Hold on there!
Just because you checked the tire pressure, fluids, and chain doesn't mean you can head out. Don't forget the air filter! Probably replaced with a freshy before you checked the above.
At any rate, even the veteran rider, just wanting to get out and go, can forget or forego some essential maintenance checks. The beginner rider? Might have no clue to check these 10 most overlooked maintenance items that could make or break your ride - literally and figuratively.
Though relatively small, and unlikely to wreak much havoc if left unaddressed - at least in the short term - this fine-tuning indeed takes some time but in the short term (your ride day) prevents unexpected breakdowns and saves costly repairs in the long term (excess wear and tear).
Most Overlooked Dirt Bike Maintenance Checks
1. Spoke Tension
A lot on there. Get yourself a spoke torque wrench and spend the approximately two minutes it takes to go around the wheel and tighten each and every spoke. Bumpy rides loosen these things and riding with already loose spokes can lead to wheel failure when these metal pokers fully release.
A tap test can expedite this process - tap a spoke and listen. A tight spoke produces a high-pitched sound, a loose one sounds hollow. But if you take your spoke wrench and go around the wheel you get 100% peace of mind for maybe 30 seconds more of your time.
Mechanic's tip: Tighten the spokes during the after-ride clean-up.
2. Grease Your Bearings and Axles
Remember the old sign at gas stations: Lube, oil, and filter? Maybe not so much anymore with today's car but this still applies with the modern dirt bike. Dirt, water, and mud find even the smallest of crevices to take up housing and you need to serve an eviction notice. Once gone, applying grease regularly keeps this debris from squatting and prevents wear while keeping smooth movement.
Clean and lubricate unsealed swingarm, wheel, linkage, steering, and rear suspension bearings. Sealed bearings need not apply (the grease).
Now grease the axles. Front and rear. You need to remove the wheels but scheduled routine cleaning and greasing keeps you lubed up and ready to ride. Document the last time you cleaned and greased the axles and schedule a day in the garage.
3. Inspect and Clean Your Chain Slider & Guide
We harp on the chain and sprockets but don't forget the chain slider and guide. These oft-overlooked body parts, even by those of us at MotoSport, cause premature chain wear and when not functioning properly result in derailments. Like the chain and sprockets, regular inspection and replacement prevent heartache and, in some cases, body aches.
You know how we say change the chain and sprockets together regardless of wear? Change the slider and guide,
4. Bleed Your Brakes
Another somewhat time-consuming task involves bleeding the brakes. This prevents delayed or spongy braking which directly affects how fast and how slow you go.
Brake fluid naturally absorbs moisture which reduces its effectiveness. Don't wait until you can feel it, regular bleeding and replacing the brake fluid helps you slow down so you can go faster. Plus, it stops your bike without delay.
5. Check Your Radiator for Debris and Damage
Oh, I didn't think about that! You poured fresh coolant but coolant works in conjunction with free airflow. Little pebbles and other debris lodge alongside the radiator fins clogging the radiator. Damaged radiators also prevent airflow.
Check your radiator for damage or other debris.
6. Tighten Your Engine Mount Bolts
Most riders generally tighten all the bolts on their bike to torque spec, except for the engine mount bolts. Probably because either you didn't think to do it or every time you did the wrench didn't budge. But these bolts, no matter how well factory-tightened, loosen. So, add the engine mount bolts to your routine bolt check.
7. Throttle Cable Tension
A functioning throttle rolls easily and snaps back. Check the throttle cable tension, adjust if necessary, and grease the housing. Clean the throttle tube and remove any debris.
8. Clean Electrical Connections & Use Dielectric Grease
Lots of electrical components in the modern dirt bike. Use contact cleaner for the contact parts and add dielectric grease to prevent corrosion and improve conductivity.
9. Inspect and Adjust Valve Clearance
Depending on brand, check the valve clearance after 15 to 30 hours of riding. Read your owner's manual!
Many riders neglect the valve clearance because the bike runs fine, until it doesn't. Checking the valve clearance doesn't take too much time, but if you discover the need for adjustments then you have a couple of hours of work ahead of you or for those who don't know, a trip to the mechanic and a pricey bill. You can stick your head in the sand and hide until you can't ride anymore or check and realize your planned riding day tomorrow ain't gonna happen.
Now you know why most people neglect this item.
10. Check Your Subframe and Frame for Cracks
We come to the easiest and quickest maintenance tip and perhaps the most crucial. Check the subframe and frame for cracks. Riding on structurally compromised frames can ruin your whole day. Unfortunately, if you see cracks in the subframe, frame, or weld points, the wise rider chooses not to ride. Get a professional inspection and if needed, replace.
Or use this as an excuse to buy a new dirt bike.
Not all of these maintenance items need addressing before every ride. Most you can and should tackle during routine maintenance intervals. You set aside time for your basic oil, fluid, and filter changes, do the same with a comprehensive maintenance overhaul of your dirt bike after so many riding hours.
Learn to enjoy wrenching and all of this becomes much less a headache and contributes to a supremely satisfying ride day.
