Author Topic: Seating a Tire?  (Read 4164 times)

Rabbit

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Seating a Tire?
« on: June 13, 2008, 08:48:38 AM »
I have a 74 Honda CB550.
I noticed my back tire is not seated properly. It creates, of course, a slight bumpy road sensation. I was reading some advice on fixing this. Is it worth my time, as an amateur, to try and seat it properly or will it turn out to be frustrating? Potentially damaging?  I don't have any fancy tools. Is it as easy as deflating the tire and over-inflating it till it seats properly?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Cheers

Offline L.A.B.

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Re: Seating a Tire?
« Reply #1 on: June 13, 2008, 09:14:14 AM »
It won't do the tyre much good (or the handling) if the tyre isn't seated on the rim correctly. So you need to deflate the tyre and probably add some lubricant between the tyre and the rim, and then re-inflate it but don't overdo it. Up to about 20% over the maximum running pressure is advisable.

Proper tyre fitting lubricant or paste should be really be used,  but some owners use washing up liquid, Swarfega or even WD-40, but I wouldn't use those myself except in an emergency, maybe, as washing up liquid can cause corrosion inside the rim? Liquid hand soap is better.

Also check that the insides of the rim aren't corroded, as a rough, rusty surface can prevent the tyre from seating on the rim properly. Most tyres have a moulded line near the edge of the rim? If the line is the same distance from the edge of the rim all the way around on both sides of the tyre, then the tyre should be sitting on the rim correctly?  
L.A.B.

Offline Searchguru

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Re: Seating a Tire?
« Reply #2 on: June 13, 2008, 04:44:26 PM »
Iwould suggest you take the wheel off and to a proper bike tyre fitter. I'll tell why with a quick tale of woe from a few years ago.
A traffic motorcyclist in my force had a rear tyre puncture on his police BMW R100RT. The tyre was replaced at the workshop and lubricated with something other than the recommended BMW tyre lubricant. The chap rode off on his bike and later went for an overtake as he cracked the throttle open the wheel spun but the tyre did not. As a consequence the valve was ripped out and the tyre deflated instantly. He crashed and was lucky enough to only break his ankle. For the sake of a couple of quid and a bit of time I would seek professional help.

Rabbit

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Re: Seating a Tire?
« Reply #3 on: June 24, 2008, 08:32:50 PM »
Thanks for the replies folks.
Took it into a local shop which specializes in 70s UJMs and it was quickly determined the reason for my problem was a slight flat spot in the rim itself. Former owner must've hit something hard. How did I not see this? Was focused on the tire I guess.
Now I'm on the lookout for a back wheel off a 74.
Are the wheels interchangeable from year to year?
I know a couple of guys who do rebuilds and might have parts for sale.
How much would you drop for a used wheel ( a true one haha). I'll do the conversion to Cdn dollars on this end.
Cheers