How to Tighten or Loosen Spokes on a Dirt Bike Tire

Maintaining spoke tension keeps a motorcycle riding smooth.

Spokes connect the center hub of a motorcycle wheel to the outer ring of the wheel that keeps the tire in place. Over time, the spokes can work loose. Loose spokes cause the wheel to become out of balance. This causes the motorcycle wheel to vibrate while moving. Adjusting the tightness of individual spokes will balance a wheel. Routinely checking each spoke of a motorcycle wheel will keep the wheel balanced and allow you to ride safely at faster speeds.

Things You'll Need

• Motorcycle stand
• Spoke torque wrench
• Oil can

Instructions

1. Set a motorcycle stand near the center of the dirt bike. Lift the dirt bike. Slide the stand under the motorcycle. Lower the motorcycle on the stand. Push the bike gently to ensure it's stable on the stand.

2. Shift the motorcycle into neutral.

3. Spin the motorcycle tire to align the air valve with your right-hand side. Slide the end of a spoke torque wrench on the spoke next to the lower side of the valve. Turn the wrench clockwise until you hear a click. Remove the wrench from the spoke.

4. Move the wrench to the third spoke from the air valve. Turn the wrench clockwise to tighten or counterclockwise to loosen the spoke. Pour oil from the oil can on seized spokes that do not turn with the spoke torque wrench.

5. Move along the wheel, tightening or loosening every other spoke until all inside and outside spokes are shown as tight with the torque wrench.

Tips & Warnings

• Overtightened wheel spokes cause wheel damage.

References

• Dirt Rider Magazine: 22 Tech Tips to Keep Your Bike Running Strong
• YouTube: How to Tighten Your Spokes -- MotoSport Demo