Quick and easy tire change on a rear tube motorcycle tire

Changing tires by hand is easy... if you know the secrets...
Podcast is here brettkacs.com/...
In support of my Patreon supporter and former student (military) I created this video to help Jose change his tire using only his left hand as a primary hand and the right only for light support. Due to a broken back while Jose was in the U.S. Army he has lost significant function of his left leg and right arm. This video was to help him overcome his concern to be self sufficient on the trail while riding his Honda Africa Twin.
I use the Motion Pro, Bead Pro, bead breaker/tire irons to pull and replace a tube on a BMW F800GS with a Mitas E07 mounted.

[@josereal3780]

Well- took 2.5 hours and nowhere as graceful but finally did it - thanks Brett - Jose

[@patrickdreher1337]

I probably would take that long as well - with two healthy hands.

[@Zombified-]

@@patrickdreher1337 I have two healthy hands and it took me an hour and a half to do 2 tires my first time. I'm not joking either. It's difficult!

[@enb3810]

I think you did it faster than me on my first try....

[@turbolag5107]

Hey don't feel so bad it took me like three or four hours to do two tires on my bike and I've changed bicycle tires before so I already had the concept in mind lol. Adapt and overcome right? If all else fails just yell hooah and hit it with a hammer lol.

[@josereal3780]

@@turbolag5107 damn right !! 👍🏼😁

[@BigPezza]

now i want to try this while holding my beer

[@49Roadmaster]

I was thinking the same, but with a Scotch...

[@SubieRow]

For most it would be while holding their cell phone.....

[@leehuntley189]

@@SubieRow Imao that's society

[@Lazarus-aap]

Now I want to see you try that! 😁😉

[@nickmeier9356]

As a tip, you can also dig/scratch a small hole in the ground, thus the disc issue can be avoided

[@M_Williamson]

First, thank you Jose for your service. Second, this may be the best tire changing video I’ve seen recently. Great job!

[@josereal3780]

My pleasure, it was a great 22 years but hopefully its now time to ride more, worry less, and have more fun. Bret has always been a fantastic instructor and a great human being.

[@davidc1961utube]

Good to see that the DCT is able to keep the less able among us on two wheels. I may not be riding dirt very much longer, but I hope to ride street/ADV tour into my 70s. Peace!

[@SimonBrisbane]

@@josereal3780 I’m pleased to know that Honda’s DCT option helps open up access to motorcycles for people like yourself. Riding is some of the best therapy for obtaining and maintaining good mental health. Happy and safe riding!

[@josereal3780]

@@SimonBrisbane enjoying every moment , especially as I get better thanks to expertise from others

[@colinh2468]

If you know where the pinch is, and don't have to pull the valve stem to repair the hole, leave the valve stem in place. Sounds obvious, and it is, but I know sometimes I get into a routine in the heat of the moment and realize I do extra work in hindsight. Good demonstration.

[@verdonrocksphotography3510]

very nice from you that you made the video just for Jose which also everybody can benefit from it, thank you, cheers V!

[@dtrex392]

Theory: Bret doesn’t actually have a friend named Jose. He just made the video to show that he can change a tube with one hand tied behind his back! 😆

[@Servus62]

Proof: Listen to his Podcast, its Worth the time and is the idea giving moment to this Video.

[@myjhong91]

Ostensibly, to make the people that say "can't " bad.

[@stringtwister7654]

Wow thank you for this video! I'd rather take a kick to the nuts than change the tires on my KLR! I learned several new tips watching you.. thanks again

[@chrisparsons3141]

Haha you said it man. Fellow KLR guy here.

[@bonnie-voyage1005]

Nice video. You should have worn a boxing glove on the hand you weren't using.

[@BretTkacs]

Not a bad idea

[@hbbutters3056]

A valve stem retaining wire tool that threads on the valve stem and can be feed through the wheel hole might help. I did the best rest rear tubeless conversion been working great so far. Your videos are great keepem coming.

[@motorvelo]

I hope you saw that small piece of light grit that dropped into the tyre.

[@BretTkacs]

It was just a show and tell. I use this rim for demos 😉👍

[@BretTkacs]

If you want text notification for new videos, text "Tkacs" to 888-306-7782 (now say that 5 times fast... "text Tkacs to"

[@bikedawg]

Only a REAL man does not wear gloves when removing tires

[@chrisnolke]

Thanks for doing this! Of note though, given what Jose’s done for us, Jose deserves free tire changes for life. I’d be honored to ride along to be sure it happens.

[@Ewam27]

You can also use your side stand to break the bead with the weight of the motorcycle

[@rhllnm]

Not if you're alone.

[@steadiguy]

I first heard Jose Real in conversation with Bret Tkacs on Bret’s Overcoming Odds podcast. Listen to that podcast and you, like I, will be humbled in our respect for this man. My comment is not directed to Jose Real or Bret Tkacs. My post is directed to flat tires. So, if you’ve ever confronted a flat tire out there in the back country and the result was that you had to remove a rear wheel and then of course put it back on after swapping out a new inner tube, and then weirdly enough even if this all happened in Bret’s cozy flat backyard, you’d probably consider going tube less and using plugs as being an entirely reasonable approach to the problem. At least you would if you were as lazy as I try to be. Sure, you might want to step up your preparedness for blown out sidewalls in Mongolia and carry a spare tube, but for everything else IMHO: plugs.

[@j-Photography]

Old video, but you can use a valve snake to make pulling the valve through the rim much easier. Could be a good addition for Jose or anyone.

[@zakparrish]

That AT is awesome. Nice video!

[@vinnieboy66]

I recently learned from a veteran that you spoon the tire on at the valve stem last not first. Part of his premise was that if you start spooning on 180° from the stem it prevents the tire from dropping into the drop center portion of the wheel making it more difficult to get the tire on. I would love to hear some thoughts on this and whether this idea makes it more probable to pinch the tube.

[@dogfeathers5646]

Agree, where the valve stem is first off and last on allowing the bead to shift into the rim groove and allow the tire to come off and go on the rim easier.

[@pinnacleroofing9841]

when I told my wife the reason your making this video she cried at what a lovely gesture it is.

[@ronanrogers4127]

A valiant effort Bret. Jose, all power to you with the recovery you have made so far. I’m sure with that level of fortitude you’ll continue to get the most out of life. Really inspirational.

[@gerhardvaneeden5615]

And enjoy all your future rides!

[@orpaztron]

So glad to see you're back . Promise you will never leave us again :)

[@andrewsackville-west1609]

Jose, you've already overcome so much in your life, I know you can do this too, if you really needed to. But at the same time, ensuring you travel with others when you're going to be out of contact is the right choice for all of us, whether we have our full capabilities or not. You do what makes you feel comfortable and safe. Thank you for all you have given in your life. Ride on! Bret, thanks for doing this demo for your friend and everyone else who can benefit from it. Good job.

[@markverge807]

, great video man .........The mitas E09 Dakar however is not a one handed job

[@khoroshen]

Wow, you sure make it look easy :) I guess it is possible but takes a lot of practice and experience, using the tire irons as efficient as possible.

[@TheStringfellowHawk]

Im standing with 100kg weight on the tool… been around 3 times… no give… no way im going to be able to do this on the road. Heart rate 160… got to take another break!

[@richloffelmacher1117]

Jose, Thank You for your service! Bret, thank you for explaining a difficult task. I have trailside changed tubes in the past and learned something new from your video.

[@SFUndertaker]

As an injured, disabled veteran, I do appreciate your shout out to Jose and compassion. Looking forward taking one of your corses soon.

[@teneretraveller8980]

Always useful to watch a tyre swap. Always something new. And thank you for your service, Jose. Happy travels

[@MKlukowski]

As always, great stuff Bret!

[@GORidingADV]

Very useful video Bret. Thank you for that.

[@kristianhermann5971]

Good tips, thanks - I would only add to mark the tire and rim with a line so you can line back up to keep balanced

[@rayehanson6249]

You make it look so easy. Thanks for the video.

[@Danman1972]

For the stem you might look at a cable and pull. It threads into the stem. Has a cable attached with a bar on it. You can pull the bar and it threads the stem in the rim.

[@seanmortazyt]

fantastic

[@sachinsachin8007]

Thanks for making an informative video. I had surgery on my left wrist which does not have the strength as much before.I had mix feelings of riding alone - let alone tire change in case. Your videos has given me the confidence that it is possible. It means a lot to me. Thanks.

[@AndrewBoundy]

Is there any opportunity to use Tubliss or perhaps tubeless spoked wheel retrofit (lots of good options) to make this issue essentially obsolete for our friend?

[@BretTkacs]

I'm going to show him a cheap tubless conversion solution I saw in Colombia

[@AndrewBoundy]

@@BretTkacs at some point they'll figure mousses for heavy bikes and we'll all rejoice :D

[@ecalzo]

You did well Bret .. very very nice of yours ..

[@airfoil]

Very heartening! Can't help wondering though how José would get the wheel off and back on the bike though, assuming that was necessary. Perhaps José could consider upgrading the rims so he can go tubeless.

[@lifeinthewild6187]

If only it was that easy . I've a damaged right hand from a motorcycle accident in 92 getting that tyre off makes me xxxx oh do I xxxxx

[@ownyourworld]

I’m ambidextrous , it helps

[@sam-ln6lt]

hi, instal tublass that is a lot easier to fix on trail.

[@davidbeston4978]

Hi Brett just a thought perhaps suggest a tyre changing tool air valve stem puller extractor! Cheers enjoy the channel, David, Gawler Australia

[@1001CP]

As someone who also has a broken back/neck and hands do not always work the way they should from duty I really appreciate this video. I have been lucky to not have many tire issues and was able to plug holes on the trail (except a lag bolt from hell that went in the tread and out through the bead. I could hear the air escaping while riding and it got wobbly quickly). THANK YOU for another informative and insightful video with a goal in mind. There are not many videos geared toward the disabled rider. I cant hardly walk but I can ride and the freedom is amazing. You never cease to amaze and again we all appreciate your knowledge and assistance.

[@vironpayne3405]

Very impressive!

[@GertArijs]

Hi, i have a question: if I change a tube on a bicycle, i allways inflate it a little bit before putting it on, because it’s easier. And also less chance to pinch it. Can that be done on a motorcycle tire as well?

[@RangerPhantomSAS]

Yes, Bret commented about it in another person's post along those lines.

[@richardbonner1176]

Well Done Bret, yet another great video and done for a noble reason to boot!

[@myjudge45410]

Thank you Jose for your service and thank you Bret for looking out for our motorcycle riding veterans.

[@ELGUAPOMOTO]

amazing! thank you Bret!

[@advred2283]

Fantastic video. I hope this helps Jose get out on some solo adventures. The best Moto tire change video I've seen. You made it easy with one hand, great work!

[@felipeporto2706]

Great video! I would fill the tube just a bit before replacing the tire. This reduces the risk of pinching the tube as it is not flat around the rim.

[@rotex]

Motion pro tool is not worth it. Try that with a new tire. I use my Bike stand to break the bead, or you can use a large C clamp. I carry hand sanitizer with me and works great as a lube to put around the bead when installing the tire. Furthermore, I highly recommend getting the Valve stem Fishing tool puller On Amazon for $12.97. I have been riding for over 45 years and install my own tires. I use Ride-On Tire balancer and sealant. Found at Cycle gear or Amazon. I have never had a flat while using it. And I spend most of my off-road adventure 2 up riding in the desert. It's great to have a wife as my pillion to help pick up our bike in the sand when loaded with all our camping gear. Careful with Heidenau tires on wet pavement and painted lines. The tire compound is very hard and to me not worth the risk for the advantage of long life tire. I have disabled license plates. I have a spinal injury with 5 level lower lumbar fusion, ALIF, PLIF, Adventure riding is my best medication and therapy. Thanks for the videos.

[@theodoremarakas9899]

Great video if your wheels are scratched and gauged. Would you do this to a $1,500 wheel? I think NOT. However, if you have a dirt bike and stranded on a trail.....sure, why not, nobody wants to push a 300lb bike around.

[@alexmorgan3435]

Normally like your videos but not this one. If you want to f**k up your wheels then try this. This rim must be chewed up good and proper now. Repairing and repainting wheels is not cheap. Hydraulic machines are worth their weight in gold. No damage to rims, tyres, knees, hands or fingers. I speak from bitter experience and I full use of my body.

[@davidherringgo]

Can my 21 F 750 GS BMW cast Adventure tubeless wheels use a tube on having a flat ? The stem is cast into the spoke of the wheel not on the outside like most wheels . Thanks for your demo .

[@dougvoigt1140]

Wow. You are about 8 times faster than me using two hands and three tire spoons. Thank you very much for all of the good information that you put out. I think I need to modify my technique.

[@wimbon1959]

great video with a cause! 😘 but......you wil heve certainly a flat tire because of that stone that was sneaking inside of the rim...... but,great video Bret ,greeting from the Netherlands,Wim 😘

[@murraehaynes3182]

Nice job...always appreciate your videos

[@dougnash6316]

Which ADV tires are easier to dismount? Hidenau. Conti, Mitas and Shinko are super stiff. I understand that pinch flats due to impact on the sidewall is the goal, but some of these tires are very challenging to repair in the field. 👍👍

[@mattyb7736]

1 big tip, take your bike jacket and a few layers off before starting. Nothing worse than getting a tyre fixed and having to ride home sweaty and clammy from all the gravy you let out exerting yourself 😊

[@IngOehman]

Great video! You have heart. Also that was impressively fast. Question - do you prefer gravel to grass for changing tire? I always try to avoid grass and definitely gravel. Quite often I manage to find some wood. That is nice to both tire, rim and hub with bearings. Typically I also like to tape the bearings.

[@BretTkacs]

I try for wood or cardboard normally.

[@jdgreany]

if only it was that easy

[@TrinityRSV]

You've got some good instruction but stick to riding bikes. I can tell you've not very good at fixing bikes, or flats at least. Tube, tire, valve stem, etc. You've getting the names mixed up.

[@49Roadmaster]

Great video Bret for the limited mobility and just proof if there is a will, there is a way. And you have hopefully shown that way. I have a few questions about your install: 1) What about lubing the tire with WD40 or soapy water or putting talc on the innertube while installing? 2) Have you tried using a Tire Valve Puller, like the one from Bikemaster? My friends and I, as older abled body people, have an issue on our skinny vintage motorcycle tires. Keep it up!

[@janeblogs324]

Wd40 is 95% solvent.... Water dispersant...

[@cyclopathic998]

E07? WOW good thing it isn't Dakar! Wouldn't it be better for him to have rims sealed with Outex kit or 3M tape? That way he can just plug it

[@paul.vanhout57]

cyclopathic That would work unless the rim gets damaged where it no longer holds air and a tube is required.

[@cyclopathic998]

@@paul.vanhout57 absolutely. However I don't believe that his handicapped friend would be riding hard enough to damage rim unless he runs really low pressure and plugging hole would be easier with one hand.. no need to break bead

[@paul.vanhout57]

cyclopathic - very good point.

[@Ride2Xplore]

That's very helpful even for me that can use all my limp's!!

[@nateryan7041]

Jayus I'm am impressed well done Bret !!

[@masoodkhan7156]

If you advise Jose, to buy a tubeless bike, it will make his life easy and enjoyable, with tension free rides....Jose wish you luck..take care

[@spencermoon1371]

oohh yea its a simple thing the bit about putting both levers in at once at the end yeah learnt something cheers.

[@baluoch]

I don’t know Jose but he has earn my respect, sir first thank you for your service and I would love to see a video of Jose and how inspirational he is.

[@Tenerisius]

Nice thought to make a specific tutorial for this unique occasion. I often think about how I can use my bike, if something goes wrong with my body, especially after I broke my left shoulder recently and I drove about 80km to come first home and after that to the doctor. I hope Jose will never have a tire puncture and to ride always among good friends, but if not, he will be able to fix it himself after this video. ( and have a thought about tubeless tires 😉 )

[@Crazy-Chicken-Media]

Ryanf9 did a video about unique ways to use your bike to help with this.

[@rjh2772]

I own a new XT250 Yamaha how can I keep the bike upright in order to remove the tire for tube repair on the trail by myself.

[@gaminiediri]

Thanks for the tube removal video. It is very informative.

[@jarikinnunen1718]

18:15 Stem is hard to get in place. I just now made tool for it. Valve soul and steel wire together works. I dismantled soul, and attache wire thru it. Soul upside down because it easy screw in to stem by fingers. Wire guide stem in to hole.

[@ohwell2790]

They are not over priced because try making them yourself. What people do not understand that to manufacture these it takes people. So, there you go . They want to make a living too.

[@xXTECHxKNIGHTXx]

Those irons are great for easy flexible tires, they will not work on a stubborn bead, they will not work on my 2016 road king rear tire.

[@jimistalione16]

accept it. your hair fell. happened to me also. it removes credibility from trying to hide it.

[@malusadv]

Hello Bret... your friend must have on his bike tubeless tires... I think his life will be easier... 😀

[@Seektruth-59]

Why not get tubeless tires and special rims? Also if that’s not an option, he should use the 16” bead pro tool for better leverage.

[@9719178]

Can you please, make a video showing wheel removal without the bike falling over?

[@tmbarral664]

Bret, what about doing now a video with you and Jose doing it ? Would be a nice conclusion :)

[@BretTkacs]

José live 3000 miles away. It would be cool but a little out of my current budget

[@BillySBC]

Would help a whole lot to use the Motion Pro T6 Trail Bead Buddy to hold the opposite side of the tire down into the drop center while you're spooning the tire off the rim across from it. This way there's no need to hold the tire down into the drop center with your knees.

[@jushirocepeda3031]

Excelente Bret! Saludos desde Mexico

[@Ced90]

Hello, For a tubeless tire is it playable? It's a bit more difficult to disassemble...

[@leon2400]

I'm still on it since this video was released... Making good progress.

[@edgarbleikur1929]

Where can I get the left handed tools Bret?

[@rodrigofabregas7756]

Nice work Bret...thank you!

[@andrewsoldan6050]

dude, you never seen a real hard tire to break obviously, because you woudn't show this motion pro toy.

[@derekmctavish]

one-handed with one lever -- psssh, you're just showing off. ;). Very cool of you to make this video for your student, and it was quite informative for everyone else as well. Thank you!

[@mohba01]

respect

[@carlanwray8718]

One-handed motorcycle tire change. How to change a motorcycle tire with only one hand.

[@markrich9619]

Not sure how he'll get the wheel back on the bike and insert the axle with only one arm, more power to him for still riding

[@davidbrun9197]

Excellent. Very helpful. Thank you.

[@chrisscott1547]

I will never again buy a motorcycle with tube tires!

[@peteosinga8845]

I use two large c clamps to break the bead, if in my place I use my vice

[@CasalGSA]

Another great video Bret! 👏🏻

[@donkeizluv]

Why dont you just pull section of the puntured tube out and fill it. The locals here do it like that, no need to take the wheels off and no need to break the whole tire.

[@dangerdave8080]

Bret ... you have an amazing channel ... so skilled in riding and "changing tires" :) I learn so much from watching your channel. It takes me an hour to change a tire with two tire irons ... and I make it look hard!!! thanks!

[@paulhoughtonhhoughton9188]

Nice demo, what size breakers are you using?

[@BJ0BHAX]

Just so everyone knows. These are garbage. Bought some over a year ago fit for the bin.

[@post-punkrider]

1 more step can alleviate pinches, put a bit of air in tube before you start setting tire back on bead

[@koni7650]

I think this video is about damage rim as much as possible..