As the cost of owning and running a motorcycle rises, more owners are turning towards DIY maintenance, especially for replacing tyres. Tough news for service centres but thanks to XLMOTO's impressive range of tire and rim tools, there's no easier time to work on your bike. Changing a tyre is a challenge. Moreover, replacing a tubeless tyre differs considerably from changing a tyre with an inner tube. At XLMOTO, you will find everything from a motorcycle tyre machine to tyre irons and spoke tools. To get the right tools for the job, check out this breakdown of available equipment.
Whether your motorcycle uses tubed or tubeless tyres, you need tyre irons. These solid steel, bar-shaped tools feature spooned ends, which help them slide under the edge of the tyre. The tyre iron helps to prise the tyre off or ease the tyre onto the rim. This action often takes three tyre irons, which is why you will find them available in multi-packs. Motorcycle tyre irons can be double-ended or feature a handle for added grip. They are available in 240-500mm lengths.
If you've ever chased a wheel around the workshop floor with a tyre iron, you will appreciate the handiness of a motorcycle tyre machine. Tyre machines come in two formats. The first features a fixed arm for breaking the tyre bead during removal. This arm is also for keeping the tyre on the rim during replacement. The second type of motorcycle tyre machine features a rotating attachment. This attachment breaks the bead on tubeless tyres, it can then rotate around the rim to re-fit a tyre without using tyre irons.
Why stop at tyre replacement when, with the correct tools, you can tackle wheel building and maintaining spoked wheels? A motorcycle spoke tool fits around the spoke nipple. It allows you to tighten or loosen the tension on the spoke. As spokes are available in various sizes, most spoke wrenches have multiple-size heads.
If a wheel is out-of-balance, you feel the vibration through the handlebars. Left unchecked, an out-of-balance wheel may cause it to wobble unsafely. XLMOTO wheel balancers are ideal for keeping your motorcycle wheels balanced. In addition, due to their ability to rotate the wheel on its axle, these machines are perfect for tightening spokes.
Both tubed and tubeless motorcycle tyres have an air valve poking out from the rim. This component is needed to inflate the tyre. Yet, removing the centre of the valve to allow all the air to escape is the first stage of tyre replacement. As the valve core is recessed, you will need a slim-shaft valve screwdriver. XLMOTO offers a selection based on valve size.