There’s nothing quite like the feeling of speeding through the woods or countryside. Would you like to deal with dirt bike tire problems while planning a whole day outing on a dirt bike? I think nobody does.
I’m sure we are all familiar with the hassle of tubes. They sometimes pinch flats, and it’s always a pain to have to fix them in the middle of nowhere. But with tubeless tires, it’s a breeze!
Unfortunately, there are still a lot of people who don’t know about the details of tubeless tires, or they’re unsure about how they work.
Here I will cover the whole thing of how to switch to tubeless tires yourself without damaging your rims.
How to change dirt bike tire: Step by step
Changing a dirt bike tire is not as hard as you might think. If you have the tools assembled, it’ll be done in a few minutes. But you need to have the clear mind and know what you’re doing.
Problem is, when your tire gives out under the scorching heat in the middle of nowhere, you’ll hardly have a clear head. That’s where I come in, to help you with the instructions.
I’ve added step by step procedure that you just have to follow and you’ll be up and running in no time. . I will also give some tips on how to make the process easier. So, if you need to change into a new tire for your bike, keep reading!
What tools do you need to change dirt bike tires?
Thanks to a few simple tools and proper steps, changing a dirt bike tire is relatively easy. There are some tools you need for changing the dirt bike tire that will help you do the job more efficiently, and these are:
- Three tire spoon
- Gloves
- Lubricant
- Wrench
- New tire & tube
- Tire stand
Once you’ve got all of them together, we can look at the actual process of changing the tires below:
Step 1: Start by taking off the dirt bike tire
The first step is to remove the cotter key from the axle. Using pliers, you can do this.
Next, use a wrench to loosen the nuts on the chain sprocket. Once the nuts are loose, you can remove the sprocket with a rubber mallet.
Having removed the sprocket, the tire can now be removed from the axle. This is how you take a dirt bike tire off.
Step 2: Removing the dirt bike tire from the rim
Here is what you need to know about removing a dirt bike tire from a rim. Follow these steps:
- First, start with letting the air out of the tire. To do that you will have to remove the valve system cap and the trader valve. You can remove the valve stem nut now you can loosen the rim lock nut. While loosening the rim lock nut, back it off as far as you can without removing it.
- Then, after you got that out the next step is to break the bead from the rim. And to do that you will need to press down 180 degrees away from the rim lock. For pressing you can simply use your body weight. The tire iron can be wedged inside of the rim, allowing you to pry it off more easily. When you are done with the whole tire then flip it over and do the exact same thing to the other side.
- While changing the tire, you need to have a careful look in the drop center. In the tire itself, steel chords run along with the bead and they don’t stretch. It will be necessary to push down when you remove the tire from the opposite side of the rim. Most of the beads should be inside the drop center zone. Start at the valve stem and work your way around the tire. You may need to use a lot of force to get the tire off.
- When removing the tire from the rim, you have to use the lube to make the removing process easier. It will help to get the tire spoons in there to grab the bead and work it up over the rim. You can use three tire irons for removing the tire from the rim. A good set of tire levers will make it much easier to remove the old tire without pinching the tube. Now simply insert the three tire iron below the rim and place each of them five inches apart. It’s time you give pressure to pull the tire from the rim while holding the tire with your other hands to increase the efficiency of pressure.
- Finally, you have to remove the tube. After ¾ of the tires are free, you can smoothly pull the tube. Keep working with the tire spoon & going through the whole tire and it will be free from the rim.
During the whole process, you should use soapy water or another lubricant so that the tire can easily slip off from the rim, which will also reduce the chance of any damage to the rim. If you can apply the lube properly, you can change the tire without scratching the rims.
Once the tire is off, inspect the rim for any damage. If there is any damage, you will need to repair or replace the rim before you can put a new tire on.
Step 3: Putting the new tire into the rim
Placing a new dirt bike tire on the rim is similar to taking the old one off. All you have to do is to repeat the process backward systematically. Let’s see how to put a tire on a dirt bike rim for further clarification.
Put the tire onto the tire stand. It will help you to have good control over the tire during the fitting process. Here’s how you should go about it:
- Line the bead of the tire up with the edge of the rim. Insert one side of the tire into the rim. Use your hands to push the tire down into the rim until the bead of the tire is seated on the rim.
- Work your way around the tire, pushing it into the rim until the entire bead is seated. Use a tire spoon to pry the opposite side of the tire into the rim.
- Insert the new tube into the new tire. Again, tire levers can be a big help here. Make sure that the valve stem is pointing up and is not pinched between the tire and the rim. Install the valve stem cap and screw it on finger-tight.
- Inflate the tube to about half of its manufacturer’s recommended pressure. When inflating the new tire, don’t overdo it. It’s important to get the tire fully seated on the rim before pumping it up to avoid pinch flats. By doing this properly, you can change a dirt bike tire without pinching the tube.
Step 4: Mounts the new tire to the dirt bike
The last step is to mount the dirt bike tire. If you are unaware, I’ll teach you how to mount a dirt bike, no worries.
Now you can reinstall the dirt bike tire. If you’re reinstalling the tire, make sure the spacers are in the right place. Also, check that the chain is perfectly placed on the wheel sprocket. Then, make sure the brake disc is securely seated within the brake pads.
Now, set the blocks back in their original location, and next secure the axle nut using a wrench. And you are done finally with the fitting of the tire back onto the dirt bike.
Now you have a whole scenario of how to remove a dirt bike tire. Following the upper steps properly will lead to the successful completion of this task.
Additional Read: Are dirt bike tires universal?
When to change dirt bike tires
In the following part, I will give you some indicators of the presence of any one of those means it’s the time to change your favorite bike’s tire.
- If you notice any discoloration in your tire then it’s a green signal for a new tire. The best way to tell when the black rubber turns into gray color.
- In addition to that, round shape knobs of the tire are another major sign of wear-out tire.
- Along with that, the missing of any knobs plus a torn knob is a big red flag for the current tire.
- Also, the presence of any types of cracks big or small means the tire is expired.
- Sometimes people run their dirt bikes without knowing that tires that reached one year old is to be changed quickly.
Factors that accelerate your dirt bike tire’s changing time
One is the type of terrain you will be riding on. If you will be riding mostly on smooth surfaces, you can get away with a tire that has less tread. However, if you will be riding on rougher terrain, you will need a tire with more tread to provide traction and avoid slips and falls. Otherwise, you’ll keep getting flat tires and will have to put air on your dirt bike tires repeatedly.
Another factor to consider is the weather. In warm weather, dirt bike tires tend to wear out more quickly due to the softer surface of the ground. In colder weather, however, the ground is harder and tires can last longer.
Finally, it is also important to consider your riding style. If you are a more aggressive rider who likes to take risks, you will probably need to change your tires more often than someone who rides more cautiously.
By taking all of these factors into account, you can ensure that you have the right tires for your needs and avoid having to change them too frequently.
How much does it cost to change a dirt bike tire?
Most dirt bike riders will eventually have to change a tire. After all, when you’re flying over jumps and tearing up the trails, it’s only a matter of time before you make contact with a sharp rock or other obstacles.
Fortunately, changing a tire is relatively straightforward, and it doesn’t require any special tools or skills. The most important thing is to have the right supplies on hand. In addition to a new tire, you’ll need a tire iron, an air pump, and some sort of sealant.
Once you have everything you need, the process takes about an hour. And as for the cost? It will depend on where you are buying the relevant stuff. A new tire can range in price from $50 to $100, and the other supplies shouldn’t cost more than $20 or so.
So all told, you’re looking at around $70 to $120 to change a dirt bike tire. Not bad considering that you’ll be back on the trail in no time.
How long do motorcycle tires last?
The lifespan of a motorcycle tire depends on a number of factors, including the type of motorcycle, the riding conditions, and the tire care regimen.
In general, however, most motorcycle tires will last for between 2,000 and 4,000 miles. That said, some riders may get more or less mileage out of their tires depending on how they ride.
For instance, aggressive riders who frequently make sharp turns and sudden stops may see their tires wear down more quickly than riders who take it easy on their bikes. Likewise, riders who stick to paved roads are likely to get more mileage out of their tires than those who ride off-road.
Ultimately, the best way to maximize the lifespan of your motorcycle tires is to perform regular maintenance and inspect them for signs of wear and tear.
Do you need to balance motorcycle tires?
As any motorcycle enthusiast knows, tire balance is essential for a smooth ride. Unfortunately, many riders are unaware of the importance of tire balance, and as a result, their bikes can suffer from a number of problems. Poorly balanced tires can cause premature wear, vibrations, and uneven tread wear.
In addition, poorly balanced tires can lead to poorer handling and reduced fuel economy. As a result, it is important to ensure that your motorcycle’s tires are properly balanced.
The good news is that this is a relatively simple process that can be performed at home with a few basic tools. By doing a little maintenance, you can keep your motorcycle’s tires in top condition, ensuring a smooth ride for years to come.
Best dirt bike tire changer: Top 3
In the following part, I will explain the best dirt bike tire changer in the current market.
- The Motion Pro BeadPro Forged Steel Bead Breaker is one of the best dirt bike tire changers on the market. It is made of forged steel for strength and durability, and it has a comfortable ergonomic handle that makes it easy to use. The BeadPro also comes with a lifetime warranty.
- The No-Name Professional Tire Changer is another excellent option for those in need of a quality tire changer. It features adjustable jaws that can accommodate a variety of different tire sizes, and it has a comfortable ergonomic grip. In addition, the No-Name Professional Tire Changer comes with a 1-year warranty.
- The Pit Posse Premium Tire Changing Stand is a great choice for those who want a high-quality tire changer that is also affordable. It is made of heavy-duty steel for durability, and it has an adjustable height to make changing tires easier. Pit Posse’s Tire Changing Stand includes a one-year warranty.
Final words
From now on, you will be able to smoothly change the dirt bike tire by yourself. No mistakes in the whole process are a must for successful changing so ensure that while installing the new tire.
I expect that it would be no rocket science for you as you know how to change dirt bike tires from top to bottom.
