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Simple question about tire changing

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Old Dec 20, 2020 | 03:40 PM
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Default Simple question about tire changing

2016 Road Glide. I'm changing my back tire, installing an Avon. I like that I can examine everything and clean it up in that area as well.

My question is simple; do I need to put anything on the bead to keep it sealed? Will it seal as well as it always did before?
 
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Old Dec 20, 2020 | 03:45 PM
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A motorcycle wheel has a fairly tall metal bead for the tire to jump. Be sure to lubricate the tire and it will seal just like before.
 
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Old Dec 20, 2020 | 03:56 PM
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Sealing shouldn't be an issue. Braking the bead, removal/ Installation can be a real bear without the correct tools.
 
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Old Dec 20, 2020 | 05:05 PM
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I always use silicon spray or a little soapy water. Just makes it easier.
 
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Old Dec 20, 2020 | 05:50 PM
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Just take the tire to a shop that way they can balance it for you too. I don’t cost much if you have the tire off the bike.
 
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Old Dec 20, 2020 | 05:52 PM
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I have some pretty good tools to break and install, just wondering about the bead sealing. I’ve seen issues with car tires. The soapy water to help install is a good tip. Thanks for the replies.
 
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Old Dec 20, 2020 | 06:31 PM
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I've installed several Avons, none had the balance dot. What I did (still do with any tire) is mount the tire but before seating the bead put it on a static balancer and move the tire around the rim till you find the least out of balance spot, mark the tire and rim so you can put it back if the tire slips and then seat the bead. If the rim was perfectly balanced, it wouldn't make much difference, but on some of mine it did. Finding the most out of balance position for the tire can mean less weights, if you use those, and I've had a couple tires that balanced well just finding the right position of tire on rim.
 
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Old Dec 20, 2020 | 07:04 PM
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I just take my tire and wheel in to a bike shop , not a dealer and they put it on and balance it for like 25 bucks
 
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Old Dec 20, 2020 | 07:06 PM
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Originally Posted by dennyo
I just take my tire and wheel in to a bike shop , not a dealer and they put it on and balance it for like 25 bucks
^^^^^^^^^^
This here!
 
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Old Dec 21, 2020 | 02:28 AM
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As long as the bead area of the wheel is smooth and clean, shouldn't need anything to help seal. I'm a thousand or so miles up the coast from you, put an new pair of Avons on a set of 15 year old wheels myself in the spring and they didn't lose much if any air all season. You should be just fine.
 
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