How to Change & Balance Your Own Motorcycle Tire.

[@gokaneinthemembrane2745]

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.

[@ThunderMan88]

I don't know how you pull it off without the drop center technique.

[@teddysurf]

It’s hilarious because it’s so simple and nobody else on KZbin says use the drop center…

[@DacodaCourtney]

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!

[@bigoledave5718]

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!

[@davidchereneimmel8820]

I would add one tip, the round ink mark on the tire usually yellow or white is the heavy spot on the tire and if you put that opposite the valve stem you will be closer to a better balance with less weight. Many times through the years I didn't have to add any weight to make it balance. I have been changing my own cycle tires for over 40 years. Good video

[@crpth1]

Spot on! That one is missed by most when changing tires. ;-)

[@tonebonetones]

Yes. Ace of a tip!

[@silverslvr5185]

I’ve always thought it was the opposite. The mark was the light spot….and I usually have weights! I’ll try it your way next time! Hope you’re right

[@raybrensike42]

I believe the spot on the tire should go at the tire valve.

[@crpth1]

@@raybrensike42- The catch is indeed very simple. You are right. And he is right! Many wheels design either have the light spot on the valve spot... Or on the opposite side. 😋

[@mr.somebody1493]

Great video Craig, You did an excellent job explaining. I hope you do more videos like this. You're a natural.

[@720MotorWorks]

pro tip, don't watch a video how to change a thin dirt bike tire when you have street tires and expect it to be the same. Dirt bike tires are 1000x easier than OEM street tires

[@jps342]

were was the "change" ? You failed to Show the hard part: breaking the bead and getting the old tire off, It can be done very easily without any tools when you know how, Putting a new front or rear tire on a wheel and balancing is the easy part. can usually be done with just some washing up liquid and by hand with no tools.

[@nathanwickline4287]

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!

[@aarongalea]

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 :)

[@Zepplin76]

@@aarongalea that's a scammer you are replying to.

[@BoomtasticRacing]

Excellent advice! You can also use jack stands and the tire with the axle to balance them. If you've lined up the paint spot on the new tires then you will probably be spot on without much weight ...

[@georgejameson9317]

Yes you can but truing stand bearings have much less drag, the stand is cheap and doesn’t take up much space. Definitely worth it.

[@jeffdean7623]

From working at a dealership, to working for myself, don't fk with them!! Tires cost less if you have them fitted at the shop too. Leave this to the dealer !!

[@TinHatRanch]

This one comes in right behind my other favorite, “how to win at Russian Roulette”.

[@MonsterGodzArmy]

This is the series we need! Craig just teaching us stuff!

[@leeinwis]

He has his own channel now but STILL doesn't do that.

[@veemaxx]

What a great video, I've been mounting my own tires for 51 years and still learned a couple tricks. Thanks much.

[@bluej511]

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.

[@kevinstorm6009]

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.

[@yellow2000SR]

Dot goes at the stem.

[@N4sir98]

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.

[@schzx14]

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?

[@buffalodebill7986]

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.

[@SoMDHarleyRider]

WTH is animal tape?

[@VilifiedFreedom]

This was awesome. I hope to see Craig do more of these!!... Very very helpful..

[@thejerseyj5479]

Great tutorial but, I would have liked a little more info on how to install the tube properly. I was hoping to see an actual installation of one because soon I'm going to attempt it on my '07 Road King.

[@chrisparsons3141]

Breaking the bead has been very troublesome for me in the past. I've incorporated a 6" C clamp into my tire changing arsenal.

[@fadfouda95]

Amazing vidéo !! You should do more videos like this ! Craig the future Chrisfix of motorcycle 😉

[@offline225]

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?

[@alro2434]

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!

[@benbridges9585]

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.

[@christopherdekonstrukt444]

I took the tire to a shop to seat the bead. You have to pull the core out as I wasn't doing that. They beaded and filled to 30 psi at no charge.

[@keithkamps77]

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,

[@dangunn6961]

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.

[@Sertao2013]

I may have missed it but some tires have a yellow dot which which is the lightest part of the tire and should line up with the valve stem . If its on the other side you will end up using a lot more weights to get it balances . This is a very import thing to do .

[@PoodlePuncher]

Balance beads are the greatest thing since Spiced Bread... completely eliminates the need for wheel weights.

[@TennRides]

OK, now it makes more sense. Thanks for the info. Last time I needed new rubber, bought a cheap changer from HF. Couldn't get 'em on and said screw it, took them in. But at $40+ a tire, when I bring it in unmounted, it is too much for something so quick and simple. Next tire change, I'll do it myself again. Thanks again.

[@MrTimbicile]

Awesome video!! Great tips and explanation of the process. I like how you explain it in a very simple way so everyone can understand 👍

[@danarussell4246]

I've been changing my offroad motorcycle tires for 47 years. Not sure I wanta try doing my GSA tires.

[@TheTyrone1981]

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.

[@frankstocker5475]

Remember to put the tire in the right direction usually has an arrow indicating the rotation.

[@terencemeehan8237]

Great video, thanks for sharing your knowledge. One question, what. Are your thoughts about the center strip? Some guys say a new strip , no strip, just use tape. What do you think? Thanks again

[@shermantincher3417]

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!!!!👍

[@krisedwards1003]

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.

[@stewartcrandell3540]

Thank you. That was a great video!

[@JerryWDaviscom]

Great video. Learned a lot and I can do all of that stuff. Thank you.

[@TheRealDukeSchneider]

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!

[@gerhardmaree]

Love this. More of this!

[@coreysmith556]

I successfully did my first tire change over the weekend. The video was a big help. Thanks!

[@dukethebrute4557]

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

[@somedude4774]

Yeah this video might save Me time and energy but My sanity's already gone.

[@davedemo8229]

incredibly helpful !! more Craig tips please.

[@davidcox8961]

Back in the day; 1970's, I would always change my own tires. I obviously did not watch you tube to learn how. It's a lot like a bicycle tire, just more work. I wonder though, if it's doable with modern tires. I had a guy mount Metzler Z8's on my BMW 1100rt. These tires have very stiff side walls. Is it even possible to hand mount them?? The front seems doable but not the rear. Opinions please??

[@Tasselhoff88]

"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.

[@marcusscott9800]

Thanks so much Craig! Great info and tips! Keep them coming:)

[@brucewhite6155]

please do a video about rebuilding and syncing carbs

[@Jason_pv]

Very helpful. Do more vids like these 😊

[@ajfoyt1163]

Great tips all, Craig is nothing but class and "value added" to your company and channel 😎 It's absolutely disgusting what shops charge to mount tires, especially since they have tools and machines and can typically do it in under an hour or less. You end up paying as much for the mount as you do for the rubber most times. 😂

[@wolfmancole1908]

Very efficient video. No wasted time and to the point with some small laughs. Time to get some spoons! thanks

[@hslot3276]

Ahh the wonderfull sound of the falling valvestem cap its especially soothing when your sweating like a pig because its summer and your changing your FREAKING BLOODY TIRE AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH im going for coffee brb .

[@sunshineandsmiles9668]

4

[@brianhoefer7148]

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.

[@randybeard6040]

Anyone that has Tube Type Tire, I would Recommend adding some green Slime to Tube, it will Seal any small Holes that might puncture Tube. Just as soon as tire is installed on Bike, run the Tire for about 5-10 mins. until all the Slim has covered inside tube...

[@FordZda]

Are those wheels of an 81-83 XJ650?, also long live Craig the bearded Mechanic he's why we watched from day 1!!!!

[@CarlosGlatzos976]

Just changed my first tire by myself, great Video, thanks Mate! Cheers from Germany

[@2wheels1guy25]

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.

[@laydbackrat81]

What is animal tape?

[@xcephasx]

Duck or Gorilla lol

[@MitchellRoman97]

This may seem like a silly question, but I genuinely am struggling to find a clear answer. Where do I buy tubes for my bike???? I just bought my first motorcycle last week (a 2023 RE Scram 411) and I got a nail in my tire. I don't have a car, only the bike, and I want to figure out how to replace the tube myself.

[@rickgold6664]

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!

[@trm226]

Thanks Craig! Really looking forward to learning more

[@michaelfodor4268]

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.

[@alexmorgan3435]

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.

[@Ed-ty1kr]

Balance? I have never balanced my motorcycle tires. Maybe its cauze I have gotten pretty good at rolling that tire onto that dot the manufacturer uses to indicate valve stem position, or maybe I'm just lucky or something. But after a hundred miles or so, for some reason I find tires end up pretty much balancing themselves. Yes I usually check after a ride. Then again, I always buy those high quality 165mph + tires, maybe thats why.

[@rodmitchell8787]

Nice video except you’re wrong about one point, with tube type tires only the cupped washer goes between the tube and the rim, nut is supposed to go on the outside and away from the rim so you can see if the tire is creeping,, and this, according to a Michelin factory tire tech

[@richiebainbridge2608]

Animal tape lol , I like it 😂

[@truantray]

Ok, I fell for this from a few KZbin videos. Let me save y'all some time and anger: you cannot change tubeless sport bike tires with hand tools. These videos all mount skinny fronts, or dirt bike tires, or tubed tires. That should really be explained.

[@esmink32]

Nice video! As an ( car, and bike) mechanic I also work at bikes at home. I Know it can be done by hand, but what trick you have if the tire won't come of the beed, no matter what...🤔. The only thing I can do now is take the wheel and use pneumatic tire machine and push the tire inwards. (I only have to change the valve, cause it has broken off.

[@jeffreyhurst9552]

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.

[@christopherdekonstrukt444]

Awesome. I changed out my front tire back in September on my Yamaha Bolt. I'll get the tools you said so it will go easier next time. Have rim protectors but they kept sliding off iron and have some scratches on wheel, will try the tape next time.

[@alexmorgan3435]

Tire irons are a bad method. Use the cable tie method instead. Easier and no damage to rims or tyres.

[@nickaxe771]

Oh yes a cheap balance rig.....would loved to have seen you put the wheel you balananced back on the rig.....90 or 180 deg different spot on the centering cones. Every one I have recently seen.....the centering cones are machined off center.....the wheel may look balanced perfect.....but put it on a gain with the cones repositioned.....unless you have a real nicely machine rig.....it wont be in balance. So many people are fooled with these things.

[@kbrs99]

apparently that is the way the nut is supposed to be

[@alfredschmidt3659]

Go Jo or Goop hand cleaner ( any WITHOUT SAND or grit) is fine for lubricant. No Fast Orange No No.

[@jimkerr7064]

Great tips. I've been changing my motorcycle tires for years with good results. Thanks.

[@jdflhr]

Thanks Craig..great video...also good job keeping Shawn out of it as that would have turned it into a Tire Debacle!😂😂

[@douglasjre]

You're wrong. Leaks come from people who damage the wiper. The bead is not the ceiling surface. It's the fragile thin wiper that is. People wind up cutting it ripping it essentially with the tool when they put the tire on. It's thin like a windshield wiper and people don't even notice that it's there

[@isaacmathewsmusic]

"use the drop center" I've changed dozens of tires over the years..and this took me longer than I'd like to admit to figure out. lol

[@jeffstangl1471]

A bunch of Wing guys use balance beads, bearings, sounds like anything that rolls for balance. Is this a mystery science like anti deer horns, why wouldn't everyone be using them instead of weights?

[@jagalasso]

The balancing tip is something I never knew in 40+ years of biking ... Wish I knew it sooner. Do you put the weight right on the spoke at the light spot at 90°. ???

[@spiritwalker6153]

One the best videos on tire maintenance. Thank you Craig.

[@Wheels-Wheels-Wheels]

Ha-ha. I wish videos like this had been around a few decades ago. Oh did I struggle, as did others supposedly showing me how to do it all correctly. Great video.

[@raybrensike42]

For tire lube I have used many things over the years. This last time I used Blue Magic, a hair product. Over the winter my tires only lost about about 2 or 3 lbs of pressure. I'll use Blue Magic again. (tubeless tires)

[@Fabiek3]

That was awesome! Sooooooo good job! Thank You! ;-)

[@username27328]

Warning (to help prevent someone from damaging their tire like I did): don't mangle your tire too much to get into the drop center. I mounted two tires for a motorcycle. The tire I tried to get into the drop center ended up being so warped that I couldn't seat the bead and now will not fill up with air. The tire I mounted without the drop center concept mounted much easier and the bead immediately seated and sealed. The drop center concept may not apply to every tire. (The tire I had trouble with was a 120 70 17 continental trail attack 3 tire on a 17 inch rim).

[@donaldcook6997]

use mag wheels..tubeless tires like the grown ups do and get away from cheap spoke wheels and tubes...that crap goes on dirt bikes that 8 yrs ride

[@ArcanePath360]

Thanks Dude. Really looking at trying this myself

[@davidrestrepo6224]

nice!! Thanks for the tips, is always good to take advices from experienced people!!!

[@MTL_Rider]

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.

[@bradaltemeyer4472]

I was considering tire changes, only at 2200 miles on my new Versys x300 so far, 30 years ago in Taipei there are shops everywhere for service and tires/ but here ... not so much.

[@ZinoAmare]

Thank you for the tips :D

[@solero7378]

This was great. Thanks! So are you saying my wife doesn't need a heat gun for her hair? Hmmmm. Are five spoons bester? Ha! Great vid! Also, good tip on powder.

[@crockett11000]

And the biggest step missed and should have been put at time.. 2:25.. Is the wheel rotation direction and the tire rotation direction indicated by an arrow on the tire sidewall and matching it up!!. Many people end up mounting their tire Backwards!! Also to check for a paint dot 3/4" dia (usually red, blue yellow) on the tire sidewall marked and indicated by the tire manufacturer of the lightest spot on the tire and installing it at the valve stem.

[@IT_Fixxer]

This is what home gamers are looking for!

[@bigt3639]

Man, this video would have helped me when i changed my dual sport tires years ago for the first time!!

[@robertsavage7446]

Awesome job Craig! ! ! Thanks

[@fc1lyles]

WoW!! ... just what I needed. I never knew how hard/easy changing a tire would be. Now I know ... love this video.

[@alexmorgan3435]

If you want to damage and knacker your bike rims use this technique with tire irons. I know as I have done it. Never again. I had to pay $$$$$ to get them repaired and repainted as I chewed the rim despite using plastic rims protectors like this guy used. Tyre shops have hydraulic machines with plastic fittings for a reason to make changing a tyre easy and to protect your wheels and tyres. If trying to do it yourself use the cable tie method. I thought it was a joke at first, but it really works with no damage or risk of damage to your bike's rims or indeed the new tyres you are putting on. Cables ties are a lot cheaper than tire irons and those silly plastic rim protectors. It is a lot easier as well. Thank me later.

[@brentonplayford8616]

Very useful video and well presented. I subscribed to see what else you can impress me with to save mechanics working on my bike.