Dirt Bike Maintenance: 7 Things Every Dirt Bike Rider Should Do Routinely

Whether you are getting a new dirt bike or already have several in the shed, you should already know that you're committing to a beast that will require regular maintenance. Not only will frequent maintenance help you extend your bike's life, but there is less chance of breakdown or an accident due to lack of maintenance.

In this guide, we'll tackle 7 maintenance habits you should be carrying out regularly on your dirt bike.

Cleaning and Lubing Cables

Many riders know that changing oil and other routine work is important, but one thing that is often overlooked is taking care of your cables. A lack of regular maintenance on your clutch, throttle and rear brake cables or hoses can be dangerous.

Cables should be cleaned and lubed regularly on a dirt bike, as they often accumulate mud and dirt. The process is quick and easy with a cable luber. Disconnect the top and bottom of the cable, lubricate with graphite spray or similiar and re-assemble.

When disconnecting the cables and putting them back, always check your service manual if you are unsure on how to do this.

Making sure that your cables are well lubricated protects them from dirt, dust and debris, and also prevents premature wear. Brake hoses and hydralic clutch hoses also need to be checked regularly for leaks or damage. Replace if there are any signs of wear.

Chain and Sprocket Care

When it comes to chains and sprockets, there are three things you have to remember: clean, lubricate and adjust.

After every ride, make sure to clean them and lubricate well. You can use a stand to hold your bike in place and make the job easy. This allows you to turn the rear wheel when cleaning and lubricating the chains. To clean, you can use a brush and remove the dirt and debris or you can use a pressure washer and a chain cleaner. When it’s clean, proceed with spraying lube.

Another important thing you should take note of when caring for your chain is adjustment. A way to find out if the adjustment is correct is to stick two fingers between the chain and chain guide — if the chain presses against your fingers, it's tightened enough. Is it too tight? Or is it too loose? An incorrectly adjusted chain can end up breaking or can come off and break your engine case, or perhaps worse, cause a crash.

Air Filter

Air flow is necessary for combustion. An air filter traps any contaminants that may come with the air, as they can cause low performance or engine failure. That’s why keeping your air filter clean is important. Neglected, it won’t be able to trap the harsh elements from entering the engine.

Clean your air filter regularly with the correct cleaner. Then apply a generous amount of filter-specific oil (don’t just use any oil as it will drip off). This is also a good time to check the filter for tears and other damages. Replace as needed.

Carburettor Care and Maintenance

Your carburettor is essential in keeping your bike running at optimum performance. If your carburettor is dirty, you’ll be able to feel its performance change, or worse, your bike might completely stop due to blocked jets and carby passages.

If your bike is overheating, if it’s difficult to start (or won’t start at all) or if it’s low on power, it might be time to have your carburettor cleaned. It can be tricky so it is a good idea to take it to your local mechanic, or if you’re up for it, clean it yourself.

Coolant

Check your coolant level regularly. In fact, that should be in your pre-ride checklist. Good quality coolant will help stop your engine overheating so make sure it is topped up before every ride.

Exhaust Maintenance

Inspecting and cleaning your exhaust regularly will help avoid rust and corrosion. This is a good opportunity to re-tension exhaust mounts to ensure they don’t vibrate loose on your next ride. Also, check and replace the muffler packing every 6 months or so, for maximum performance and reduction in excess noise. If the packing is missing, compressed or full of unburnt oil, it’s time for a replacement.

Nuts, Bolts & Spoke Maintenance and Tightening

As we mentioned on our blog about your pre-ride checklist, you should practice tightening your nuts, screws, bolts, and spokes before every ride.

Aside from the ones listed above, if any other parts on your dirt bike require lube/grease, such as linkage, swingarm & wheel bearings make sure you regularly do this also.

It might take time to get used to the things you need to maintain on your dirt bike, especially if you’re a newbie. But the time investment in learning proper maintenance will be rewarding in the long term.

As for the things you have to check before going for a ride, make sure you check out our pre-ride checklist too.