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Understanding Motorcycle Tire Changer Types
Motorcycle tire changers come in several configurations, each designed to meet different shop needs and tire types. Understanding these differences helps you select the right equipment for your specific applications.
Swing Arm Style Motorcycle Tire Changers
Swing arm changers feature a horizontal arm that swings over the wheel to assist with mounting and demounting. These machines typically offer manual operation of the mount/demount tool and are known for being cost-effective and efficient for high-volume motorcycle shops. The swing arm design provides precise control during tire changes and generally requires less physical space than some other configurations.
Outside Clamping Systems
Most motorcycle-specific tire changers use outside clamping, which secures the wheel from the outer rim edge. This design accommodates wheels with disc brakes and drive components still installed, eliminating the need to remove these parts before changing tires. Outside clamping typically ranges from approximately 6" to 24", covering most motorcycle and ATV applications.
Key Features to Consider
Wheel Protection Features
Protecting expensive motorcycle wheels during tire changes is critical. Quality motorcycle tire changers incorporate several protective elements:
- Plastic touch points on clamps minimize the risk of scratching or damaging wheel finishes
- Specialized demount heads designed specifically for motorcycle and ATV applications, often with plastic protective coatings
- Raised clamp designs that accommodate disc brakes without requiring removal
- Multiple demount head sizes to properly fit different wheel diameters (ATV vs. full-size motorcycle)
Bead Breaking Capabilities
The bead breaker is one of the most critical components of any tire changer. Motorcycle tire changers generally feature powerful pneumatic bead breakers, often rated around 2500 kg of force or more, which is necessary for breaking the seal on modern motorcycle tires with stiff sidewalls. Side-mounted bead breakers are common in motorcycle-specific designs, providing the leverage needed without interfering with the clamping system.
Assist Arm Technology
Some motorcycle tire changers offer optional or integrated assist arms that help hold the tire bead in the drop center of the wheel during mounting. This feature is particularly valuable when working with touring bikes and police motorcycles, which often have extremely stiff sidewalls that are difficult to manipulate manually. Assist arms use air pressure to keep the bead positioned correctly, even while the turntable revolves, making tire changes more manageable as a one-person operation.
Shop Requirements and Setup Considerations
Air Supply Requirements
Motorcycle tire changers are pneumatically operated and typically require a working air pressure of approximately 115-145 PSI (8-10 bar). Your shop's air compressor must provide consistent pressure to operate the clamping system, bead breaker, and any assist arm features effectively. Ensure your air supply system can deliver adequate CFM (cubic feet per minute) to prevent pressure drops during operation.
Electrical Power
Most motorcycle tire changers operate on standard 110V, 1-phase power, typically with 15-amp service, making them compatible with typical shop electrical systems without requiring special wiring. The electric motor powers the turntable rotation, while pneumatic systems handle clamping and bead breaking operations.
Space and Layout Planning
Motorcycle tire changers generally have a smaller footprint than automotive tire changers, with dimensions typically ranging from approximately 3' to 3.5' in length and width. However, you should plan for additional clearance around the machine to allow the operator to move freely and handle wheels comfortably. Consider placement near your wheel balancer to create an efficient tire service workflow.
Adapting Equipment for Multiple Vehicle Types
Some shops handle both automotive and motorcycle tire changes. Certain swing arm tire changers can be adapted for motorcycle use by adding specialized adapter sets that accommodate motorcycle-specific wheel clamping needs. These adapters convert a standard automotive tire changer's clamping system to work with smaller motorcycle and ATV wheels. If your shop services multiple vehicle types, verify whether a machine requires additional adapters or is designed specifically for motorcycle applications.
Safety Best Practices
- Never exceed 40 PSI when initially seating tire beads. If the bead doesn't seat at this pressure, deflate and reposition the tire
- Always ensure tire beads are properly seated on both sides before inflating to recommended pressure
- Inspect wheels for damage before mounting new tires
- Use tire lubricant generously on beads to reduce the force required and minimize risk of damage
- Ensure the machine is properly maintained with regular inspection of clamps, pneumatic cylinders, and mounting heads
- Wear appropriate safety equipment including safety glasses and gloves
Maximizing Your Investment
A quality motorcycle tire changer represents a significant investment that can increase shop profitability by reducing labor time and enabling you to offer tire services in-house rather than outsourcing. When evaluating models, consider:
- The volume of motorcycle tire changes your shop performs or expects to perform
- The types of motorcycles you service most frequently (sport bikes, touring bikes, cruisers, ATVs)
- Whether you need versatility to handle both small ATV wheels and large touring bike tires
- The skill level of your technicians and whether assist arm features would improve efficiency
- Future expansion plans and whether the machine will accommodate growing demand
Professional Pairing: Motorcycle tire changers work best when paired with a quality wheel balancer. After mounting new tires, proper balancing ensures smooth operation, extends tire life, and provides customers with a safe, vibration-free ride. Consider your complete tire service workflow when planning equipment purchases.
Specifications vary by model. Always check individual product listings and manufacturer documentation for exact details.
Motorcycle Tire Changing Machines
Do you want to save time and money and help bring more profit to your bike shop? Tired of wasting hours on changing wheels by hand? At Best Buy Auto Equipment, we offer a wide motorcycle tire changer selection, so that you can make your job as quick and simple as possible.
Quality Motorcycle Tire Changers
From Nationwide to Atlas, we bring you brands that are reliable and have a trusted reputation in the industry.You don’t have to sift through our collection to find a top-quality item because all of the products we carry are carefully crafted and built to last.
We provide great product descriptions to help you narrow your choices down, but if you are still not sure about which option you need, feel free to contact us. We’ve been in business since 1987 for a reason. We love to make sure that all of our customers find exactly what they need and are completely satisfied with their purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best motorcycle tire changer?
To have the best motorcycle tire changer for your shop, business, and your investment there are a few key features that make them the top.
- Durable – They must be made to last. Models and machines should be made from durable materials that are weatherproof and will not corrode and they also need to be tough as they must stand up to a lot of force, repeatedly.
- Compatibility – The motorcycle tire changer should work with the types of tires your shop encounters most. Some machines are generic, but others are very specific.
Some of the best motorcycle tire changers on the market today are made by Atlas, Nationwide, Talyn, and iDeal to name a few. These manufacturers have consistently created motorcycle tire changers that have the above features, plus many more that make them the industry's finest.
How much does it cost to change motorcycle tires?
The type of motorcycle and the type of tires that are being used, as well as the location, will often influence the price of how much it will cost to get a motorcycle's tires replaced. The typical price range starts at $69 to $159. Some shops will include installation in the cost of the tire, while others will not. Additional charges can include per tire balancing, weighing, and mounting as well as a per-tire recycling fees, and all vary by region.
How do you change a motorcycle tire?
To change a motorcycle tire, you will need:
- A motorcycle lift or jack stands to lift the bike off the ground.
- A drift to coax out the axle and loosen it as well as loosening pinch bolts at the bottom of most forked legs.
- Remove both brake calipers to remove the wheel.
- Deflate the tire by removing the valve core with a valve core tool.
- Remove all air and break the tire's bead, or seal, to remove it from the rim. Using a bead breaker will be the quickest way, however, you can use a hammer and go around the tire on both sides as well to break the bead.
- Pull the tire off the wheel. You may need a clamp to hold the wheel. Remember to keep the brake rotor side up to avoid putting too much pressure on it. Tire lube, as well as dedicated tire spoons, will help pull the tire off much easier.
- Inspect your wheel and replace your valve stem.
- Find the directional arrows on the sidewall and check to make sure the new tire is relative to the wheel.
- Use tire lube generously on the new tire bead. Install the new tire with your tire spoons to make sure the bead of the new tire goes over the rim lip.
- Once the tire is on and mounted properly, seat the beads. Remove the valve core from the new stem so you can inflate it faster.
- Use a large air compressor to blow the bead onto the wheel.
- With the bead set, replace the valve core and adjust the inflation to the correct pressure.
- Reinstall your wheel.
WARNING: These products can contains certain metals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov