Dirt Bike: Pre-Ride Checklist

Every rider should have some sort of a pre-ride checklist. Checking you have packed all your gear is likely on your list but you should also include inspecting your dirt bike before you ride as part of your pre-ride routine.

We prepared a short list of items you may want to check before you ride. These are the most common things that cause bike failure that none of us want to experience:

1. Check your oil level

This should go without saying, but it’s good to have on your checklist too. You don’t want to run out of oil while you’re out riding. Make sure you're checking your oil level with your bike standing straight up in order to get an accurate reading. Also, when you know your oil’s dirty, then get it changed first. Oil picks up particles from the engine, so it’s important that you change your oil regularly. You can shop for engine oil here.

2. Check your air filter

If your bike feels like it's running rough, it might be due to a dirty air filter causing insufficient airflow. A dirty air filter won’t be able to do its job properly. Dirt can get into the engine and shorten its life. Alternatively, grit can pass through a dirty filter and get into your carby or injectors. You can clean and reuse air filters, but if it has rips, obvious damage, or if it can be easily torn apart, then it's time to replace your air filter.

3. Check your coolant level

Open the radiator cap and check the coolant level. It should be at the top or at least near it. If your coolant level on your previous ride was full but now it's significantly lower, it could be a sign of overheating.

4. Check your brake fluid level

Any drastic changes with any of your fluid levels isn't normal. Like with your coolant level, checking your brake fluid is a good way to know if there's an underlying problem going on. If your brakes feel spongy but there’s enough fluid, it's time to change the brake fluid. If the brake fluid levels seem to deplete too fast, check the brake lines for any leaks and replace if required.

5. Double-check your nuts and bolts

This is one of the most common things a rider tends to overlook, but you can’t skip it. Bolts can and will come loose overtime. This doesn’t mean you need to tighten every bolt before every ride, but you should check the critical bolts regularly and adjust them to spec as needed.

A good rule to follow is every 5-10 hours of riding. As you ride your dirt bike more and make this routine check a habit, you’ll get a more accurate estimate of how regularly you should be checking bolts.

6. Check and adjust your levers

Just like we mentioned on our previous blog about the common dirt bike mistakes a rider makes, adjusting your levers does not have to follow any specification. It's more of a personal reference. Make sure you adjust your clutch and brake levers, as well as the gear lever, before you ride. Consider the comfort and reachability when you're standing up and sitting down.

7. Check your tyre pressure

Most riders would know when their tyre feels low. This is something you can feel when you're riding your bike. Most punctures are caused by low tyre pressure. Getting a flat tyre can quickly end your day, unless you know how to change your tube when out on a track or trail. Make a habit of checking your tyre's air pressure before you leave.

Don’t have a tyre pressure gauge? Motopressor do a handy mini pump with tyre guage. These are a great addition to your motorcycle tool kit. Also check your tyres for signs of wear well ahead of your ride to give yourself plenty of time to get a new tyre ordered.

Pro Tip: Take some spare tubes for front and rear wheels as well as tyre levers and a pump.

8. Check your chain

Look for any signs of excessive wear, kinks or rust. Also check the circlip on the joining link to ensure it is not worn too thin. If your chain is clean and well-adjusted, you’ll enjoy a smoother ride and you can expect the chain to last much longer. If it looks like you need a new chain, RHK do some great value options here.

Pro-tip: It’s a good idea to have extra master (joining) links with you. A chain-breaker is also a handy tool to have to easily adjust the length of new chains.

9. Check your spark plug

An engine needs three things in order to get it going: fuel, air, and spark. Once you've checked the air filter and fuel, the next thing to check is if you're getting spark. If your spark ends up colour black or if it's wet, then it’s time to replace your spark plug. The colour you see should be light brown.

Pro-tip: Always take a spare spark plug and a plug spanner with you on your ride.

10. Check your suspension for oil leaks

Make sure you check your forks and rear shock for any signs of an oil leak. Not only will your bike not handle correctly, but leaking fork oil can get onto the front brake disc and be dangerous. Check after each ride when cleaning your bike. If the forks are leaking you could try a Rhino Fork Seal Doctor Tool.

11. Tighten your spokes

Tighten loose spokes with a spoke wrench until they are snug, but not too much to a point where the spoke will pop the tube. Excel do a great torque wrench which most mechanics use to ensure you get the correct tension every time. Checking each spoke won’t take more than a few minutes. Also, don't think about using finger check…Use the right tool.

12. Check your fuel

Last but not the least, don't forget to check your fuel. You’d be surprised at how many riders forget to check that they have a full tank before they ride. So keep this in your checklist, because it can be easily overlooked. You don't want to end up running out of fuel a few minutes into a ride?

Pro Tip: Take a spare container of fuel. The Oneal Fast Fill Cans make re-fueling super easy and quick.

When you've crossed all these out, you're ready to ride! We also prepared a graphic version of this checklist below. Have it printed and place in your garage for easy reach before every ride. You can also save it on your phone for easy access anytime.

Always check your dirt bike before a ride. Most bike issues happen because riders forget to check these things. It will only take up a few minutes of your time but can guarantee a smoother ride.

Check out our handy List of 10 Must Have Tools that every rider needs.