Changing a dirt bike tire at home might seem daunting, a task many riders prefer to avoid. However, with the correct tools and a bit of know-how, it can be as straightforward as changing your bike’s oil, and incredibly satisfying to accomplish yourself. For years, I’ve personally tackled my dirt bike tire changes. Driven by a desire to maintain my bike myself and avoid shop fees, I initially struggled, even damaging a few Dirt Bike Tubes in the process – a costly learning curve that almost pushed me to seek professional help.
But persistence paid off. Now, changing a dirt bike tire, including managing the crucial dirt bike tube, takes me about 20 minutes. This skill is invaluable, allowing for immediate tire swaps upon delivery, adapting to different riding conditions, or even flipping tires to maximize knob edge usage. This guide will walk you through my step-by-step process for changing a dirt bike tire, from removal to re-installation, demonstrated on my 2014 KTM 450 SXF while replacing a Dunlop Geomax MX32. We’ll pay special attention to best practices for handling your dirt bike tube to ensure a smooth and successful tire change.
Essential Tools for Dirt Bike Tire Changes
Over time, I’ve assembled a toolkit that simplifies dirt bike tire changes. I began with basic curved tire irons but upgraded to spoon-type irons as I learned techniques for easier changes. Frustration led to innovation, and I discovered essential tools like the Bead Buddy, tire stem puller, tire changing lube, and a dedicated tire stand. These tools, especially when dealing with the delicate dirt bike tube, make the process significantly smoother and reduce the risk of damage. For a deeper dive into the specific tools I recommend, you can check out this post detailing my dirt bike tire changing tools.
Tire, Inner Tube, and Necessary Supplies
For this change, I’m using Dunlop Geomax MX32 front tires for both replacement and installation – I had a lightly used set ready. Crucially, I’m reusing my trusted Bridgestone Ultra Heavy Duty Motorcycle Tube. Choosing the right dirt bike tube is as important as the tire itself, especially for off-road riding where punctures are a constant concern.
Other helpful items include Rim Strip Tape, baby powder, and tire mounting lube. In a pinch, I’ve used tire black spray as mounting lube, but dedicated tire mounting lube works best. Window cleaner can also be used, though it tends to evaporate quickly. Remember, proper lubrication is key to protecting your dirt bike tube during installation.
Rim Tape is essential for protecting the dirt bike tube from spoke nipples.
Wheel Removal: The First Step
To begin changing your dirt bike tire and access the dirt bike tube, the first step is wheel removal. For the front wheel, use a bike stand or motorcycle lift to elevate the front. Remove the axle nut, then loosen the four axle pinch bolts. A T-wrench or ratchet extension can be used to push the axle out through the fork lugs.
Dirt bike lift
Axle nut removal is the first step in dismounting the wheel to access the tire and dirt bike tube.
Fork pinch bolts
Using a T-wrench for axle removal simplifies the process of detaching the wheel and getting to the dirt bike tube.
Pushing axle through forks
Front Axle, once removed, allows for complete wheel removal and access to the tire and dirt bike tube.
Disconnecting the Inner Tube and Rim Lock
With the wheel on a tire stand, the next step is deflating the tire and disconnecting the dirt bike tube and rim lock. Use a valve core tool to remove the valve core – keep it out for the entire unmounting process. Removing the core ensures complete deflation of the dirt bike tube, making tire manipulation easier. Simply pressing the valve won’t fully deflate the tube, making unmounting harder. After removing the core, take off the valve stem nut. For the rim lock, just loosen the nut; no need to remove it entirely. Once loosened, press down on the rim lock to confirm it moves freely.
Tire stand
Valve core removal tool is essential for completely deflating the dirt bike tube before tire removal.
Remove valve core
Remove valve stem nut to fully release the dirt bike tube valve from the rim.
Loosen rim lock nut
Press in to check free movement of the rim lock, ensuring it’s loose before proceeding with dirt bike tube and tire removal.
Breaking the Tire Bead from the Rim
Now you’re ready to unmount the tire to access the dirt bike tube. First, break the tire bead from the rim. The goal is to push the tire bead into the rim’s center channel. The U-shape of the rim allows the bead to drop into the center, providing extra slack to lever the bead over the rim edge. Begin loosening the tire near the rim lock. Hold the rim lock down to allow the tire to drop behind it. Tire lube can be sprayed if the tire is sticking.
Tire iron on wheel
Holding rim lock down allows the tire bead to drop behind it, aiding in the initial bead breaking step for dirt bike tube access.
Dropping tire bead into center of wheel, creating slack for easier tire iron work and dirt bike tube removal.
Lifting the Tire Over the Rim
This is often the most challenging part of changing a dirt bike tire and handling the dirt bike tube indirectly. Use ample tire lube, work slowly, and focus on small sections. Generously spray tire lube on both the tire and rim, starting at the rim lock area. Insert tire irons about 4 inches apart, working incrementally. Getting the first section over is the toughest, but once initiated, the rest should follow more easily.
Insert tire iron cup down, being careful not to pinch the dirt bike tube if reusing it.
Slip between wheel and rim to start levering the tire bead off, mindful of the dirt bike tube underneath.
Push tire iron in past the lip of the bead, ensuring you are working on the tire and not directly impacting the dirt bike tube.
Use 3 tire irons to start, spacing them closely to gradually work the tire bead over the rim, minimizing stress on the dirt bike tube.
Pull small sections at a time, carefully working the tire bead over the rim while being cautious of the dirt bike tube inside.
First 3 tire irons over
Remove middle iron and move to the next section, continuing the process around the rim, always being aware of the dirt bike tube.
Move to next section
Work bead around the whole rim until one side is completely off, freeing up access to the dirt bike tube.
Pulling the Wheel Through the Tire
With one tire bead side off, flip the wheel and repeat the process for the other side. You want both tire beads off the wheel rim’s edge. Once both sides are off, push the wheel down into the tire and pull the wheel through the tire’s center. This will fully separate the tire from the wheel, allowing complete access to the dirt bike tube.
Push wheel into tire
Wheel in tire, ready to be fully separated to remove the dirt bike tube.
Top of tire clearance
Pull wheel through center of tire, completing the tire removal and exposing the dirt bike tube.
Tire removed, wheel separated, and the dirt bike tube is now fully accessible for inspection or replacement.
Inspecting the Inner Tube, Rim Tape, and Rim Lock
After removing the tire, inspect the dirt bike tube, rim tape, and rim lock. Check the rim tape for damage; broken spots can allow dirt and dust to enter and act like sandpaper against the dirt bike tube during rides, leading to wear and potential punctures. For standard dirt bike tubes, replacement with each tire change is recommended. Heavy-duty dirt bike tubes can last for a couple of tire changes before thinning. I use Bridgestone heavy-duty inner tubes and typically replace them every 3-4 tire changes. Like tires, dirt bike tubes wear out, thinning and balling up over time.
Inner tube wear is a crucial aspect to inspect; thinning walls increase puncture risk. Replacing your dirt bike tube at regular intervals is essential maintenance.
Rim Tape condition is vital to prevent damage to the dirt bike tube from spoke nipples.
Rim Lock inspection ensures it’s in good condition to properly secure the tire and dirt bike tube to the rim.
Inner Tube and Tire Preparation
Clean the dirt bike tube and ensure the tire is free of debris. Whether installing a new or reusing an old tire, a helpful tip is to add a bit of baby powder inside the tire before inserting the dirt bike tube. Baby powder acts as a dry lubricant, reducing friction between the tire and dirt bike tube, minimizing wear and tear. Apply a small amount and rotate the tire to distribute it evenly. Also, note the tire markings, like the yellow circle in this case, which indicates the tire’s lightest point. Align this mark near the valve stem and rim lock during installation, which can aid in wheel balancing and even tire wear, indirectly benefiting the dirt bike tube‘s longevity.
Baby powder before inner tube application reduces friction and potential wear on the dirt bike tube.
Marker for light spot on the tire, to be aligned with the valve stem and rim lock, a detail that contributes to balanced tire setup and potentially dirt bike tube health.
Inner tube inserted before mounting, ready for careful tire installation to avoid pinching or damaging the dirt bike tube.
Setting the Inner Tube on the Wheel
Depending on your wheel size, a valve stem puller might be needed to pull the valve stem through the rim hole when installing the dirt bike tube. This inexpensive tool prevents scraped knuckles. Once the valve stem is through, tighten the valve stem nut to hold the dirt bike tube in place. Then, re-insert the valve stem core.
Valve stem puller inserted through rim, easing the process of positioning the dirt bike tube valve correctly.
Valve stem puller end, designed to grip the valve stem without damaging the dirt bike tube.
Screw into valve core threads to securely and gently pull the valve stem through the rim, setting up the dirt bike tube for inflation.
Pull through rim
Tighten nut and re-insert valve core after setting the dirt bike tube, preparing for tire mounting.
Setting the Tire on the Wheel
Mounting the tire differs slightly from unmounting when changing a dirt bike tire and carefully placing the dirt bike tube. You can get about half of the tire onto the wheel using 2 long curved tire irons. Position the tire bead between the rim lock and the rim. This allows the tire bead to sit in the lower drop center, making it easier to pull the tire over. A tire stand is helpful for working on most of the tire, but for the last section, I find it easier to work on the ground, using my knee to secure the tire. Reach through with the curved end of a tire iron and lift the final section over the rim, being mindful not to pinch the dirt bike tube.
Drop the rim on half the tire, ensuring proper initial tire positioning relative to the rim and dirt bike tube.
Make sure the rim lock is NOT outside like this; proper rim lock and tire bead positioning is crucial for successful mounting and dirt bike tube safety.
Reach through with the curved end of the tire iron to lever the tire bead, taking care not to damage the dirt bike tube.
Tire now half mounted, with the bead in the rim’s drop center, easing the process of mounting the remaining section while protecting the dirt bike tube.
Mounting the Remaining Tire Section
This is where a bead buddy and a good set of tire irons become invaluable, especially when you are conscious of the dirt bike tube inside. Starting at the rim lock, push the tire down into the wheel’s drop center. Ensure the rim lock is out of the way and use the bead buddy to hold the tire in place. Work around the tire with tire irons, taking small bites near the end. The last section is always the most challenging; use plenty of lube and work in small increments, always being aware of the dirt bike tube‘s position to avoid pinching.
Mount tire under rim lock, ensuring correct positioning for the final, tighter section of the tire, while keeping the dirt bike tube safe.
Insert Bead Buddy to hold tire in drop center, maintaining slack to ease the mounting of the final tire section and protect the dirt bike tube.
Work tire irons around in small sections, methodically levering the tire bead over the rim, being careful around the dirt bike tube.
Last section near rim lock; this is often the tightest and requires patience and technique to mount without damaging the dirt bike tube.
Hold down rim lock as you mount last section, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the tire bead and potentially pinch the dirt bike tube.
Inflating to Set the Bead and Final Touches
The final steps are tightening the valve stem nut and inflating the dirt bike tube to set the tire bead. You’ll need to over-inflate initially to get the bead to “pop” into place. Run a finger around the rim edge to check if the tire is fully seated. Once seated, deflate to your desired riding pressure, typically 12-15 psi, and tighten the rim lock securely. Regular pressure checks are important for optimal performance and dirt bike tube health.
Tighten valve stem nut to secure the dirt bike tube valve and prevent air leaks.
Inflate tire to seat the bead, ensuring the dirt bike tube is properly inflated within the tire.
Tighten rim lock to secure the tire to the rim and prevent slippage, crucial for off-road riding and dirt bike tube protection.
Bead fully set, indicating a successful tire mounting and proper seating of the tire and dirt bike tube.
Wheel Mounting and Completion
The last step in changing your dirt bike tire and ensuring your dirt bike tube is ready for action is remounting the wheel. This is generally straightforward, but here’s a helpful tip: use a flat-blade screwdriver to gently spread the brake pads. This creates clearance for the brake disc and prevents the fork from rotating while you align the disc with the caliper.
Brake pads; spreading them slightly eases wheel installation after a tire change and ensures the newly installed dirt bike tube is ready for riding.
Spread the pads with a flat blade screwdriver to create space for the brake rotor during wheel re-installation.
Pads now have some clearance, simplifying wheel mounting and finalizing the dirt bike tube and tire replacement process.
All done! Your dirt bike tire is changed, your dirt bike tube is safely installed, and you’re ready to ride!
