Dirt Bike Maintenance

In order to be sure you are getting the maximum performance and longevity out of your dirt bike, you need to perform regular maintenance on it. Due to the fact that each brand has its own quirks, you will want to refer to the service manual for each type of bike when performing the maintenance. However, every bike has some areas that need to be regularly checked on to keep the bike preforming optimally. The main areas being referred to are the oil, air filter, tires, oil filter, brakes, and carburetor. It is important that you care about how your dirt bike is maintained.

The oil in a dirt bike needs to be changed a lot more often than the oil in a street bike or a car. When you change the oil, you should also change the oil filter. These changes should take place according to the specification of hours in your owner’s manual. When you do this regularly using the proper motorcycle specific oil, you will be able to increase the longevity of your dirt bike.

You also have to remember how dirty the environment you bike is run in when it comes to your air filter. After every trip, you should check your air filter and may even need to clean it. By not checking and cleaning your air filter after every trip or two, you will allow dirt to get into your engine, which will ruin it over time.

One of the things you need to do when you are checking the tires is to assure the tire pressure is at the level recommended by the owner’s manual. You also need to make sure that the tire is free of cuts and that the thread or knobs are in quality shape.

Make sure there are no missing spokes on the wheels, and that none of the spokes are loose or bent when spinning them. You also want to be sure there are not dents or chips in the rim which will allow air to leak through.

You also want to make sure that the wheels cannot move at all when pressure is applied to the brakes. You want to make sure there is enough brake fluid in the master cylinders and that the brake fluid is clean. Check to be sure that the brake pads and liners are in good condition.

Next, look at the hoses in the carburetor to make sure they are not melted or clogged with mud. Be certain to check throttle cable. It should not be frayed or kinked. It is important to occasionally rebuild the carburetor, especially before you begin a new off-road season. You have to use caution when you take the carburetor apart to make sure no fluids have gotten into the floats. Be sure the float needle is in good shape, and air passages at the bottom of the bell mouth are free of dirt and oil.

Don’t forget to wash your dirt bike as a part of routine maintenance. It is especially important to wash it down after a day of cross country biking. You can do this quickly using a garden hose. You just have to watch that you do not get any water into the air box or seals. Each time you wash your bike, you should also dry it with a towel or using compressed air. You can dry the exhaust pipe, engine, and carburetor by starting the engine briefly. Once you have completely dried your bike, it is wise to lubricate the chain, and spray the bolts and other exposed steel with rust inhibitor.

There may be occasions when you cannot complete necessary maintenance or repairs for yourself, and may need to get a technician to do it for you. You want to put consideration into any person or company you use for servicing your bike. You want to make sure they offer quality service, can do the work you need done, have a good turnaround time, and have a fair price for parts and labor. You may also want to get references and advice from friends and fellow dirt bike buffs as to which companies or individuals will provide you with the best service.

photo credit: BotheredByBees