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…

[@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. 😋

[@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 .

[@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!

[@dragonblade3144]

The note about the drop center is the one thing people don't talk about, thank you so much

[@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!

[@veemaxx]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@kgoodfarms]

We all know Craig is the true mvp of the SRK and B&B world! Keep his tips coming!

[@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!!!!👍

[@karlandelainechadwick8940]

Been riding for probably twice his age and never thought about pushing the tyre into the centre of the rim, excellent

[@mr.somebody1493]

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

[@stephenmorris9456]

Brilliant video. When I think of the blood, sweat tears and industrial language i could have saved had I seen this 20 years ago I could cry !! Thank you.

[@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.

[@javierdelapaz7295]

Man you are really good at explaining everything I learned so much in those 11minutes god bless you from Austin Tx

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@10000Mistakes]

Great job, man. Been working on bikes for years at home and just learned tons of great tricks here.

[@donvee2000]

Great session Craig.. I was a tech trainer a long time, and I liked how he really pushed the point about on the drop center. I watched a few other videos and they mention it at the beginning but that's it. The drop center is the most important part to learn about when changing a tire. You have to under what it is and how to work with it or your gonna go thru hell changing your tires.

[@spiritwalker6153]

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

[@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.

[@lloydgloekler6674]

Absolutely the best video on tire mounting I have ever seen, have shown it to all my kids.

[@mbarr1029]

Once again this is why everyone needs a Craig. Thanks Craig

[@Anotherday787]

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

[@taters-no4gj]

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 😉

[@alexmorgan3435]

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.

[@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.

[@zarcot_yt5815]

Omg best video ever , i was doing wrong for 5 hours and with this video took me 3 minutes thank you so much

[@coreysmith556]

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

[@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.

[@a.bloke2.0alwayslearning.23]

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. .

[@666dynomax]

This video was laid out perfect. Balancing was awesome. I have changed dirt bike tires but came here for balancing. This was great and good reminder on drop centre use. Changing your own tires is a bit fun and saves cash

[@rchydrozz751]

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.

[@CarlosGlatzos976]

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

[@masonedwards3439]

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.

[@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.

[@chrisreynolds3204]

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.

[@Ajbarili]

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.

[@georgejones272]

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!!

[@fc1lyles]

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

[@crpth1]

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

[@VilifiedFreedom]

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

[@bvanpetten]

This is the best explanation of the "drop zone" I have heard. Many thanks!

[@28bikes53]

Clear, simple and articulate with good filming, audio and editing! Nicely done! You mentioned some things not seen in many videos about how to install a tire and you didn't talk down to your viewer. Pro job, thank you! I will be passing this along to others :)

[@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.

[@BlockCylinder]

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.

[@dominicklopez1603]

Drop center is a game changer! Best video ever! Thank you!

[@wolfmancole1908]

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

[@tamurlane6]

I just bought paddock stands this season to pull my own tires and now you've given me the confidence to go ahead and change them myself too. Thanks for the informative video!

[@MyllekeBas]

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!

[@buffalodebill1976]

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.

[@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!

[@ORflycaster]

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.

[@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?

[@jamesdspaderf2883]

A masterclass in DIY tire changing. Nice!

[@SLC2351]

Thank you!!! Having watched various other videos and struggling for the last couple of days to get a tyre on a rim, I watched your video and 10 minutes later the tyre was on. Drop centre was they key however I still struggled to get the tyre to stay in the centre so slight variation - I packed some plastic spacers into the rim to make sure the tyre stayed centred and then put a clamp on the tyre and rim to force the tyre into the drop centre. Worked a treat. Definitely most helpful tyre changing video ever.

[@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 👍

[@benoitjoly5993]

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 !

[@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.

[@kentholmes8064]

The Bearded mechanic. Thank you. About to order the stuff to do this. Not waiting on the weekend for the shop to open anymore.

[@Aaron-le9oc]

Bro why is this dude so good at teaching

[@chuckkolancz4969]

I was just gonna change my tires Saturday, but I figured I’d wait for this weekend. Glad I did

[@PieterAdriaanvanderWalt]

I never knew about the drop center. This changed my entire life.

[@Jdubsgarage74]

Great guide and tips. I would add checking the manufacturer date and correct size as the very first step of any tire change.

[@jimkerr7064]

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

[@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!

[@TheTravelerMan]

Loved the tutorial. On my level of understanding, not too quick and not long winded.

[@ctrl-alt-slide]

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.

[@RaulCroes-wy7pn]

This is the best tire mounting video I have ever seen! Very well explained, great pro tips. with the provided info provided I feel confident enough to give it a go! Thank you very much.

[@jacobstiller5648]

I've changed every, and many tires on my FZ09, still learned a thing or two, BEST tire changing guide I've seen yet. Thanks guys!! Keeping to core out to seat the bead is gold, I'll be giving that a try next time!

[@albertqss]

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!

[@chiuyujen1]

Best ever video I have seen to learn how to change tire .

[@donovanbachmeier9335]

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!

[@marksutherlandjr.2121]

Drop center is a TOTAL game changer.

[@trm226]

Thanks Craig! Really looking forward to learning more

[@subbirrahman1289]

best video that I have ever found online for tire changing tutorial. Thanks man

[@Scuba_420]

The bearded mechanic helped me put new Shinko 244s on my DR650. And he doesn't even know.. thank you! Also instead of a bucket i found using one of the other tires worked good too

[@Jagshemasher]

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.

[@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.

[@bigt3639]

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

[@kilanith]

Wow, this is the explanation I needed. It was so hard to put my first set on and I used a lot of force.

[@stratsurvivor]

Tire stem fishing tool. For tube tires really helps. Thank you for a good tips video.

[@damionriley2101]

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!

[@tmurrayis]

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.

[@alexmorgan3435]

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.

[@joeybobbie1]

I’m so glad you made this Video. I will be changing the Back Tire on my GS here in a few minutes and this Video is a Huge Help. Thank You, 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)

[@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.

[@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. 😂

[@highway9patrol]

I don’t have any idea that when I subscribed this channel but I think, i did good thing. I love the video. It is very clear. 👏👏👏

[@gerhardmaree]

Love this. More of this!

[@TheMikeGraham]

Walked away when it got hard. Watched your video. Drank three beers not coffee. Focused on bead and drop center and presto its on... Thanks!

[@paulrevere9071]

Yeah...Dyna Beads for balancing. Been using them for years. Good tip on the Drop Center...love it! Good video Craig!

[@justinglasford3439]

Awesome video Craig. Hope to see many more of these tutorial videos like this. Easy to listen to and easy to understand.

[@deandennis2838]

Great tips Craig. I’ve found that a 5 gal bucket will work to hold your rim off the floor, but it doesn’t secure the rim and adds another level of challenge to the task. Fill the bucket with sand and zip tie the rim. It ain’t much but it helps.

[@terencemeehan8237]

Nicely done very informative! One question,the rim strip for the spokes, new ones? Or some guys say electric tape. Any thoughts? Thanks

[@benoitjoly5993]

You can also fill the bucket with concrete, it's even better !!!

[@steve_yerger]

The drop center works great with the zip tie method for stubborn tire/wheel combinations.....

[@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

[@shoefly757]

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.

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

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.