How To: Change a Dirt Bike Rear Tyre with MX Store

If you ride dirt bikes long enough you will eventually be in the situation where knowing how to change a motorbike tyre will save you time, money and possibly keep you from having to go home early from getting a flat. Read on for changing a dirt bike tyre tips with MXstore.

Any job is easier when you have the correct Dirt Bike Tools, here is the list of must haves in your tool kit before taking on this task:

• Large Ring Spanner or Ratchet Wrench for rear Axle
• Smaller (approx 12mm) spanner for Rim Lock
• 2x Tyre Levers or Tyre Spoons
• Bead Buddy
• Valve Core Remover
• Wire Brush
• Tyre pressure gauge + tyre pump
• Contact Cleaner Spray
• Dirt Bike Detailing Spray
• Baby Powder
• Ballard' s Dirt Bike Tyre changer

 

The first step is to remove the rear wheel from the bike. Changing a motorcycle rear tyre is easier if you have a tyre changing stand, but short of that somewhere clean and flat which will help work on the wheel without damaging it in the process as it can be a vigorous job.

Remove the valve core to deflate the dirt bike tube, while the air is draining loosen the rim lock nut. While you are at the dirt bike rim lock grab a tyre lever and begin breaking the bead and working your way around the tyre. To do this insert the tyre lever lightly between the rim and the tyre and lever down towards the centre of the tyre.

Once the bead is broken use one tyre lever to gently lift the tyre over the outside edge of the rim. Be careful not to push the lever in too deep or you may damage the tyre tube, or too shallow your tyre lever may slip and you will bash your knuckles. Once you have the first part of the tyre over the rim, slip the end of the tyre lever in under the dirt bike sprocket/ dirt bike brake disc to hold it there. Then use your second tyre lever to begin moving around the rest of the tyre lifting the bead over the rim.

Once the side of the tyre is done, flip the tyre over and repeat the process on the other side of the tyre. Once the tyre beads are one the outsides of the rim find the opposite side of the wheels rim lock and push the tyre against the rim towards the rim lock. This will create a gap on the rim lock side. Use a tyre lever at the rim lock to insert and push down so the whole tyre pops off the rim to one side. Then use your hands to push the tyre the rest of the way off. This will be a lot easier with a tyre change stand but improvise if you need to and your tyre should come off easily.

Once the tyre is off take a quick look and inspect the condition of the rim and rim tape. Use a wire brush and some contact cleaner to clean the inside of wall of the rim where the rubber bead sits. Over time dirt and debris can build up so cleaning it will ensure an even and stronger lock of the tyre to the rim.

Take your new tyre and add some baby powder to the inside of it, all the way around as this will help with installing the tube back into the tyre.

Place the new tyre on top of the rim and insert the tube to the new tyre, make sure you line up the valve stem with the hole in the rim. Apply some Detailing spray around the bead of the tyre as this will help the tyre go back on easier.

Double check the tyre isn’t directional, if it is you will need to make sure it is going on the right way. Flip the tyre over so the side with the detailing spray is down. Push the tyre down onto the rim at the point of the valve stem and push the valve stem through the rim. Add the lock nut to the valve stem and then find the rim lock and push that up inside the tyre.

Once this is done use your tyre levers to work around and lever the tyre back onto the rim from the top. Only 1 side needs to go on at this stage. Be careful not to damage the tube so take your time and work your way around bit by bit.

Once one side is on, check the valve stem and rim lock are straight and in the right place. Add more detailing spray to the tyre bead and move to the rim lock. Start to one side of the rim lock and use the tyre lever to flip the first part of the tyre back onto the rim while making sure the rim lock is pushed inside the tyre. Once you have a bit of the tyre on use your bead buddy to secure the part which is done. From there work your way around alternating which tyre lever you use, leave one in place and move your other lever on to the next point as this will help work the tyre back on the rim.

The next step is to inflate the tyre enough to pop the bead back onto the rim. Make sure the tyre, valve stem and rim lock are all in the correct location first and then inflate.

If you have an air compressor you may want to do this with the valve core out so it can deflate again quickly once you have popped the bead back on. Inspect the tyre to make sure the bead is on and push down on the rim lock to make sure it is moving freely and not jammed on anything.

Inflate your tyre to your desired PSI and tighten your rim lock. Replace your rear wheel then check chain tension and you are all set! Don’t forget to pump your rear brakes once the wheel is on to make sure they are ready to stop you when you need them.

Checkout the massive range of dirt bike specific tools from the biggest brands DRC Tools, Motion Pro Tools, RHK Tools and Velosport Tools at MXstore.

 

 

Check Out the best Dirt Bike Tyre Brands Below:

• Artrax Dirt Bike Tyres
• Bridgestone Dirt Bike Tyres
• Dunlop Dirt Bike Tyres
• IRC Dirt Bike Tyres
• Michelin Dirt Bike Tyres
• Motoz Dirt Bike Tyres
• Pirelli Dirt Bike Tyres
• RHK Dirt Bike Tyres