Riding and owning a dirt bike is perhaps one of the most awesome experiences any lover of bikes would like to have. Having the sheer power from between your legs for when you hit the trails and obtain the mountains, the mud pits, and jumps is awesome. But, unlike any other motorized vehicle, the maintenance of the dirt bike is highly recommended in order to prevent breakdowns while offroading.
Here are some key tips for maintaining your prized dirt bike:
Table of Contents
Routine Inspection of Check and Oil Change
The proper change of engine oil and filter is one of the key services that you have to do with your dirt bike regularly. Generally, changing the oil after every 10-20 hours of biking time should be adopted when using this kind of bikes. It is advisable to use the type and weight of oil suggested by the manufacturer in your bike’s owner’s manual. According to time, heat, combustion products, and contamination, oil deteriorates. Used oil can become less viscous; it can also thicken and no longer function as a proper lubricant, this causes the engine to wear out or even fail. Making a point of frequently changing your engine oil will extend the life of your engine.
Check and Change The Air Filter
Your bike’s air filter is a preventer of dust and dirt from getting ingested into the carburetor or the fuel injectors. What is more, the constant accumulation of debris makes the air filter clogged or saturated at some point. This limits fresh air replenishment within the engine, thereby leading to power loss or time-related run problems. After each ride, it is recommended to check your air filter and tap it to release any dust and dirt. You can replace the filter as the duration deems necessary or in line with your bike’s service schedule. This indicates that a clean filter means a clean airflow to the required engine.
Adjust and Lubricate Chain
The transmission system is actually the drive train that singles out how the power from the dirt bike’s engine makes it to the rear wheels. Thus, it is essential to keep it well-aligned and well-oiled. What’s more, ensure that your chain tension is okay and that you adjust it in proportion to the instructions provided in your manual. Jebeli and Renaud argue that chain slack that is outside the ideal range may lead to rough shifting or even failure of the chain. Also, put chain lubricant in order to avoid rust and minimize contact and wear of the chain component.
Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Balancing tire pressure to drive power, grip, and control while riding, on and off the track to reduce the chances of flats or different tire issues. Inadequate tire pressure may cause tires to roll off the rim or get punctured easily. They extend from the body in a manner that minimizes the contact patch of the tires with the ground, thus decreasing the levels of tractive control. Always check and set your tire pressures with a gauge, cold, before each ride—don’t guess at it. Please consult the recommended pressures based on your bike and common roads suggested in the owner’s manual.
Check and Replace Brake Pads
High-powered dirt biking is a fun and enjoyable experience, which therefore makes it very important that whenever you want to do so, you should be able to do so safely and well by coming to a safe stop. Eventually, brake pads wear out through regular contact with the rotor every time brakes are applied. If pads become too thin, it will be impossible to produce enough friction to enable the car to brake properly. Before each ride, the pads should be inspected and replaced once they have worn down to the minimum thickness indicated on the pad. Ensuring one changes worn brake pads ensures one avoids an increased braking distance and damage to rotors.
Wash Off Dirt and Mud
In terms of washing a dirt bike, most people only consider doing this when the dirt bike is overly dirty but this is not always recommended, as you should wash off your dirt bike with a hose or a pressure washer as soon as you are done riding it. Allowing coatings of dust, dirt, and mud to build up on the frame, engine, and other parts takes a shorter time to wear and rust the motor. Washing makes it possible to look at the items in detail because of the search for any signs of breakage. It is also important not to spray the air filter, carburetor, electrical part, and exhaust opening.
Check All Fluid Levels
In addition to oil, make sure to periodically check the levels of other critical engine fluids on your dirt bike, including:
- Coolant/Antifreeze: Reduces the rate of burning in order to avoid the flame becoming too hot.
- Brake fluid: Hydraulic fluid is used in the case of safe braking force.
- Fuel: Due to the above reasons, this may lead to misfires or stalling during real riding conditions.
Restore as necessary the liquid supply according to the production plant regulations to prevent fluid leakage.
Lube Key Parts
Obviously, some other parts, apart from the chain and engine, should be lubricated from time to time in order to avoid such consequences as rust, parts binding, squeaking, and increased wear. Ensure that you lubricate the kick starter, foot pegs, brake and clutch levers, side stand, control cables, and rear suspension linkage as recommended in the owner’s manual. Water-repellent type coatings where light oil or spray lubricants are effective are advised for most surfaces.
Replace Spark Plug
The spark plug is the magical plug within the combustion chamber that ignites the fuel and air mix for powering an engine. As a result of multiple riding hours, the plug electrode and tip may melt or clog with deposits and lead to misfires, power loss, and the like. To ensure your bike operates optimally and achieves the best fuel economy as recommended by many bikers today, use this schedule — spark plug change on your bike falls between 20-40 hours of usage. Always plug in the make and type recommended by your owner’s manual or from the manufacturer.
Graphics are the other part that can also be used when attempting the process of modifying or customizing the appearance of your dirt bike. Finding dirt bike graphics kits, number plate backgrounds, or other decals that give your bike some personality to ride like it is an easy way, and you can find high-quality products at cheap prices.
If you opt for quality motocross graphics, your dirt bike will have a new and fresh look, and it will raise its value.
With these maintenance tips, both regular and emergency, and tenacity in following them, the most cherished dirt bike will give all the off-road fun and serviceability coupled with value for the longest time possible. Ride as frequently as possible, ride aggressively, and always give you’re bike the attention it needs to be kept in top form. Have fun owning your quality dirt bike!
