Basic Dirt Bike Maintenance Tips

Dirt bikes are tons of fun, but to ensure you're able to enjoy your dirt bike for longer you will have to perform some regular maintenance on it. Most dirt bike maintenance is quite basic, but it can go a long way in ensuring that your bike performs at its best and has a longer life.

Wash Your Bike After Every Ride

Because of the condition dirt bikes have to deal with on the track or trail, they tend to end up quite dirty after every ride. The dirty and mud that gets caked on your bike's body should always be washed off after a ride. Doing so will help reduce damage and corrosion, helping to extend the life of your dirt bike. While you can use a pressure washer to remove built on debris, it's best to use a simple bucket of water and some brushes to get the job done. A pressure washer might get the job done faster, but you run the risk of getting water in places where it shouldn't be. Once your bike is clean, dry it off to prevent water marks. Now that your bike is clean, inspecting it for any issues will be much easier.

Check for Leaks

Once your bike is thoroughly clean and dry, detecting leaks will be easier to do. You don't necessarily have to inspect areas around fluids to find a leak, looking at the floor around your bike can be very telling. If your bike has some sort of leak, you will likely find that it is dripping and leaving a mark on the floor. Leaks can be anything from oil to brake fluid, so be sure you're familiar with the color and consistency of each fluid your bike uses. Knowing this information will make it much easier to determine where the leak is.

Give It an Oil Change

How often you should change your dirt bike's oil is a topic that is highly debated. Because of the amount of dirt your bike deals with, some people will recommend changing it after every ride while others will tell you to change it every certain hours of operation. Your best bet is to go with the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific engine. Don't put off changing your bike's oil as this is an essential fluid that makes a big difference in your engine's life and performance. If you're looking for the perfect dirt bike oil for your 2-stroke or 4-stroke bike, contact Synthetic Oil Direct. Their experts can help you find the perfect AMSOIL synthetic oil for your dirt bike or any other engine. Give them a call at (215) 834-8720 or visit their online shop to place your order.

Inspect the Chain

After each ride, take some time to inspect your bike's chain. If your chain is covered in mud, don't try to remove it while it's still fresh. You're better off allowing it to dry overnight and then removing it more easily the next day. After cleaning up your chain, give it some lubrication. This will help keep your chain performing well for longer. Lastly, check your chain's tension. Ideally, the chain shouldn't be taught, but it also shouldn't be so loose that it is too easy to remove.

Take Care of the Cables

The cables in your bike are part of what keeps your bike going. After a ride, disconnect the cables and give them a thorough inspection. Start by cleaning the cables and lubricating them. The lubrication will protect them from wear caused by dirt and other debris. Once they're clean, look out for fraying cables and other issues that can present problems on your next ride. Finish up by reconnecting the cables and tightening them up.

Keep an Eye on the Tires

Your bike's tires are very important and should be inspected before and after every ride. Not only is it important to check on their tread, you also want to ensure that they're properly inflated. Get to know the manufacturer's recommended air pressure for your tires so you know where they should be before you head out. Keeping the tires properly inflated can make a huge difference when it comes to safety and handling when you're out riding.

The Best Synthetic Oil Change in Horsham

If your dirt bike is ready for its next synthetic oil change in Horsham, be sure you have the perfect dirt bike oil for your engine. Contact Synthetic Oil Direct at (215) 834-8720 to find the right synthetic oil for your bike. Stop by their online shop for a full selection of the best AMSOIL Oil products or to place an order.