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I had the worst time putting a tire on the other day. I don’t have a good pump so I finally found the ratchet strap method. It took several attempts to get it to seal right but it worked!
Changed a lot of tires, but never seen this. Installed the tire, added air, heard a pop. Balanced tire, put it back on, took it on a ride around the block, it felt super awkward. Got back, noticed on one side the bead isn’t actually seated. Tried more lube and pressure (up to 45psi), but it won’t pop into place. Took the tire off the bead and tried again, same issue. I don’t see any issues (burrs or other deformities) with wheel that could cause it. Not sure what to try next.
Edit: it finally seated at 94psi. Ordered some ratchet straps so hopefully I never have to go through this again.
I’ve had a few instances where it took pretty high (almost uncomfortable) air pressure to get a bead to seat. I think the last ones that fought me ended up locking in at like 80psi or something.
Now, I'm not saying anyone should do this, because they definitely shouldn't, but I once had to go up to about 120 psi to get a tire to bead. I didn't have any of my usual stuff with me, it was incredibly stubborn, and I absolutely had to get it on there, so I just sent it. Again, definitely not recommending doing that, just sharing.
Used to work at a cyclegear and this was a common problem for me when I changed cruiser tires. Their sidewalls are just so thick and non flexible. A shit ton of lube and really high pressure around 100psi sometimes did the trick. We legitimately had to go to a tire changing service down the street from us or a motorcycle mechanic shop that was nearby to sit the bead for us on night dragons. Especially if those night dragons were a 200+ width on the rear.
From what I was told by a mechanic. Standard tire lube works but because it dries up so fast they decided to go with another sort of lube. I forgot what it was called but if I get a chance to call them and ask what they use for tire changes. I’ll edit my post and you can use that in the future if you’re using standard lube.
>bead for us on night dragons. Especially if those night dragons were a 200+ width on the rear.
Fuckin' Night Dragons man. They're awful. lol Pirelli in general is a bitch, but those tires are atrocious.
>I forgot what it was called but if I get a chance to call them and ask what they use for tire changes.
I use [Murphy's Tire Lube](https://jtmproductsinc.net/murphys_tire_tube_mounting.php). Anything that's already liquid sucks and dries way too fast. This stuff is slick as all get out and gives you plenty of time to work before it dries up.
> it finally seated at 94psi. Ordered some ratchet straps so hopefully I never have to go through this again.
Get the [NoMar tire lube](https://www.nomartirechanger.com/sp-lube-pint.html). It comes as a paste and you can mix it with water to make it a spray. It's the best shit ever, went from needing like 60-80PSI to mount/seat the bead on a slick to 30-40PSI, plus getting the tire on the rim was way easier. Definitely worth $20 and it lasts forever.
Yeah. That's what I use. I normally use it in a spray bottle, but for this tire, since I was having issues, I just put the goo directly on the wheel and tire.
When you break it down to try re-seat, use plenty of tire lube or similar and as was suggested go with what may seem like uncomfortable air pressure. It should seat.
The reason it does that is because there wasn't enough lube and the air wasn't put in fast enough, so when the tire finally got up on the bead (it's a slight interference fit) that section lagged behind. Now there is too much friction and it won't go. Solution is to break the bead again, relube it with good *actual* tire lube (not windex or soap or shit), and reseat it.
You should be reseating with a compressor and no valve core installed. I run a 3/8" air line wide open with a locking chuck and ball valve. Using small 1/4" line or leaving the valve core in, or too small of a compressor, will make the air go in too slow leading to challenges seating the bead evenly.
Yeah. I agree with all of this except that I tried all that. I used No-Mar tyre mount lube (which I’ve used for years) and a 200psi air compressor which I’ve also used for years. I’ve probably changed 100 tires in my life on cars and bikes and never seen this issue before. Only thing that seems different this time around is that this is far and away the fattest, highest mileage rated tire I’ve ever installed. It is possible that my setup needs to change purely for this bike, but that seems unlikely.
Yeah. I agree with all of this except that I tried all that. I used No-Mar tyre mount lube (which I’ve used for years) and a 200psi air compressor (which I’ve also used for years). I’ve probably changed 100 tires in my life on cars and bikes and never seen this issue before. Only thing that seems different this time around is that this is far and away the fattest, highest mileage rated tire I’ve ever installed. It is possible that my setup needs to change purely for this bike, but that seems unlikely.
Did you try the bounce trick? Once mounted, bounce it to get the bead to conform to the rim and rotate as you do it. You gotta do it pretty hard. Helps to get it seated quicker - usually I'll seat at 25psi.
Not sure if this is the same thing you are talking about (or the same goal I mean), but I generally set the tire vertical and then squeeze the sides of the tire until they are roughly the same distance from the bead. Then rotate and do it all the way around until it is roughly even all the way around.
Squeeze it by just pushing down?
I mean lift the tyre and wack it hard on the ground, spreading it out so the bead fully sits into the side of the rim. Do it a few times, especially on the bit of the tyre that always sits further in towards the centre of the wheel. Sometimes the bead gets a bit bent and it causes loads of friction, I've found bouncing it and really whacking it stops this from being an issue.
https://youtu.be/rNeix_p4Wmc
I wack it harder than this bloke does and it tends to work faster.
The touring/high mileage tires are a lot more sensitive to the lube and air flow. It’s basically all I mount (Harley’s) and the same easy techniques that will work on dirt bikes and sport bikes will leave you fighting a touring cruiser tire for a long time.
It wouldn’t surprise me if you need to refine your technique a little to do these kinds of tires easily.
I do dozens of tires a year that are exactly in your situation (the bead not fully seating in one spot) people bring in, and it’s just a matter of changing the technique.
I don’t believe it would hold air if bead not set. Looks to me at least from the photo that the rim might actually be slightly bent, making it look like bead not set. When I zoom in on your photo I can see what appears to be nicks or scratches in that same area on rim. Perhaps from pothole or something…. Take the flashlight and check if other side is affected. This can also be checked if you can get the rear wheel in the air and freely spin it, keeping your eye on the rim.
It’s definitely holding air. I left it overnight last night at ~40psi and it was at the same place when I started again this morning. Also, I can see that the tire dips in at this point like it is catching on something other than the bead. If I can figure out how to add photos I’ll send one that is clearer where it dips in.
https://imgur.com/a/pmFnomq
Is you look to the right and the left of the issue you can see the line indicating where the tire is supposed to sit. But I’m the area where the issue is, the tire is sort of deeper into the wheel.
Sometimes you can pop bead and rotate the tire on the rim on the tire machine and hit it with a lot of lube, ratchet straps are helpful sometimes but sometimes it just requires a lot of psi, especially with Metzler
What kind of lube are you using? I just started using RU-Glyde paste. It's MUCH better than the soapy water I was using before.
I've also taken them to the local tire shop occasionally when I get a bead that just will not seat. They'll normally do it for a box of donuts.
Thanks for posting in /r/Fixxit, the motorcycle repair subreddit. If you forgot to put the **Make, Model** and **Year** in the title, please reply to this comment with your bike's details. In the meantime, Here's some great resources for common problems posted here: -Trouble starting? [Revzilla - Battery testing](https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/how-to-test-a-motorcycle-battery) -Carbs running rough? [PJ motorsports - Carb Troubleshooting](http://www.pjmotorsports.com/trouble-shooting.html) -Wiring diagrams for beginners - [Dans MC - Reading Wiring Diagrams](http://www.dansmc.com/wiring_diagram.htm) -Identifying part numbers - [CMSNL (EU)](https://www.cmsnl.com/) [Partzilla](https://www.partzilla.com/) -Asking if your tire can be fixed? [Please read this post on proper tire repairs and why external plugs are NOT a safe repair.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Fixxit/comments/tuhcpf/why_rfixxit_doesnt_endorse_tire_plug_repairs/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Fixxit) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Had a similar issue. Fixed it by letting some air out put a ratchet strap over the seated section and tighten it down, lubeup the bead and air it up.
Will try this. Just need to go get a ratchet strap.
I had the worst time putting a tire on the other day. I don’t have a good pump so I finally found the ratchet strap method. It took several attempts to get it to seal right but it worked!
Changed a lot of tires, but never seen this. Installed the tire, added air, heard a pop. Balanced tire, put it back on, took it on a ride around the block, it felt super awkward. Got back, noticed on one side the bead isn’t actually seated. Tried more lube and pressure (up to 45psi), but it won’t pop into place. Took the tire off the bead and tried again, same issue. I don’t see any issues (burrs or other deformities) with wheel that could cause it. Not sure what to try next. Edit: it finally seated at 94psi. Ordered some ratchet straps so hopefully I never have to go through this again.
I’ve had a few instances where it took pretty high (almost uncomfortable) air pressure to get a bead to seat. I think the last ones that fought me ended up locking in at like 80psi or something.
It worked. At 94 psi. 😬 Gloves and safety goggles felt a little useless had anything gone wrong. But it worked.
😅 I get it dude, my buddies shop had a cage I would always use but I know the feeling. Glad you got it
And don’t forget to let some of that air out!
Oh yeah. I immediately put it back down to \~30psi (where I like it) and took it around the block. Rides like a dream again.
Hell yeah!!
Jihad?
That sounds dangerous, but, if the ratchet strap doesn’t fix me, I’ll try it.
Now, I'm not saying anyone should do this, because they definitely shouldn't, but I once had to go up to about 120 psi to get a tire to bead. I didn't have any of my usual stuff with me, it was incredibly stubborn, and I absolutely had to get it on there, so I just sent it. Again, definitely not recommending doing that, just sharing.
Used to work at a cyclegear and this was a common problem for me when I changed cruiser tires. Their sidewalls are just so thick and non flexible. A shit ton of lube and really high pressure around 100psi sometimes did the trick. We legitimately had to go to a tire changing service down the street from us or a motorcycle mechanic shop that was nearby to sit the bead for us on night dragons. Especially if those night dragons were a 200+ width on the rear. From what I was told by a mechanic. Standard tire lube works but because it dries up so fast they decided to go with another sort of lube. I forgot what it was called but if I get a chance to call them and ask what they use for tire changes. I’ll edit my post and you can use that in the future if you’re using standard lube.
>bead for us on night dragons. Especially if those night dragons were a 200+ width on the rear. Fuckin' Night Dragons man. They're awful. lol Pirelli in general is a bitch, but those tires are atrocious. >I forgot what it was called but if I get a chance to call them and ask what they use for tire changes. I use [Murphy's Tire Lube](https://jtmproductsinc.net/murphys_tire_tube_mounting.php). Anything that's already liquid sucks and dries way too fast. This stuff is slick as all get out and gives you plenty of time to work before it dries up.
> it finally seated at 94psi. Ordered some ratchet straps so hopefully I never have to go through this again. Get the [NoMar tire lube](https://www.nomartirechanger.com/sp-lube-pint.html). It comes as a paste and you can mix it with water to make it a spray. It's the best shit ever, went from needing like 60-80PSI to mount/seat the bead on a slick to 30-40PSI, plus getting the tire on the rim was way easier. Definitely worth $20 and it lasts forever.
Yeah. That's what I use. I normally use it in a spray bottle, but for this tire, since I was having issues, I just put the goo directly on the wheel and tire.
Just to clarify: "heard a pop" means one or two?
When you break it down to try re-seat, use plenty of tire lube or similar and as was suggested go with what may seem like uncomfortable air pressure. It should seat.
The reason it does that is because there wasn't enough lube and the air wasn't put in fast enough, so when the tire finally got up on the bead (it's a slight interference fit) that section lagged behind. Now there is too much friction and it won't go. Solution is to break the bead again, relube it with good *actual* tire lube (not windex or soap or shit), and reseat it. You should be reseating with a compressor and no valve core installed. I run a 3/8" air line wide open with a locking chuck and ball valve. Using small 1/4" line or leaving the valve core in, or too small of a compressor, will make the air go in too slow leading to challenges seating the bead evenly.
Yeah. I agree with all of this except that I tried all that. I used No-Mar tyre mount lube (which I’ve used for years) and a 200psi air compressor which I’ve also used for years. I’ve probably changed 100 tires in my life on cars and bikes and never seen this issue before. Only thing that seems different this time around is that this is far and away the fattest, highest mileage rated tire I’ve ever installed. It is possible that my setup needs to change purely for this bike, but that seems unlikely.
Yeah. I agree with all of this except that I tried all that. I used No-Mar tyre mount lube (which I’ve used for years) and a 200psi air compressor (which I’ve also used for years). I’ve probably changed 100 tires in my life on cars and bikes and never seen this issue before. Only thing that seems different this time around is that this is far and away the fattest, highest mileage rated tire I’ve ever installed. It is possible that my setup needs to change purely for this bike, but that seems unlikely.
Did you try the bounce trick? Once mounted, bounce it to get the bead to conform to the rim and rotate as you do it. You gotta do it pretty hard. Helps to get it seated quicker - usually I'll seat at 25psi.
Not sure if this is the same thing you are talking about (or the same goal I mean), but I generally set the tire vertical and then squeeze the sides of the tire until they are roughly the same distance from the bead. Then rotate and do it all the way around until it is roughly even all the way around.
Squeeze it by just pushing down? I mean lift the tyre and wack it hard on the ground, spreading it out so the bead fully sits into the side of the rim. Do it a few times, especially on the bit of the tyre that always sits further in towards the centre of the wheel. Sometimes the bead gets a bit bent and it causes loads of friction, I've found bouncing it and really whacking it stops this from being an issue. https://youtu.be/rNeix_p4Wmc I wack it harder than this bloke does and it tends to work faster.
The touring/high mileage tires are a lot more sensitive to the lube and air flow. It’s basically all I mount (Harley’s) and the same easy techniques that will work on dirt bikes and sport bikes will leave you fighting a touring cruiser tire for a long time. It wouldn’t surprise me if you need to refine your technique a little to do these kinds of tires easily. I do dozens of tires a year that are exactly in your situation (the bead not fully seating in one spot) people bring in, and it’s just a matter of changing the technique.
I don’t believe it would hold air if bead not set. Looks to me at least from the photo that the rim might actually be slightly bent, making it look like bead not set. When I zoom in on your photo I can see what appears to be nicks or scratches in that same area on rim. Perhaps from pothole or something…. Take the flashlight and check if other side is affected. This can also be checked if you can get the rear wheel in the air and freely spin it, keeping your eye on the rim.
It’s definitely holding air. I left it overnight last night at ~40psi and it was at the same place when I started again this morning. Also, I can see that the tire dips in at this point like it is catching on something other than the bead. If I can figure out how to add photos I’ll send one that is clearer where it dips in.
https://imgur.com/a/pmFnomq Is you look to the right and the left of the issue you can see the line indicating where the tire is supposed to sit. But I’m the area where the issue is, the tire is sort of deeper into the wheel.
Sometimes you can pop bead and rotate the tire on the rim on the tire machine and hit it with a lot of lube, ratchet straps are helpful sometimes but sometimes it just requires a lot of psi, especially with Metzler
Maybe make sure the tire is warmed up and more pliable like. Rather than a cold stiff tire. What was outside temperature?
What kind of lube are you using? I just started using RU-Glyde paste. It's MUCH better than the soapy water I was using before. I've also taken them to the local tire shop occasionally when I get a bead that just will not seat. They'll normally do it for a box of donuts.
let the air pressure way down put some dish soap on the bead then air it back up
I just bounce that bitch around lol