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6 essential dirt bike maintenance tips

Each time you take your dirt bike out on the trails, it can take quite the beating! Dirt bike maintenance is a must for riders of all levels. How much TLC you should give your bike depends on how you ride. If you work the bike hard, you’ll work just as hard with cleaning and inspections. For leisurely riders, not so much. Either way, a few minutes in the garage can mean hours on the trails.   

If you’re new to owning a dirt bike or simply need a brief refresher, here are some expert tips to add to your maintenance schedule.   

1. Wash and dry your bike after each use: After any ride, your bike can have quite a bit of dirt and grime on it. Be gentle with washing, simply use soap and water to clean while the dirt is still fairly fresh. Do not leave it to settle overnight or this could cause excessive wear on parts.   

2. Inspect for any leaks: Fluid on the floor of your garage under any machine or vehicle rarely means anything good. After you have dried your bike, always check the area surrounding your bike for any oil, coolant or brake fluid leaks.   

3. Test and clean the chain: The only part of your bike you can leave to settle overnight if it’s muddy, is the drive chain. Leaving it to dry overnight will allow for an easier clean if mud is caked on; afterwards make sure to always lubricate it with chain lube.  

4. Examine your controls and control cables: The throttle and clutch cables are highly important to your safety when operating the bike. Check for any fraying or kinks and immediately replace if needed. You also want to ensure to test the throttle control and the throttle responsive operation while doing your inspections.   

5. Inspect and clean your air filter: A sluggish engine is not a fun engine. This is why cleaning your air filter is important to prevent any extensive damage. You can simply use a mix of water and a household cleaner, let it dry, and then coat with air filter oil.   

6. Check your tire pressure: Staying on top of your bikes tire pressure allows you to continue to have the best ride possible along with protecting yourself while riding on the trails. Reference your bikes manual for recommended psi levels and how to match the levels specifically with how you ride.   

Whether you find yourself on the trails or on the road, spending quality time carrying out basic maintenance on your bike helps to allow for many years of fun and adventures. If you’re unsure about something, take your bike to a trusted mechanic.  

For information only. Not applicable to all situations.  

Sources:  

Super Simple Dirt Bike Maintenance Tips (altusmotorsports.com)

12 Routine Maintenance Tips for Dirt Bikes (onallcylinders.com)