How to Change a Motocross Tire

Changing a Motocross Tire

Paying for a motorcycle shop or a dealer to fix your tires can be expensive and time consuming. So, rather than outsource the task, why not do it yourself? Changing a motocross tire is much quicker than changing a car tire, and can be done with only a few simple tools.

Things You'll Need

• Crescent wrench
• Hammer
• Replacement tire and tube
• Crow bar and large pry bar
• Small cup full of soapy water
• Air compressor

Instructions

Removing the Old Tire

1. Pull your motocross bike on to blocks, so the tire will spin freely.

2. Remove the tire's lug bolt by unscrewing the nut with a crescent wrench and pounding the lug bolt out with a hammer.

3. Remove the tire from the motorcycle and lay it flat on a rug on the ground.

4. Pry up one side of the tire using a pry bar and a crow bar. Be careful not to scratch the rim of the tire.

5. Pull the tube out of the rim, be careful to thread the valve stem through the hole in the rim.

6. Pry the other side of the tire off the rim, and fully remove the tire. Set it aside.

Installing the New Tire

1. Line up the new tire, so its tread pattern matches the front of the rim. Then, press one side of the tire on to the rim.

2. Slide the new tube into the rim. Make sure that the tube is aligned as evenly as possible around the rim, and that the valve stem fits cleanly into the hole in the rim.

3. Pry the other side of the tire on to the rim. Be careful not to puncture the tube you just inserted.

4. Drizzle soapy water around the edges of the tire on both sides, where the rubber meets the rim. This seeps down into the rim, and allows the tire to pop onto its bead when you blow it up.

5. Using your air compressor, blow up the tire until you can see the bead line pop over the edge of the rim. You may have to thumb the tire with a hammer to get it to pop on to the bead.

6. Place the tire back on the motorcycle and replace the lug bolt.

Tips & Warnings

• Have another person handy in case you need help while trying to pry the tire off the rim.

• Always stay aware of pinch points when working on a motorcycle tire.