Removing a wheel (stick-jack).

If you ever get a flat tire far from home, don't worry about having a special stand to get the wheel off. It's fairly easy to prop up a dirtbike. You don't need to carry any special devices or drag a centerstand around the countryside.

Just head for the sticks!

For sheer speed, most racers learn do it with the motorcycle laying on the ground. If you lay it down, remember to turn off the gas. If your tank is full, make sure the vent hose is pointed up. If you intend to compete, you might as well start the learning process. A national contender should be able to change a rear tire in about four minutes.

I'm not in such a hurry. My best has been 15 minutes, normal is half an hour.


stick_jack_front


Removing the front wheel

Note that the sidestand is down.

This method provides adequate stability for removing the front wheel. Notice that the sidestand is on a hard surface that won't sink into the ground.

Loosen the front axle and pinchbolts BEFORE you jack the wheel off the ground.

Find a place to poke the stick where it won't slip on the motorcycle, or on the ground.

Put the transmission in first gear to act as a parking brake.

Or jam a rock into the rear brake lever to hold the rear brake pedal depressed.

stick_jack_rear


Same general idea for the rear.

Loosen the axle nut before jacking the wheel off the ground.

Notice that the steering is turned to the right. This is very important. If you have brushguards, you can stuff a rock between the guard and the lever to depress the front brake as a parking brake.

If you have a bungee, tie the steering against the full-right lock. Option: wrap the bungee around the front brake lever and handgrip to pull the front brake.

Find a place to poke the stick where it won't slip on the motorcycle, or on the ground.

stick_jack_tree


No sticks available?
In this case, the sidestand is down and the motorcycle is scooted up against a tree.

The method works great against any immoveable object; telephone pole, stopsign, Buick, etc. This is the easiest and fastest method (if a tree is available.)

stick_jack_ktm


Making use of a KTM's centerstand!
Here we are out in the desert, no sticks, no trees. Sidestand is down and the right footpeg is pressing on the front wheel of another motorcycle.

This method was fast and easy, (although getting yourself out to the middle of the Oregon desert can take some time).

(poke this link for a ride report of the OBDR!) .....Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route - 953 miles across eastern Oregon.


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