2006 Buell Lightning: Chassis 2-23
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TIRES 2.8
GENERAL
Tires should be inspected for punctures, cuts, breaks and
wear at least weekly.
New tires should be stored in a horizontal tire rack. Avoid
stacking new tires in a vertical stack. The weight of the stack
compresses the tires and closes down the beads.
11WARNING1WARNING
Replace punctured or damaged tires. In some cases,
small punctures in the tread area may be repaired from
within the demounted tire by your Harley-Davidson
dealer. Speed should NOT exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) for
the first 24 hours after repair, and the repaired tire should
NEVER be used over 80 mph (130 km/h). Failure to follow
this warning could result in death or serious injury.
(00015a).
Tubeless tires may be repaired in the tread area only if the
puncture is 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) or smaller. All repairs must be
made from inside the tire.
Acceptable repair methods include a patch and plug combi-
nation, chemical or hot vulcanizing patches or head-type
plugs. When repairing tubeless tires, use TIRE SPREADER
(Part No. HD-21000) to spread the tire sidewalls.
11WARNING1WARNING
● Never repair a tire with less than 1/16 in. (1.6 mm)
tread depth. Inadequate tread depth can cause an
accident which could result in death or serious
injury.
● Buell front and rear tires are not the same. Inter-
changing front and rear tires can cause tire failure,
which could result in death or serious injury.
(00026b)
REMOVAL
1. Remove wheel from motorcycle. See 2.5 FRONT
WHEEL or 2.6 REAR WHEEL.
2. Deflate tire.
3. See Figure 2-30. Loosen both tire beads from rim flange.
11WARNING1WARNING
Do not use excessive force when starting bead over rim.
Excessive force may damage tire or rim and adversely
affect handling which could result in death or serious
injury.
4. If a bead breaker machine is not available, attach RIM
PROTECTORS (Part No. HD-01289) to the rim. Using
tire tools (not sharp instruments), start upper bead over
edge of rim at valve. Repeat all around rim until first bead
is over rim.
5. See Figure 2-31. Push lower bead into rim well on one
side and insert tire tool underneath bead from opposite
side. Pry bead over rim edge. Remove tire from rim.
6. Remove valve stem if it is damaged or leaks.
7. Mount tire on TIRE SPREADER (Part No. HD-21000) for
inspection and repair procedures.
Figure 2-30. Loosening Beads from Rim Flange
Figure 2-31. Starting Tire Off Rim
Figure 2-32. Starting Bead on Rim