Dirt bikes need regular maintenance to ensure optimum performance and longevity. Each brand is different, so it is important to refer to the service manual for your particular bike. There are specific areas on every dirt bike which should be checked regularly to keep it running smoothly. These areas include the oil, air filter, tires, wheels, brakes, and carburetor. You should take care about your dirt bike maintenance.
The oil needs to be changed much more frequently on a dirt bike than on a street bike or a car. An oil change should include a filter and needs to be done based on the hour schedule in the owner's manual. Doing this regularly with the correct, quality motorcycle specific oil is critical for the life of your dirt bike.
Bicycle Tool
Air filters are subject to an extremely dirty environment. They should be checked and often cleaned after every trip. Not doing this critical procedure will allow dirt into the engine, which can eventually destroy it.
When checking the tires, you should insure that the tire pressure is correct, per the user manual. There should be no cuts in the tire and the tread or knobs should be in good shape.
The wheels should not have any missing spokes, and they should not feel loose or bent when you spin them. There should not be any dents or chips in the rim through which air can leak.
It is important to check that the wheels fully lock when the brakes are applied. There should be adequate brake fluid in the master cylinders and the fluid should be clean. Brake pads and liners should be checked to make sure they are in good condition.
The vent hoses in the carburetor should not be melted or clogged with mud. Check to make sure the throttle cable is not frayed or kinked. Occasionally rebuilding a motorcycle's carburetor should be done, especially prior to a new off-road season. When disassembling a carburetor, make sure that fluids have not seeped inside the floats. The tip of the float needle should be in good condition, and the air passages at the bottom of the bell mouth should not be clogged with dirt or oil.
Washing the dirt bike should be a part of routine maintenance, especially after a day of cross country biking. You can wash your bike easily with a garden hose, as long as you are careful to avoid getting water into the air box or seals. After washing, you can dry the bike with a towel or compressed air. The engine can be started briefly to dry the exhaust pipe, engine, and carburetor. After the bike is dry, it is helpful to lubricate the chain and spray rust inhibitor on bolts and other exposed steel parts.
If you find your bike needs work you cannot do on your own, you may need to hire a technician. When choosing an individual or company to service your bike, it is helpful to evaluate the services they offer and their turnaround time, as well as the cost for parts and labor. It is also a good idea to get references from friends and fellow dirt bike enthusiasts.
Click for larger image and other views
Park Tool Advanced Mechanic Tool Kit - AK-37 Overview
If you can't fix a bike problem with the Park Tool Advanced Mechanic Tool Kit, then you probably have no business working on your own bike. This set rivals most bike shops, and it includes a tool box to keep everything from disappearing behind your bench. Need to work on your bottom bracket, tune a wheel, change a flat, swap forks, open a brew? No problem. OK, so the Park Tool Advanced Mechanic Tool Kit doesn't include a bottle opener, but you should be able to figure something out. Try the pedal wrench.Product Features
- Material: Hardened steel
- Hex Wrench: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8mm
- Box End Wrench: 8, 9mm
- Open End Wrench: 8, 9, 10, 11mm
- Screwdriver: 3 Phillips, 1 flathead
- Spoke Wrench: 3 Sizes
- Chain Tool: Yes
- Tire Levers: Yes
- Other Features: Bottom Bracket & Freehub Lockring, Bottom Bracket for 16 notch external crankset system cups, Cartridge Bottom Bracket Tool, Chain Checker Chain Wear Indicator, Crank Puller for Splined Octalink & ISIS Drive, Crank Wrench with 14mm Socket / 8mm Hex, Synthetic Blend Clain Lube, Cyclone Chain Cleaner, Cable Cutter, Chainring Nut Wrench, Cassette Lockring Tool, Pre-Glued Patch Kit, GearClean Brush, PolyLube 1000 Grease, Professional Pedal Wrench, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19mm Professional Shop Cone Wrench, Chain Whip & Freewheel / Lockring Wrench
- Recommended Use: Bike repair
- Manufacturer Warranty: Lifetime
- Country of Origin: United States
Available In Stock. |
