Dirt bikes, by their nature, are prone to dirt and damage, so keeping them in fantastic shape is going to take some work. However, it is necessary, as a bike that isn’t in good shape can be dangerous to ride. To help keep the bike in great shape so it lasts as long as possible, it’s important to build a maintenance schedule and stick with it.
Make Sure the Bike is In Good Shape
Before setting up a maintenance schedule, make sure the bike is in good shape and ready to ride. It may be a good idea to clean it thoroughly, check all components, and consider adding custom dirt bike graphics to help protect the paint. If anything needs to be repaired or replaced, do it now, and take the time to learn more about bike maintenance and how to handle the maintenance to keep it running.
Before Every Ride
It’s a good idea to do a basic inspection before every ride to make sure it’s ready to go. Look for any visible damage or loose parts and check the oil level. Check the tire pressure and chain lubrication, then inspect the brakes to make sure they are not too worn. A visible check helps to catch major issues to prevent riding a dirt bike that may be dangerous.
Weekly or Every 5 Hours of Riding
At least weekly, it’s a good idea to change the engine oil and filter. Inspect and re-grease the air filter to make sure it works properly, and check the brake pads and rotors for any damage or excess wear. Make sure to check the bolts to see if any of them are loose, and check the suspension seals for potential oil leaks.
Monthly or Every 15 Hours of Riding
Monthly, riders should do a more thorough cleaning of the bike. This is also a good time to do a more thorough inspection of the brake pads and replace them if they’re worn. Take the time to inspect the valve clearances, change the coolant, and inspect the clutch plates if they are slipping or engaging oddly.
Quarterly or Every 40 Hours of Riding
Each quarter, it’s a good idea to inspect more areas of the bike that could be experiencing wear and tear for any damage. On 2-strokes, it’s a good idea to replace the piston and rings. Service the suspension to keep it working right, and thoroughly inspect the carburetor or fuel injection system to make sure it’s ready to use.
Annually or Off-Season Care
At least once a year, or before the bike is stored for the off-season, it’s a good idea to do any major work on the bike to make sure it’s in fantastic condition. This is the time to rebuild the suspension if needed, inspect the bike for cracks, and replace or clean the throttle tube and cables. It’s also a good time to do a full electrical check and replace anything that looks worn or damaged.
If you want to extend the life of your dirt bike, be sure to follow a maintenance schedule to keep it running in top condition and prevent potential damage or other issues. By making sure it’s in great shape, you can relax knowing that it’ll run properly and it’ll last you years longer.
