How to fix a flat tire on a motocross dirt bike
Posted on April 23, 2008
Filed Under Maintenance |
How to fix a flat tire on your motocross bike
Fixing a flat tire on your motocross bike is not a difficult task if you have the required tools on hand. There are a few tips that will help changing your tire as easy as possible.
Preparation
As always, make sure you have a nice clean work area before you begin. You will need a couple of tire levers, a shifter, some lubricant, powder and an air compressor.
Disassembly
Since I needed to fix the rear tire on my KX250 this guide will focus on the rear wheel. If you’re replacing a front tire then the disassembly will be slightly different. Remove the chain by first removing the joining link and rolling it off the sprockets. Remove the split pin and rear axle nut. Tap the axle with a rubber mallet to start removing it and then pull it out from the opposite side. Lay the wheel down on a suitable surface. I recommend some polysterene foam or similar so it is rigid but will not damage the sprocket or brake disc. If the tire is not completely flat push in the air valve to release any remaining air from the inner tube.
Remove the tire
Lay the tire down on the sprocket or brake disc on top of the polystirene. Making sure the tire is evenly supported press down on one side of the tube to release it from the edge of the rim. Repeat this moving around the tire until one side of the tire is completely away from the rim. Turn the wheel over and repeat the process on the other side of the tire so that it is detached from the rim. Push the air valve into the rim and remove the tube from the tire. Use a tire lever to pry a small section of one edge of the tire from the inside to the outside of the rim. Whilst holding the first lever use a second lever about 100mm away from the first and pry some more of the tire outside the rim. Repeat the process around the tire until one side is completely on the outside of the rim. Repeat the process with the other side of the tire and use the tire levers to pry it off the same side of the rim so that the tire is completely removed from the rim. You may find a rubber mallet useful by hitting the tire of the rim whilst under tension from the tire lever.
Clean and inspect
Now that the tire has been removed inspect the tire for damage which may allow something to pierce the inner tube. If the tire seems ok clean out the inside of the tire with an air compressor. If you don’t have a compressor handy you can use a brush or rag to clean it out. It is important to remove and rocks or other material which may have built up in the tire as they could be the cause of the flat tire in the first place. You can also add some talcum powder after you’ve cleaned it out to make sure your haven’t missed anything. Sprinkle the powder in side the tire and then spin it around, look for tell tale tracks in the powder left by small rocks.
You should also check and clean the inside of your rim as dirt and small rocks could have affixed themselves here.
Fit a new tube
To make the job of refitting the tire easier use some lubricant around the edges of the tire and use your tire levers to pry one edge of the tire back over the rim. Start at the position of the rim lock and make sure you affix the edge of the tire underneath the rim lock. You may have to push up on the rim lock and then lever the edge of the tire underneath it to get the tire into the correct position. Inflate your replacement tube slightly before fitting it into the tire to prevent it from being pinched and creating another puncture while your are installing it. Line up the air valve with the rim and fit the tube into place. Carefully, so as not to pinch the tube, use your tire levers to pry the other side of the tire back over the rim. Use your air compressor to inflate the tire, make sure the tire is an equal distance at all sections from the rim.
Reassembly
Replace the wheel by feeding it into position, align the brake disc with the caliper, lift it up and insert the axle. Tighten the axle nut and replace the split pin. Place the chain on the sprocket and reattach the joining link.
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