How Do You Bead A Motorcycle Tire?
Bead lock motorcycle tires are manufactured with a special ridge on the edge of the tire that locks under the edge of the rim to hold the tire in place. When you are changing your motorcycle tire you must bead the tire properly or it will become the source of a major air leak. The process requires a set of tire irons, although in a pinch you can use two large flat head screwdrivers instead. Lay your tire on the ground. Place your rim on top of the tire. Use tire irons or two large flat head screwdrivers to pry the edge of the tire over the edge of the rim. (The thick and rounded edge of the tire is the bead.) Turn the rim and tire over and pry the other side of the tire into the rim. Attach four ratchet tie downs so the webbing wraps over the tire and presses the tire slightly down and into the rim. Place the tie downs around the tire and rim so they are equally spaced (put a tie down at the 12, 3, 6 and 9 positions on a clock). Inflate the tire partially. As soon as the tire is inflat
