How to install a Motorcycle Tire? Rodsmith shows his Tire Install Tip, Trick

How to install a Motorcycle Tire? Rodsmith show his Tire Install Tip, Trick. I'm sure many of you have tried this before. It is time to put the tires of the new wheels. You don't need to use silicone spray, soapy water is best and this way you will not scratch polished or painted rims. The Motoguzzi Build is moving fast now after some setbacks.
Craig Rodsmith is a master metal worker and fabricator. This video series is designed to document the Rodsmith Motorcycle builds. Craig's old school skills and tools are amazing to watch. Rodsmith doesn't play by the rules or conform to anyone else's way of thinking or building. He doesn't draw he creates direct from his mind to the build. The creative build and classic polished aluminum style is second to none. His famous Moto Guzzi Dustbin racer build has brought him international attention. Even turned the head of Moto Guzzi who sanctioned him to be one of 4 builders on the planet to build a custom V9.

[@michigandogman3060]

And miss the fun of getting tomahawked in the eyebrow with a large lever just to find out you pinched the tube, yep so much fun😂🤣😖

[@lenBrill1971]

🤣👍🇨🇦🍺

[@shedbuiltable]

does the air have to be fresh ,the only air i can get hold of has been used several times

[@jeffreynichols]

6 years later, this video is still helpful, thanks! Watched this and realized I had some heavy duty zip ties and silicone spray on hand. Worked well for me but here are a few tips for future tire changers. First, I did this in a doorway which allowed me to stand on the tire and use the door frame to steady myself since it required all my weight and then some to get the tire on. Second, If you use a tiny flathead you can undo the zip ties and re-use them, I used the same set for the front and back tires. Cheers!

[@maybeerainmaybeesnow]

I want to send my biggest heartfelt thank you for posting this video. I've struggled trying to install a new front tire on my Yamaha WR250X the past few evenings and because of this video I am now clicking my heels with joy because the tire is on, holding air and no damage to the rim installing. SO much easier than the tire spoon method!! Again, I am so happy right now I want to shout at the top of a mountain!!! Much appreciated!!!!!

[@thekommandantschannel]

2 mins long and a sense of humor, perfect man, cheers 🎉

[@bluewhaleadventures152]

I can’t express how brilliant this is without cursing.

[@stevemitz4740]

Profanity is a crutch for a crippled mind! So live with it!

[@SkyJamVideos]

I tried this for the first time and it worked wonderfully. Rod’s recommendation of using silicone spray helped tremendously. The one thing I did learn - make sure the tube doesn’t get pinched into the bottom part of the zip tie when “zipping” them tight before putting on the tire. In other words, make sure the tube is pushed into the tire and not near the tires bead edge.Thanks you for the video Rod. This was my first time ever changing a motorcycle tire and it worked like a charm. The tire sits perfectly on the rim.

[@champspec]

Never put silicone lube on motorcycle tires. Please Dont be that ignorant. Would you ever put motoroil on your tires? Nope how about grease? Nope WD-40? Nope…. Why is that? Because they are lubricants and bad for rubber. Why treat silicone spray any different?

[@Daltonleach11]

​@champspec Have you never heard of tire mounting lubricant? Some are vegetable soap based instead of petroleum distillates sure, but even those contain vegetable based lipids.

[@bobbyrobbins9816]

I have some tire mounting lubricant made by Yamaha (Yamalube). Why not purchase the correct materials for the job at hand?

[@LeeKobe1]

Worked slick on my big 17" cruiser rear wheel/tire. Thanks!

[@malcolmnash5850]

Absolutely Brilliant.

[@eternallearner8185]

Being the big cable ties they are very easy release with a small screwdriver. I get at least three of four goes at using them, the odd casualty on the way. Just no need to keep wasting plastic.

[@clasicdemott5986]

I subbed because of the bike in the background.

[@flyingdutchmanco]

DAMN! is that the Jacques Cousteau of motorcycles!??

[@RodsmithMotorcycles]

+JAKE MAKE shhhhh

[@1kallay]

I have lots of slippery stuff including silicone spray but I have never thought to use it changing tyres, I can't believe it. This is the first time I've heard of using cable ties too. You did it easier than I've ever seen it done. I have to fit a new tyre next week and for the first time ever I am looking forward to it.

[@flmulcahy]

How did you get on with the fitment? Question, I have new alloy rims to be laced up andI have new tyres that are10 years old, so the rubber is hardened. Is it going to work for me? I don’t want to injure the rims.

[@P3L0745]

It flipping works! I just tried it on this mf tough front tyre on my dirt bike and it went easy peasy. After several failed attempts, sweat and a ton of swearing (no injuries tho). Thanks a lot man!

[@mr_oinkems7746]

Was in a pinch and couldn’t get a hard compound tire on my bike. This method made me feel absolutely silly I didn’t try this first. Slipped right on with a few ties and a little lube. Thank you sir.

[@RABBITMIXO]

That's the first time I've ever seen that, thanks.

[@jinxbottleflip1942]

Greatest trick ever seen

[@adamdelarozza1985]

Put the rim in the Freezer overnight and the tire in the sun for a few hours; it helps more than you think and it makes it easier.

[@LastDickOnEarth]

"Ya Fuckin cut em off mate!" Love it haha!

[@nemesisxrox6773]

Super duper tips ... Quick n done ... Mighty gooooood show my man !!! 👍

[@GooseDave]

Flippin' awesome. Great tip.

[@swannyisnumberone]

Having built myself a freshpair of Ally rimmed wheels for my CB360, which in itself was a first for me (cant tell you how nervous I was putting a grinder to the original spokes) I was really pissed at scratching the rims with the levers when mounting the fresh rubber. Every day is a school day. Thanks for this tip. Its definitely something I will look at for next time.

[@jgvideo5512]

That's a no nonsense video demo. Thanks.

[@johnbogdaniec671]

great trick ,impresses me every time i see it.

[@RodsmithMotorcycles]

+John Bogdaniec thanks for joining us

[@yorkj55]

Just installed rear tire on my Honda NC750 with this method. Worked like a charm.

[@guzzibob]

Toptiptastic...obvious when you know how....Good man yer`self Craig. Thanks for the vids,a pleasure to watch your creations come into being.

[@RodsmithMotorcycles]

+guzzibob thanks for joining us. See ya soon mate

[@JoseOrtega-xn4mj]

Good job 👏 I see this video after hours of trying to install tire and scratching my Honda Africa rims 😱…. Thanks

[@randymueller2349]

I have a 1983 Suzuki GS1100ES that I purchased new, I have done all the work on this bike including tires and tubes (I eventually modified the wheels to except metal valve stems and went tubless a couple of decades ago). At one tire and tube change I remember having used silicone spray to aide with mounting the rear tire (130/90V17) and also added liquid "Balance Plus" during the process, much to my surprise the next time draped dismounted the rear tire I found that it had spun (slipped on the Rims under hard acceleration soon after the install) on the wheel ripping the tubes valve stem from the tube, the Balance Plus had sealed off any leakage of air. So my suggestion is to clean off the silicone from the Beads and the corresponding rim seating surfaces prior to inflation of the tires. Pro Home Tip: I use an empty 15 Gallon Steel Drum with Towels draped over the top to protect the spokes. Makes for a nice work platform. Randy AKA randog311

[@brianbennett1244]

I thought the same thing about using Silicone spray for this method. Slippage was my concern. What can you use to clean it off/

[@randymueller2349]

@@brianbennett1244 I would spray a rag with brake cleaner and wipe off the Silicone from the Tire Bead and the mating surface of the Wheel Rim.

[@HorsepowerHouse]

BabyPowder is much better for making a tube "slip" better and prevent pinching.

[@desertmonsoon1]

Love the idea. Gonna give it a go this week.

[@carlodangelo8348]

Preciate ya !

[@mattcero1]

Damn you made that look easy. Thanks!

[@a1fiaalii]

Fricken awesome

[@Spade_Caller]

This is awesome mate. Am going to try this next time.

[@RodsmithMotorcycles]

+MCChemtrailrider go for it! Let me know how it works

[@musicadefe4837]

Genius! Thank You!

[@ianosborne188]

Excellent job . Thanks

[@thierrywarot5792]

Bravo pour cette superbe démonstration de professionnalisme

[@kevincook7510]

Awesome,well done

[@joecrone9862]

Ingenious! Thanks..

[@kriskjellquist1758]

FFS how does this not have a million views!!

[@TheTwistedStone]

Will the same technique work with tight fitting bicycle tires ?

[@Salvo100]

Craig, your method and mindset is EXCELLENT, fuckin "A" and thank you!👍

[@photographersnorthwest3143]

Holy crap dude I have never seen this done. I have 2 tires to do soon on my Crf450rl. I kinda want to try this.

[@jaytodd5809]

Did it work for you?

[@etillemanunya6338]

I ruined two new tubes by pinching them with my irons. Tomorrow when my third new tube arrives I will try this method. Thank you for the video.

[@franciscopinto795]

Great move. And how to remove the tire without damaging the rims?

[@PINACI]

Same process, use zip ties. Deflate the tyre and thread zip ties through the rim and around the tyre, then place the wheel over the edge of another one or something else raised and force the tyre off in one go.

[@dannymullane9252]

Great iv done it thanks

[@neilappeal20]

Haha wow! Love it

[@colinbromley5]

Thanks Craig, If it was a secret, it no longer is. Tips, no matter how they come, big or small are always appreciated. As a sparky I have another use for my cable ties. Cheers Mate. ;)

[@RodsmithMotorcycles]

+Colin Bromley haha

[@Druscott700]

What size tire is that? Anyone know or take a guess

[@elliottnunez1057]

It's the stem I am afraid of doing it this way. Do you pump up the tube a little bit or do you just fold the tube in half as you are putting it in before the zip ties? thanks for any info!! The best part of the video where he puts the tire on and says line up valve stem first, then This doesnt always work? Well What doesnt always work??? It's edited out so we cant see what doesnt always work and what does?? The most important part of the video edited out.. well it was almost a great video.

[@gc33]

Just figuring this out with my rear wheel on gl1000 rebuild.. Gotta get the bastard off first... Still good tire.. Still had sticker on it when I got it so now to take tyre off so I can vapour blast hubs etc... Good vid mate.. Cheers from Perth 👍🍺

[@2002MX5]

Everybody who makes zip tie videos use small or front tires. Try it with a 180-18 new rear sport touring tire. The sidewall is so stiff, that there is no way you can compress it by hand. I had to buy a DeWalt racheting clamp, 3 1/2" deep, and painfully install a dozen zip ties. With this size tire, it's faster to use tire irons and rim protectors, but you have to use a second person to hold one tire iron in place as you work around. Sidewalls way too still to do alone. Angel GT's and Dunlop Roadsmart III. Ugh.

[@NHlocal]

Just last week I removed Bridgestone R11 and remounted/balanced Dunlop Q3+ front and rear on my 2018 ZX10R with zip ties. 120/70ZR17 front and 190/55ZR17 rear. No doubt irons would be faster but I don't want to ding up my rims. It was "a bit of work" but first time ever trying it and this "old guy" got it done with no help. To be honest I didn't think it was possible so I had to try it..... 🤔🤓👍❤️🏍

[@chrissandy9935]

I thought the dot on the tyre had to go on at the opposite point to the valve stem?

[@matthewdouglas7627]

This guy is a good time! Lol

[@hitrandrei]

Is this possible to do on motocross tyres 21 and 18?

[@benhammon4515]

I'd say you better have some rim locks if you are going to be doing any wheelies or stoppies. Because that residue silicone is going to let the tire spin on the rim like nobody's business. Tire mounting lube of soapy water is the correct stuff to use as when it dries it is no longer a lubricant. Silicone never "dries". IE, silicone as a tire mounting lube, especially for motorcycles, is dangerous and stupid.

[@jasonbear2886]

I couldn't figure out why this wasn't working for me, but then I watched the rest of the video and heard you have to cut the zip ties off before inflating. ☺

[@senorboardhead]

How do you deal with rim locks ?

[@KNKLHEAD]

My question as well. I assume you put the rubber spoke strip on to hold the rimlock against the rim, then spoon tire to outside of rim lock, then push rimlock in? I may try this tonight, good timing!

[@randyr7979]

Fuckin great mate!

[@giodc8599]

In case you don't want to use zip ties you can use pull straps too, as they are reusable!

[@lonniepruitt5487]

How do you get old one off???😁

[@steved5518]

To remove you get to use zip ties to take it off and then same ones, if you release them carefully, to install. kzbin.info/www/bejne/foulqXSKrdSUkNk

[@O2BHALAL]

Jeremy wade mounting tires now

[@mozzmann]

Rubber mallet and I'd have the tyre inflated and back on the bike in the time it took to put the zip ties on. You NEVER use lever's to fit a tyre EVER , Dish washing detergent brushed onto the bead but I use KY for some

[@paulj6662]

Dish-washing detergent can rot the rims, KY is a good tip, but I like a little brake fluid, applied with finger. I think the silicone spray could cause tyre creep and rip out the valve. The main thing is not to do it on bare concrete!

[@mozzmann]

Brake Fluid surely your taking the piss , your going to apply brake fluid to the bead of a tyre and then have microscopic spots of bloody paint stripper fling off and destroy your vehicles paint , Brake fluid will also destroy rim finishes and does not dry out like KY either.

[@paulj6662]

It`s YOU`RE ; and you`re exagerating, I said applied with finger not a bloody great brush, it is just enough to do the job, It doesn`t "Destroy" the paint, they dont paint that bit of the rim and you can wipe it anyway there`s certainly not enough to fly off. You have a wild imagination and in 40 years I dont recall ever having KY in the workshop. But there is always some BF available, It is also very good lube for cutting/drilling stainless steel.

[@bigshnitzeljesse]

KY has a lube that warms your valve stem, nipples, nuts, and rear rim, just like brake fluid.

[@nemesisxrox6773]

@@mozzmann ... thou 5 years on - 'silicone dot 5' - less worries - thou to b absolutely worry free - KY or Vaseline does more justice

[@minakaupo]

But whats the best way to get tire off?

[@RodsmithMotorcycles]

+Kaupo Viljat I have many ninja tricks for that

[@Mooseknuckle713]

He never showed him using the tire spoons

[@swoleguy517]

Ever watch a video and get mad at yourself for working harder than needed all this time. 😮

[@jankeeso]

No silicon's pray, please........your tire will slip on the rim

[@MrAranhaman]

The hard part is to remove it in the first place

[@desertmonsoon1]

Four inch grinder and wear a mask

[@jaytodd5809]

Bolt cutters after knifing a opening to get started.. and side cutters to nip away at the bead cords

[@billybean8859]

Absolute nonsense, just learn to do the job in the correct way in the first place.