How To Change Dirt Bike Tire? (Step by Step Guide)

If you have a dirt bike or any bike, there are many things you can’t avoid, even if you don’t like doing them. Among many things, one of the most common is changing the tires. Every time, you cannot just go to the mechanic for a repair, which will both cost you time and money. Also, sometimes it is difficult to find a mechanic when you have an emergency.

In that case, knowing how to change dirt bike tire could be super rewarding. You can do it with some simple steps, such as:

• Arrange all the necessary tools
• Deflate the tube and then break the bead
• Remove the bead from the rim
• Insert the new tire and tube on the wheel
• Reinstall the valve stem core and then inflate the tube

Does the whole process seem a little complicated? If so, you can follow this article to get detailed and step-by-step guidance.

How To Change Dirt Bike Tire [Step By Step Guidance]

If you want to change your dirt bike tires yourself to save time and mechanic’s costs, this section is for you. Follow all the steps below properly, so that at the end you will be able to change your dirt bike tire with ease:

Tools You Need To Use To Change The Tire

Before you start changing the tire, make sure you have all the tools you need. Here are the tools that you’ll need:

• Work gloves
• Bike stand
• Socket
• Tire changing stand or 5-gallon bucket
• Valve stem core remover
• Wrench to remove rim-lock nut
• Silicone lubricant or soapy water
• Three tire irons
• New tire and tube

Directions [step by step]

Once you’ve arranged all the required tools and equipment, it’s time to begin the changing process. Simply proceed as follows:

Take off the Wheel

First, wear work gloves that will keep your hands safe. Then, pull the wheel off the ground using a bike stand and remove the axle using a socket. After that, gently release the chain and remove the brake caliper.

Deflate The Tube And Loosen The Rim Lock

Now you can either place the wheel on the ground, in a 5-gallon bucket, or on a tire-changing stand. Remove the valve stem cap and then the treadle valve, which will empty all the air. Then loosen the rim lock nut with a couple of threads and never remove it completely.

Break The Bead On The Tire

It’s time to break the bead after deflating the tube. You can push down the sidewalls or use tire irons and bead breakers to shatter beads. The tire bead will be in the drop center of the rim when you press down the sidewalls. You need to break both sides’ tire beads.

Remove The Tire From The Rim

Once you’ve cracked the beads on both sides, it’s time to detach the tire from the wheel or rim. However, unscrew the valve stem nut from the rim before starting the tire removal process. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Apply silicone lubricant all around the bead first. It will facilitate the tire’s removal.

• Place the tire iron between the tire bead and the rim and push it down to lift the tire up. Leave the initial tire iron there

• Then position the second and third tire iron 4 or 5 inches away from the first one and then follow the previous push and lift method.

• Follow the process of inserting and removing the tire iron until the entire tire bead comes off the rim. Plus, follow the same bead removing process for the other side too.

Removing The Tire From The Rim

Once both sides’ beads are out of the rim, it’s time to remove the old tube. First, remove the tube, and then peel the old tire away from the rim. However, don’t forget to inspect the rim tape and rim lock to see if everything is OK or not.

Reinstall The New Tire

Before putting the new tire on, make sure to clean the rim. Now insert the new tube into the tire and then lube up the bead to pry it in easily. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Place the tire over the rim, and use the tire irons to insert the tire under the rim (Check if the tire is directional and make the necessary adjustments)

• Once one side of the tire is inserted, place the new tube in the tire and attach the valve stem to the rim hole. Then lock the steam valve through its nut (don’t tighten the nut completely)

• Again, use the tire irons to slide the other side of the rim. Then tighten the valve stem and bead lock properly, and you’re done.

Note: Once everything is done, simply inflate the tube and then reinstall the tire on the dirt bike. Also, don’t forget to reattach the chain and the brake caliper properly.

When Should You Change Your Dirt Bike’s Tires?

You may have never replaced a tire before, and that’s why it’s common to wonder about things like this. Well, there are many signs and facts that will tell you that you need to replace the tires; follow the section below to discover more about them:

Worn-Out Tread

The tread on a tire is what comes in contact with the ground, and that’s why they tend to wear out faster. If your tire knobs are rounded and don’t have clean edges, this will cause poor grip on your tires. And the poor grip is good enough to cause faulty traction and even accidents.

Cracked Rubber

Another sign that indicates you need to change your dirt bike tires is visible cracks in the knobs or sidewalls. This condition is caused by the sun and other elements that dry out the tire oil and cause cracks.

Holes or Puncture

Inspecting your dirt bike tire for holes or punctures is another way to determine whether it is worn out. Plus, you can also check by looking at the tire’s remaining tread as well. If you notice any holes, it’s time to replace the tire.

Worn Sidewalls

The portion of the tire that encircles the rim is called the sidewalls. Since that part is constantly exposed to the elements, it’s obvious that part will wear quickly. So, if you notice sidewall damage, your tire probably has to be replaced.

Discoloration

The discoloration is another sign that your bike tires have little life left. Well, such a condition can happen due to the sun or the tire being old. If you notice any discoloration, that means the tire will develop cracks soon.

Rubber Condition

If you find it difficult to squeeze the tire rubber with your finger, it means that the tire is about to wear out. Simply replace the tire before it causes any tire issues during any emergency situation.

Note: Although there are many other reasons that indicate that your dirt bike tires need to be replaced, these are some of the more common ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know there are some questions that are making you a bit confused. Hence, we have included this FAQ section, where you will find some of the most commonly asked questions along with their answers.

What Is A Tire Bead?

The part of the tire border that connects to the rim is called the tire bead. Basically, the rim or wheel has a small groove or slot in which the tire bead sits. Plus, the tire is secured to the rim by a bead that wraps completely around it.

How Often Should You Change The Dirt Bike Tire?

There is no universal dirt bike tire lifespan, and how long a tire will last depends on many factors, including your riding style, road conditions, speed, etc. For example, 25 to 40 hours of weekly riding will help to last the tire for 1500–2000 miles.

How Much Can You Save By Changing The Tire Yourself?

Depending on what type of dirt bike tires you have on your bike, it could cost you around $15 or $100 to replace the tires. The annual cost is not small, and you can easily save about $500 to $800 a year by changing the tires yourself.

Can You Change The Tires Without Spoons?

So, you want to know how to change a dirt bike tire without spoons? Well, it’s purely possible, and you can use screwdrivers. That’s right; if you don’t have or don’t want to invest in spoons, then you can use three screwdrivers for the tire replacement process.

Final Thoughts

Changing your dirt bike tires on your own is a great way to save money. Alongside trimming the operating costs, you can also save valuable time as well. So that you won’t have to wait for an expert during any emergency.

Simply arrange all the necessary tools and compatible tires and tubes for your bike and jump into the replacement process. Plus, never skip any step, as all the steps are equally important to follow for the desired outcome.

So, since you know how to change dirt bike tire, try to change the tire by yourself today. And if you find any difficulty, don’t forget to let us know for a reliable solution.