Our Dirt Bike Maintenance Checklist: 12 Things To Look For
- on April 02, 2024
- Categories: Articles
Many first-time dirt bike owners make the mistake of thinking that taking care of their new bike is the same as keeping a car in good shape. While cars and motorcycles both have motors, the similarities end there. The schedule and upkeep needed for bike performance are totally different. This complete dirt bike maintenance checklist shows you what to do and when.
Pre-Ride Dirt Bike Maintenance Checklist
Unlike cars, dirt bikes need a little maintenance every time you go for a ride. Considering the raw power and speed high-performance dirt bikes deliver, it’s not surprising that the motor requires upkeep to stay at peak performance. Follow this mini-checklist before you burn up the track.
1. Look for Leaks
Every dirt bike leaks oil eventually, but finding significant leaks on your garage floor is a problem. Here’s how to tell what’s what:
- Oil leak: Usually honey-colored or dark brown
- Fuel leak: Gasoline smell
- Brake fluid: Strong, fishy smell
- Coolant leak: Usually bright orange, green, blue, or purple, with a sweet odor
If you see active leaks, put off your ride until you can fix the problem. The last thing you want is oil or coolant on your tires, which can reduce your traction dangerously. Common causes of leaks are worn-out gaskets, faulty radiator caps, loose clamps and damaged plugs.
2. Check the Motor Oil Level
You should never risk a ride without checking the motor’s oil level first. Oil is the lifeblood of your motorcycle, and running low on lubricant is practically guaranteed to damage the motor.
Every bike has different needs for checking the oil, but usually you need to warm the engine slightly and turn it off again. Then insert the dipstick (with your bike completely level) or take a look at the sight glass.
3. Give Your Chain a Visual Inspection
A dirt bike’s chain delivers power from the engine to the rear tire. Every dirt bike maintenance checklist should include checking the chain’s tension.
To know how slack the chain should be for your bike model, see your owner’s manual. A good rule of thumb is a half-inch of movement.
Tension matters because a loose chain can hurt you and your bike, should it slip off while you’re in the middle of a high-speed turn. On the other hand, a drive chain that’s too tight can snap under stress.
4. Check the Coolant
With air-cooled bikes, you don’t have to worry about coolant. If you have a liquid-cooled engine, though, part of standard bike maintenance is checking the radiator fluid before every ride. Without proper coolant levels, the system can overheat, leaving you stranded outdoors and damaging the motor.
Once you’ve looked at your owner’s manual and know where the coolant reservoir is, check the two lines that show you the optimal level. The radiator fluid should be in the middle of those lines, not too high and not too low.
5. Give Your Tires a Once Over
On a dirt bike, your tires have your back. A good dirt bike maintenance checklist can save your life by keeping you on the road and helping you avoid unexpected obstacles.
Carry a reliable tire pressure gauge and make sure the psi is appropriate for ride conditions. Usually, the recommended tire pressure is 11 to 13 psi, but there are exceptions for off-roading in muddy conditions or on dunes.
Post-Ride Dirt Bike Care Essentials
You wouldn’t think about washing your car every time you drive home from work, but dirt bikes are a different beast. For your motorcycle to last ages, you need to invest in dirt bike maintenance after every ride.
6. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Dirt bikes are great for playing in mud, gravel and sand, but all that dirt clogs the motor’s air filter quickly. Clean the filter every time you ride.
First, find your bike’s airbox, usually located under the seat. Use a wet, clean cloth to wipe down the airbox.
Next, remove the air filter and take it off the support cage. Follow manufacturer instructions to clean and re-oil (skip with pre-oiled filters). Finally, apply waterproof grease on the filter lip to get a good seal on the air boot opening.
7. Wash and Dry Your Dirt Bike
Mud and dirt are hard on your bike’s components, promoting rust and slowly grinding away protective coatings. Not only does a good washdown make your motorcycle look amazing, but it’s one of the most important steps for dirt bike care.
For this part of the dirt bike maintenance checklist, many owners use a pressure washer with some mild cleaning detergent. Keep the washer 2 or 3 feet from the bike, and use less than 3,000 psi. Once you’ve rinsed off the exterior, use a microfiber towel to dry your bike.
8. Tighten Spokes, Nuts and Bolts
Use a wrench to check the tension on bolts and spokes. That way, you’re ready to go for your next ride. You can also check your control levers at the same time.
9. Check and Lube Your Sprockets and Chain
Make sure the sprockets didn’t suffer any damage during your ride, such as bent or cupped teeth. Afterward, apply fresh lube to the chain.
Periodic Dirt Bike Maintenance
Other items on your dirt bike maintenance checklist depend on how often you ride. The following are general guidelines.
10. Replace the Engine Oil
Dirt bikes need an oil change every three ride hours or so. You can tell by the color of the oil. Clean oil looks golden or honey-colored. When it hits dark brown to black, perform an oil change ASAP.
11. Flush and Refill the Coolant
According to Valvoline, you should change your dirt bike’s coolant every two years. We recommend a flush at the beginning or end of the season for people who race hard every weekend.
12. Grease and Replace Seals
It’s easier to apply grease than to replace damaged parts. Many riders grease up seals and bearings once a season. Aim for every 20 hours or so. Replace worn seals ASAP.
