Maintaining your dirt bike is a basic necessity that must be done to ensure longer bike life and more fun on the track and trails. A few checks before and after every ride can help ensure a great day of riding, rather than an exhausting frustrating day because your dirt bike won’t start.
Here are a few tips for maintaining your dirt bike:
1) Wash your bike soon after each ride. First, spray Simple Green all over and more on the chain to loosen up the dirt and grime. If the bike is dusty, a garden hose and nozzle will be enough to clean it. However, it’s best to invest in a gas or electric pressure washer to spray off heavier mud.
2) After it’s clean, inspect the bike for apparent broken or replacement parts you may need; look for oil drips on the ground and under the motor. Allow enough time to order, receive, and install parts well ahead of your next ride.
3) Be sure your tires are inflated and hold air, no more than 15 psi front and rear is sufficient for most riding conditions.
4) Make sure your drive chain is adjusted and not too worn. Lubricate chain between rides with quality lubes like Maxima Synthetic Chain Guard.
5) Air filter clean and oiled. It’s nice to have at least one extra clean and oiled air filter in a zip-lock baggie ready for use.
6) Check throttle, it should snap back when twisted. Make sure the throttle tube is not gritty or cracked
7) Time for an oil change? Every 8 to 10 hours of riding time.
8) Bolts are tightened. Use red (strongest bond) or blue (medium) bolt Lock-Tite to ensure your bolts won’t fall off during your ride or race.
9) Carry Extras:
Tools
Bolt kit
Inner tubes
Levers (brake & clutch)
Spark plug (especially for 2-stroke motors)
Duct Tape
Clean rags
Chain Lube
Water
Portable Air Compressor
If you keep your dirt bike well maintained, you probably won’t need most of the extras listed above. However, your riding buddies undoubtedly will!
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