Inspection
1. Remove and inspect the rubber rim band. Re-
place the band if it is deteriorated or broken.
2. Clean the inner and outer rim surfaces of all dirt,
rust, corrosion and rubber residue.
3. Inspect the valve stem hole in the rim. Remove
any dirt or corrosion from the hole.
4. Inspect the rim profiles for any cracks or other
damage.
5. The tube will be reused, reinstall the valve core,
inflate the tube and check it for any leaks.
6. While the tube is inflated, clean it with water.
7. When reusing the tire, carefully check it inside
and outside for damage. Replace the tire if there is
any damage.
8. Make sure the spoke ends do not protrude from
the nipples into the center of the rim.
TIRE CHANGING
(CAST WHEELS)
WARNING
Do not install an inner tube inside a
tubeless tire. The tube will cause an
abnormal heat buildup in the tire.
Tubeless tires have the word TUBELESS molded
in the tire sidewall and the rims have TUBELESS
cast on them.
If the tire is punctured, remove it from the rim to
inspect the inside of the tire and apply a combina-
tion plug/patch from inside the tire (
Figure 60
). A
Plug applied from the outside of the tire should only
be used as a temporary roadside repair.
Follow the repair kit manufacturer’s instructions
as to applicable repairs and any speed limitations. In
most cases it is a good idea to consider replacing a
patched or plugged tire as soon as possible.
Removal
The wheels can easily be damaged during tire re-
moval. Special care must be taken with tire irons to
avoid scratching and gouging the outer rim surface.
Protect the rim by using rim protectors or scraps of
leather between the tire iron and the rim (
Figure
49
). The stock cast wheels are designed for use with
tubeless tires.
When removing a tubeless tire, be careful not to
damage the tire beads, inner liner of the tire or the
wheel rim flange. Use tire levers or flat-handled tire
irons (
Figure 50
) with rounded ends.
NOTE
While removing a tire, support the
wheel on two blocks of wood, so the
brake disc does not contact the floor.
1. Place a balance mark opposite the valve stem
(
Figure 46
) on the tire sidewall so the tire can be re-
installed in the same position for easier balancing.
2. Remove the valve core to deflate the tire.
CAUTION
Removal of tubeless tires from their
rims can be very difficult because of
the exceptionally tight bead/rim seal
WHEEL AND TIRES
303
10
60
59
Tire rim
line
Rim
circumference