Buying dirt bike inner tubes: the key points listed
This is what you need to know before fitting a new inner tube:
- Choose the right thickness: Standard (2 to 3 mm) for sand tracks, Heavy Duty (3.5 to 4 mm) or Ultra Heavy Duty (4 to 4.5+ mm) for hardpack and rocky circuits.
- Prevent flat tires with Heavy Duty: A thick dirt bike inner tube offers significantly more rubber and protection against sharp rocks and 'snakebites' during hard impacts.
- Air or mousse: Air inner tubes can be perfectly adjusted to match the terrain; Bibmousse completely eliminates the risk of flat tires.
- Check your tire size: Make sure the inner tube size matches exactly the specifications printed on the side of your buitenbanden.
- Always use a new rim strip: Replace the rim strip every time you fit a new inner tube to prevent damage from the inside out.
Standard, Heavy Duty, or Ultra Heavy Duty: which thickness do you need?
The thickness of your dirt bike inner tube determines how well protected you are against flat tires, but it also affects the weight of your wheel assembly.
- Standard (2.0 to 3.0 mm): Weighing approximately 1200 grams, this is the lightest option. Perfect for pure sand tracks with no rocks. Less rotating mass means your engine will rev up faster.
- Heavy Duty (3.5 to 4.0 mm): This is the smart choice for mixed tracks. With a thickness of nearly 4 mm, this Heavy Duty inner tube has significantly more rubber between the tire and the rim. This protects you against thorns and sharp rocks that can penetrate your tire.
- Ultra Heavy Duty (4.0 to 4.5+ mm): An extremely thick inner tube for your dirt bike. Designed for heavy use on hard, rocky tracks (such as in Rhenen) where you experience hard impacts. The stiffer sidewalls absorb impacts and prevent the inner tube from getting pinched between the rim and the tire (the infamous 'snakebite').
Air or Bibmousse: the fight against flat tires
With a traditional dirt bike inner tube, you retain the flexibility to adjust your tire pressure. On a soft sand track, lower the pressure to 0.8 bar for maximum contact patch. On a hard track, pump it up to 1.1 or 1.2 bar to prevent snakebites.
Racing competitively or want to completely eliminate the risk of a flat tire? Then a Bibmousse is the ultimate solution. These dense foam rubber rings cannot go flat. Just keep in mind that a mousse is heavier (approx. 1950 grams), has a shorter lifespan, and delivers a consistent ride feel similar to a constant low tire pressure.
Mechanic's pro tips: how to fit an inner tube
Fitting an inner tube can be a frustrating job, especially if you accidentally puncture your new tube with tire levers. Use these workshop steps to prevent that:
- Use baby powder: Lightly dust the inner tube with baby powder or cornstarch before fitting. This reduces friction and heat buildup between the inner tube and tire during riding, preventing microscopic tears.
- Add a little air: Inflate the inner tube very slightly before fitting it into the tire. This gives it its shape and prevents it from folding over or getting pinched under your tire levers.
- Don't over-tighten the valve stem: Leave the valve nut slightly loose against the rim. If the tire shifts slightly on the rim during a hard landing, the valve stem can move along with it instead of tearing off immediately.
- Check your rim strip: A worn or shifted rim strip exposes sharp spoke nipples. It's best to replace the rubber strip with durable rim tape or a new strip from our banden-accessoiresto prevent leaks from the inside out.
