try to wiggle the wheel from the left and to the right a few times and to replace them if needed to eliminate any free play or slop that could be dangerous and also cause scallops or cupping on the outer shoulders of the tire tread pattern which will make your tires wear unevenly and also causes the tire to wear out more quickly if you ignore fixing the root of the problems caused by worn wheel bearings and/or improperly balanced wheel or not torqing the axle nut to manufacturer specification. Tire changes and wheel mounting procedures along with excericising due diligence in preventative maintainance inspection is key to achieving the best ride comfort and maximum tire life. Stay safe and happy motoring guys!
This is a great video and very informative, really gives me confidence that I might be able to do bike tires also. Can you do a dual carb video. And maybe gasket alternatives
One tip that someone told me years ago, there is a dot on most motorcycle tires near the bead. This supposedly indicates the heaviest spot on the bare tire, position it directly opposite of your balance stem for easier balancing.
Thanks for the video but I believe you forgot 2 things, The yellow dot on the side of the tire that is to be aligned with the valve stem and the other is to pay attention to the direction of rotation marked on the tire prior to installing the tire on rim,
Very efficient video. No wasted time and to the point with some small laughs. Time to get some spoons! thanks
Man you are really good at explaining everything I learned so much in those 11minutes god bless you from Austin Tx
I never knew about the drop center. This changed my entire life.
That "drop center" thing is what other videos I saw didn't tell. I wish I knew it earlier!
Tire stem fishing tool. For tube tires really helps. Thank you for a good tips video.
Great guide and tips. I would add checking the manufacturer date and correct size as the very first step of any tire change.
Coats bubble balance stand works better than computers I have found in my 45 years of riding with 22 years of MX. Balance your dirt bike wheels! It is worth the weights. Especially can feel the difference when airborne.
Great video - one thing though (and I'm not sure it applies these days or not). Back in the day, motorcycle tires used to have a dot on them and that dot was supposed to be positioned in-line with valve stem. The tire was a bit lighter at that point so no balance weights were needed. . . .did this many times on my RD400.
Been riding for probably twice his age and never thought about pushing the tyre into the centre of the rim, excellent
Thank you for the drop center tip for the last bit on second bead.
please do a video about rebuilding and syncing carbs
best video that I have ever found online for tire changing tutorial. Thanks man
I’ve changed three motorcycle tires in my life. The first one took me four hours (yes, four hours). I don’t know why I tried again after that. I tried the zip tie method with poor results. I just figured that I don’t have enough hand strength. I kept my tire spoons for some reason, perhaps I’ll try again. I have invented several new swear words by the way (they weren’t much help). You make it look easy.
Great video. You should do more shop videos aimed at us weekend warriors.....almost impossible to get a bike tyre change here.
I literally JUST received my new wheels for my first bike. Was looking for a "no brainer" guide to mounting & balancing bike tires!
My nearest shop charges $15 for off the bike wheels. $10 for new wheels where they don't have to pull a carcass.
$30 a wheel if you bring the bike and they must mount and dismount.
That makes them the no brainer for me vs $60 worth of hand tools. However I do know how to mount and unmount in a pinch from years ago. At least how to break the bead to skinny out a punctured tube to lay a patch. If you use a big D-Clamp you can do that without removing the wheel.
Breaking the bead on the old tire is the step he missed. Small dirt bike tires you can typically break bead with a good stomp or hard hand squeeze. Street tires...no.
Oh you can balance by his method laying the axle bolt between two identical kitchen chairs or tall jack stands....saves the cost of the vertical balance rack
drop center …great advice! Keep pinching the tube on the narrower front tire, will try this method next.
Been using Counteract Balance beads for years in all my Harleys. For people with a "Dyna wobble" they also fix that problem. Tires balance changes as it wears the beads keep the balance right down to the belts, i know.
Remember to put the tire in the right direction usually has an arrow indicating the rotation.
"If you don't have a sun where you're at..." Darn, you beat me to it. I was just going to rant how swapping tires is an off riding season winter thing and here way up north we actually don't have sun.
Good job Craig! Couldn’t have done a better description myself
Very thorough. Drop center is so important
Thank you... I see the errors of my ways now and shall repeat the drop centre mantra whilst changing my rubber.
Keep up the good work guys the moves SRK have made are amazing
Awesome video!! Love is type of content especially with all the details and examples. Makes it easier when you dont have anyone local to help
Yeah...Dyna Beads for balancing. Been using them for years. Good tip on the Drop Center...love it! Good video Craig!
Also helps to put a little air in the tube before spooning the second side if the tire on. Way less chance to pinch the tube.
I was just thinking I need to replace my tires this winter and then bam! Great video thats to the point! More videos like this would be awesome!
nice!! Thanks for the tips, is always good to take advices from experienced people!!!
I'll second every thing he says. base on my personal experience, find that the sidewalls on tubed tires aren't as stiff as tubeless tires. also I discovered on tubed tires, I don't hear the pop when the beads sit. forgot to mention about the direction of rotation on some tires.
Great video. Learned a lot and I can do all of that stuff. Thank you.
excellent tips. I almost always change my own tires not so much truck and car anymore but I can if I have to it always helps to have a friend there. to help. I built a simple bead breaker and from there it's just a matter of a couple of spoons. with most shops either charging extremely high amount to do the job. we're not doing the job at all. especially if you bought the tire and would bring it into the shop along with the rim they prefer to sell the tire to you most shops will say they do not Mount tires unless you buy from them. and I understand that. so as with most mechanical things today you better be able to do it yourself if all possible or with the help of friends and their knowledge and if you got big bucks. and don't have the time or just don't have the time or the strength then a shop is the only option.
even when I would have things done at a shop years ago I would have to go back and just check and many times bolts were loose say the drive belt was improperly adjusted so I figure I just do it myself.
Love this. More of this!
Bro why is this dude so good at teaching
Thanks so much Craig! Great info and tips! Keep them coming:)
I know these tricks and you still made it look easy.
So fricken informative man.that calm nature is something I'm not good at hahahaha
Thanks!….Good advice presented in a very personal manner ..Good approach !
Omg best video ever , i was doing wrong for 5 hours and with this video took me 3 minutes thank you so much
Outstanding video. Informative, funny, great pacing, good clean images, and audio. Legit. Thanks much.
Best instructional imaginable
On top of the baby powder the other dirt bike trick I use especially with low air pressure is to take the old tube cut the inside of it all the way around remove valve stem and put it in before the tube to wrap and protect your new tube
Great video. Definitely get a stand as soon as you can afford one. A bucket will work, but a stand is a lot better. Also if you are balancing spoke wheels spend the money to get the weights that attach to the spokes. Worth the money.
Should’ve watched this BEFORE I started war with my front tire… I nearly lost. But now discovering the ‘drop zone’, I think that would’ve made it a less intense mission for me.
Awesome job Craig! ! ! Thanks
Thank you. That was a great video!
Glad I found you, Mr Lifesaver.
Absolutely awesome instructional video - as dummy proof as you can get.
Love this stuff Craig and @SRKCycles! More diy motorcycle vids please... 🇺🇸
What a superb instructional video. Brilliant.
Having watched this, I am going to give a try one more time.