Expert's Corner - Tech Tips

ATV Weight - How To Trim Some Pounds

By: AndrewT 23 January, 2026

Shedding the amount of weight on an ATV might sound more like an attempt to reduce the flying weight of an airplane. Let's face it, ATVs are big and heavy and the idea of dropping a few pounds sounds a bit like wasted time and even wasted money ...

Dirt Bike and ATV Maintenance: When to Give Up and Call a Mechanic

By: AndrewT 08 January, 2026

Remember the first time you changed the oil in your dirt bike or ATV? Did it go perfectly well? As the technical aspects of maintenance increased you probably encountered more challenges until you overcame them. How else will you learn and gro...

How To Break In Brake Pads

By: AndrewT 09 December, 2025

Breaking in Dirt Bike or ATV Brake Pads A fresh set of brake pads on your dirt bike makes all the difference when it comes to stopping power. You know the signs for when to get the brake checked and you know how to replace them (once learned - ...

A Guide for Traveling With Your ATV

By: AndrewT 14 November, 2025

Plenty of destinations exist around the country for riding ATVs and if you have the travel bug you just might develop a bucket list of places to ride. Classic MX parks, the dunes or off-road adventures await but you have to get there first. Haul...

How often do the brakes on a dirt bike need bleeding?

How Often Should You Bleed the Brakes on Your Dirt Bike or ATV?

By: AndrewT 11 September, 2025

Think of the last time you changed the brake fluid in your car. If like most people, you can't remember, you might have the same approach towards the brake fluid in your dirt bike or ATV. The importance of oil and filters changes in a dirt bike ...

How to increase the horsepower in an ATV

Easy Steps to Increase Horsepower in Your ATV

By: AndrewT 28 August, 2025

ATVs generally have the same engine as a dirt bike, though these machines don't hold the same level of horsepower because of factory specifications and load loss from the electronics.. But a few opportunities exist to get an increase in horsepow...

ATV Spark Plugs - What You Need to Know

By: AndrewT 14 July, 2025

The oddest looking part on your ATV turns out to be one of the most important. The spark plug on your ATV not only starts the engine but keeps it running by maintaining a continuous spark firing once per full revolution on a 2-stroke and every o...

ATV Tire Buying Guide

By: AndrewT 01 July, 2025

One of the first items a proud owner of a new ATV replaces is the tires. After-market ATV tires are probably the biggest and best upgrade money can buy over any stock item on your 4-wheeler. ATV owners love their tires and demand performance fr...

Best Chain Lube for Dirt Bikes and ATVs

By: AndrewT 14 June, 2025

A well lubricated chain makes for an outstanding ride day and also extends the life of the chain and sprockets. But well-lubricated means more than an adequate coating. You may have heard through backyard stories or perhaps have one yourself of ...

Tips to finding a good dirt bike mechanic

How To Find a Good Dirt Bike Mechanic

By: AndrewT 22 April, 2025

Always assume some risk when leaving your dirt bike in the hands of a qualified mechanic. People make mistakes and sometimes people don't always have the best intentions. The best mechanic rests with you. Learn as much about maintenance so the o...

Everything You Need to Know About Radiator Hoses - Dirt Bike & ATV

By: AndrewT 09 April, 2025

The horror of finding a puddle of radiator fluid on the garage floor underneath your dirt bike or facing a geyser of steam during a ride often gets tempered after discovering the problem rests with the radiator hoses not the radiator. Replacing ...

Information on big bore kits for dirt bikes and ATVs

Do I Need a Big Bore Kit?

By: AndrewT 14 February, 2025

A big bore kit offers a significant upgrade opportunity for anyone looking for an immediate boost in performance while riding their dirt bike or ATV. A big bore kit replaces the stock piston and cylinder bore with a larger version that provides ...

Advice on dealing with bad bearings in a dirt bike

Ask a Mechanic: Bad Bearing Symptoms

By: AndrewT 24 January, 2025

You ask we answer. Here's the latest in our "Ask a Mechanic" series. Q: What are the signs of bad bearings especially bad wheel bearing symptoms? A: A number of bearings help keep your dirt bike moving (literally in some cases) and functioning ...

Cold Weather Riding Gear for Dirt Bikes and ATVs

By: AndrewT 11 December, 2024

Baby, it's cold outside. Oh wait, wasn't that song once banned in some states? Whew, I think the people finally had #enoughalready. But not riding dirt bikes in cold weather! Though when it is cold outside who in their right mind wants to ride? ...

Tips on resurfacing a dirt bike cylinder

An Easy Technique to Resurface Cylinder Heads

By: AndrewT 13 October, 2024

You don't ride on warped wheels so don't reinstall a warped cylinder head. It's an oft forgotten check when replacing top ends, bottom ends and just about any metal to metal surface contact on your dirt bike that requires a gasket. Heat, vibrati...

Tips on loading a motorcycle, dirt bike or ATV

How To Load a Motorcycle, Dirt Bike or ATV Into a Truck

By: AndrewT 18 August, 2024

Loading a two- or four-wheeler into the bed of your truck shouldn't be hard but so many, somehow, turn this venture into must see TV. Two rules come with loading your dirt bike, motorcycle or ATV into a truck bed. One should be hard fastened the ...

Do Motorcycle Helmets Expire?

By: AndrewT 23 May, 2024

The most essential part of your riding gear does not last forever. Though the motorcycle helmet doesn't necessary wear out, per se, like clothing, nor does it have a "best by" date. Eventually it needs replacing even if it looks fresh off the sh...

Best 2-Stroke Oil for Your Dirt Bike or ATV

By: AndrewT 10 May, 2024

Don't even think we plan to step into the minefield that surrounds what premix you should run in your 2-stroke. What you run equals the best. What your friend runs? The best. And you can probably find just as many opinions on the starting gate o...

Bad Head Gasket Symptoms

By: AndrewT 20 March, 2024

Most owners of dirt bikes or ATVs rarely encounter a bad head gasket because routine maintenance usually prevents this problem from occurring after completing a top end during normal intervals. A bad head gasket results in cars and trucks far mo...

Symptoms of bad dirt bike and ATV brakes

Signs That You Need To Get Your Dirt Bike or ATV Brakes Checked

By: AndrewT 27 October, 2023

Speed is a good thing on your dirt bike or ATV, it is in fact, what draws many to racing or just whipping through trails. Brakes sometimes become an afterthought until difficulty slowing down presents a whole other issue. Brake...

Preventive Care for Your Dirt Bike or ATV

By: AndrewT 13 July, 2023

An appointment with your doctor probably includes some talk on preventive care and if you own pets a good veterinarian should provide tips on how to keep your cat or dog healthy for the long term and prevent health problems later in life. For ex...

Best 2-stroke oil for a dirt bike or ATV

Types of 2-Stroke Oil

By: AndrewT 12 July, 2023

One day long ago someone decided to pour a quart of motor oil into a tank of gasoline and voila the 2-stroke engine was born. OK, so it didn't exactly work out that way but if you ride a 2-stroke dirt bike or ATV, or operate 2-strok...

Ask a Mechanic: Best Gas for Dirt Bikes and ATVs

By: AndrewT 03 May, 2023

You ask we answer. Here's the latest in our "Ask a Mechanic" series. Q: What kind of gas should I use in my dirt bike? I just grab the cheap 87 octane from the pump on my way to the track. That good enough? A: Great question and one we get a l...

How To Clean a Dirt Bike Gas Tank

By: AndrewT 13 April, 2023

Most riders have probably never cleaned the fuel tank on their dirt. This job doesn't normally add a check box to the routine maintenance list and can mostly be avoided by taking care when adding gas. However, competing in an off-road race tends...

O-ring Chain vs Non O-ring

By: AndrewT 12 April, 2023

It's an age old question. One that has stymied myriad of professional riders for years serving only to befuddle the weekend warrior and the up-and-coming amateur. O-ring or no ring? Two styles of chains exist for your riding pleasure: A chain ...

How To Clean a Dirt Bike Chain

By: AndrewT 04 April, 2023

Cleaning the chain on your dirt bike creates a comprehensive, involved task that requires a thorough attention to detail to do correctly. You'll need a host of tools and cleaning supplies, some extra help and a lot of spare time. Many riders byp...

Top Motocross ATV Modifications

By: AndrewT 30 November, 2021

Photo by: Ken Hill Motocross isn't just for 2-wheelers. It should be no surprise that a growing movement in racing involves ATV riders. The Mtn. Dew ATV MX National Championship held its first ever ATV Supercross race at Da...

Tips on storing your dirt bike or ATV during the winter

6 Tips for Dirt Bike and ATV Winter Storage

By: AndrewT 18 October, 2021

Riders in southern states can't fathom the idea of storing their dirt bikes or ATVs during the winter but for some where cold reigns supreme - starting just about now - packing it in and waiting for the spring thaw is often the only opt...

87, 89, 92 or Race Fuel - What Gas to Use in Your Dirt Bike or ATV

By: AndrewT 18 October, 2021

The oil is changed. New filter too. Air filter is clean and the coolant is fresh. You just added a screaming new pipe and the tires look so slick you question whether to ride them or display in your man-cave. Bottom line - you're ready to ride a...

Fixing dirt bike and atv clutch problems

How To Fix Dirt Bike and ATV Clutch Problems

By: AndrewT 24 September, 2021

Slipping much? Veteran dirt bike and ATV riders can identify a clutch gone bad quite easily but new riders may not know what's happening. If you ride a car with a manual clutch, the signs you need to get it checked on your dirt bike or ATV are q...

Freezing Cold Weather and Your ATV

By: AndrewT 14 September, 2021

Winter is coming. And for most of the country it's already here with an estimated 90 percent of the United States at or below freezing temperatures to start the New Year. But who says you can't ride in the cold? Actually, the cold does particula...

ATV Steering Stem Height Guide

By: AndrewT 14 September, 2021

Winning the holeshot and the checkered flag can sometimes come down to the individual details including the overall comfort on your 4-wheeler. If you find your shoulders, arms, neck or upper back muscles aching after every run on your ATV it ma...

10 Required Tools in Your ATV Tool Box

By: AndrewT 06 August, 2021

If you ride you own a tool box. In fact you probably own several and one is dedicated specifically to your ride of choice. And the ATV tool box is in a whole different class then anything you'll commonly use in your workshop at...

The MotoSport.com ATV Pre-Ride Checklist

By: AndrewT 06 August, 2021

Whether you race ATVs, ride them for fun or use one for good use around the farm it's always best practice to incorporate a pre-ride checklist and include it as part of routine maintenance. ATV owners are notorious for neglecting their quads, fo...

10 Really Expensive Adjustments to Improve ATV Performance

By: AndrewT 23 July, 2021

You'd be hard-pressed to find an ATV owner who hasn't upgraded at least one component on their quad. In fact, most tend to replace at least the wheels right off the showroom floor. It's often an expensive endeavor and dolling o...

Inexpensive adjustments you can make to your ATV

10 Inexpensive Adjustments to Improve ATV Performance

By: AndrewT 23 July, 2021

Wrenching on your ATV is not only a great use of a free afternoon, when not riding of course, but to find new ways to get your quad faster and more comfortable. Regular maintenance is more about extending the life of your ATV a...

How To Fix a Flat ATV Tire

By: AndrewT 23 July, 2021

If you think getting a flat tire while driving your car is a royal pain then you've never experienced a flat tire while riding an ATV. Going flat while working on the farm is a best case scenario that allows you to roll back to the garage for an...

How to change engine oil in a dirt bike or ATV

Dirt Bike and ATV Oil Change Guide

By: AndrewT 22 June, 2021

Changing the oil in your dirt bike or ATV should rank high on your routine maintenance list and something easily done at home. It's much like changing the oil in your car except you don't have to crawl under the engine. Fresh oil ke...

Symptoms of a bad fuel pump on a dirt bike or ATV

Bad Fuel Pump Symptoms on a Dirt Bike or ATV

By: AndrewT 22 June, 2021

Despite the ah-dang-it sputtering demise of the engine you actually might not have run out of gas. You'll know this once you unscrew the gas cap and see half a tank of fuel left. Now you know what happens when the fuel pump gives out. .flo...

Should You Snorkel Your ATV?

By: AndrewT 22 June, 2021

Photo: ATVMudslinger.com If you've spent any time in a body of water it's quickly noted that to have any fun you need a snorkel. The same could very well be said of swimming but since we rip ATVs through the mud and water to do so effectively...

A Guide to Choosing ATV Tires & Wheels

By: AndrewT 22 June, 2021

ATV owners have a lot of options when it comes to choosing the right tires and wheels for their 4-wheeler. ATV wheels and especially tires probably not only get upgraded more than any other part but the first of the stock options to get replac...

Symptoms of a Clogged Air Filter

By: AndrewT 22 June, 2021

Unlike a car that runs relatively normal with a dirty air filter, operating a dirt bike or ATV using a clogged lung poses a number of problems. In fact, you might not even get the engine to start if it's completely gummed up. Dirt bike and ATV...

Tips to cleaning a dirt bike or ATV air filter

How To Clean a Dirt Bike or ATV Air Filter

By: AndrewT 14 June, 2021

The air filter on your dirt bike or ATV plays a crucial role in maintaining the engine life of your machine. The air filter prevents sand, dirt, pebbles, and small sticks - really just about anything that the air intake sucks in as ...

Smoke Signals: Exhaust Smoke Color

By: AndrewT 02 June, 2021

When cylinders go bad, gaskets leak or really anything internal on your dirt bike or ATV engine that allows for flawed combustion of fuel or any fluid used for the proper function of a 2-stroke or 4-stroke the telltale sign is usually seen coming ...

Mechanic tips on repairing dirt bike grips

Ask a Mechanic: Dirt Bike Grips

By: AndrewT 20 May, 2021

You ask we answer. Here's the latest in our "Ask a Mechanic" series. Q: Any tips on a quick fix for damaged dirt bike grips? I tried stretching the life out of a pair during a recent race only to have them start to unravel during practice and I ...

How To Remove Baked on Gaskets

By: AndrewT 17 November, 2020

Dirt bikes and ATVs use a variety of gaskets that act as a barrier to outside contaminants and as a lock to keep operating fluids inside a sealed compartment. Gasket use ranges from the crankcase to the exhaust system and many parts in between. ...

Mechanic tips on following the service intervals for your dirt bike or ATV

Ask a Mechanic: Service Intervals by Hours Not Miles

By: AndrewT 17 January, 2019

You ask we answer. Here's the latest in our "Ask a Mechanic" series. Q: How come service intervals for my dirt bike are measured in hours and not miles like my car? A: Dirt bikes and ATVs were originally considered "equipment" rather than ...

Mechanic tips on proper dirt bike chain maintenance

Ask a Mechanic: Proper Chain Maintenance

By: AndrewT 05 December, 2018

You ask we answer. Here's the latest in our "Ask a Mechanic" series. Q: I hear all these suggested methods for chain maintenance. Is there a proper way to maintain a chain or just clean and spray it down? A: Good question. Yes, you will get lot...

Mechanic tips on soaking dirt bike clutch plates

Ask a Mechanic: Soaking Clutch Plates

By: AndrewT 07 November, 2018

You ask we answer. Here's the latest in our "Ask a Mechanic" series. Q: I know you're supposed to soak clutch plates in oil but for how long? A: Five minutes. An hour. Overnight. All three answers are correct however the longer the better. Cons...

Ask a Mechanic: Bearing Lubrication Frequency

By: AndrewT 18 October, 2018

You ask we answer. Here's the latest in our "Ask a Mechanic" series. Q: How often should I lubricate my bearings? A: Do you ride a dirt bike or ATV? Ah, it doesn't matter. The short answer is once a year. But don't run away yet because it's not...

Tips for cleaning muddy dirt bike riding gear

Tips for Cleaning Your Muddy Riding Gear

By: AndrewT 16 October, 2018

If the summer Motocross season proved anything, rain happens. All year round. And you can bet on one thing to take place 100 percent of the time during a mud race. Riders get muddy. So much, in fact, the muck sometimes makes them unrecognizabl...

How To Use Loctite on Your Dirt Bike or ATV

By: AndrewT 25 September, 2018

Loctite this, Loctite that. Loctite the @#$% out of everything and go. Now wait just a second. Loctite won't make your dirt bike or ATV indestructible but get a little too footloose and fancy free with it and you just might want to run your ride...

Mechanic tips on flushing dirt bike coolant

Ask a Mechanic: Coolant Change

By: AndrewT 24 September, 2018

You ask we answer. Here's the latest in our "Ask a Mechanic" series. Q: How often should I change my coolant? A: Whether you ride a dirt bike or ATV, the easy answer is check your owner's manual for the recommended service intervals on changing...

Mechanic tips on dealing with fouled up dirt bike spark plugs

Ask a Mechanic: Fouled Spark Plugs

By: AndrewT 05 September, 2018

You ask we answer. Here's the latest in our "Ask a Mechanic" series. Q: I keep fouling the spark plug on my 2008 YZ250. Like after every ride. What's going on? A: Old gas! But Probably Something Else Running old gas is one possible answer th...

Information on hitting false neutral on a dirt bike

Ask a Mechanic: False Neutral

By: AndrewT 23 August, 2018

You ask we answer. Here's the latest in our "Ask a Mechanic" series. Q: Why does my 2016.5 factory edition 450 go into a false neutral between every gear? A: This really shouldn't happen whether you ride the factory edition or any dirt bik...

Want More Power? Try Changing These Parts on Your Dirt Bike or ATV

By: AndrewT 07 August, 2018

I need more power! Said just about everyone who has ever ridden a dirt bike or ATV in competition. And even those who just enjoy blazing along trails eventually want a faster bike without needing to buy a new one housing a bigger engine. Littl...

Does Engine Oil Go Bad? Using Old Oil and Other Fluids in Your Dirt Bike or ATV

By: AndrewT 06 August, 2018

The garage sure does harbor a lot of secrets. Between shelves lined with boxes, fertilizer, grass seed and pesticide sit some lonely, unused and sometimes unopened bottles of engine fluids that were once lost but now found thanks to last weekend...

Using Old Gas in Your Dirt Bike or ATV

By: AndrewT 26 July, 2018

When good gas goes bad. The fuel fueling your dirt bike or ATV doesn't last forever (one reason to ride!) but unless you have mathematical wizardry as a talent you likely end up with leftovers after the latest trip to the track or trails that mi...

How To Be a Mechanic - Learning Maintenance on Your Dirt Bike or ATV

By: AndrewT 24 July, 2018

Some mechanics have such an innate ability to work their way around an engine the answer to complex problems simply seems to come to them but most learned their craft and at some point in life were novice wrenches who fumbled and tumbled their way...

How To Check Valve Clearance on a Dirt Bike or ATV

By: AndrewT 19 July, 2018

Always check your valve for clearance. Always. Cheap insurance against a total and complete engine failure. Of course the process doesn't take a mere 10 minutes using eyeball sight which explains why sometimes this routine maintenance gets neg...

Ask a Mechanic: The Term Roost

By: AndrewT 16 July, 2018

You ask we answer. Here's the latest in our "Ask a Mechanic" series. Q: I know this isn't a mechanic's related question but I was wondering if you know why roost is called roost or where the term came from. I get hit with a lot of it! A: As for...

Bad Water Pump Symptoms on a Dirt Bike or ATV

By: AndrewT 28 June, 2018

When your dirt bike or ATV overheats it makes perfect sense to blame the weather or anticipate a clogged or damaged radiator upon inspection. Riding in extreme heat or mud sometimes results in overheating and probably comprise the top reasons fo...

Ask a Mechanic: Repacking Exhaust

By: AndrewT 06 June, 2018

You ask we answer. Here's the latest in our "Ask a Mechanic" series. Q: When should I repack the exhaust and does the inside of the pipe need cleaning? A: I recommend repacking the exhaust, whether 2-stroke or 4-stroke, about every 50 hours. If...

Signs of Engine Overheating On a Dirt Bike or ATV

By: AndrewT 01 June, 2018

In the midst of battle or just bar-banging fun on the trails you can easily miss or even ignore the mounting symptoms that indicate an overheated engine on your dirt bike or ATV. If you adhere by the adage that there's no quitting in riding or r...

Use an Hour Meter to Keep Track of Maintenance Intervals

By: AndrewT 22 May, 2018

Taking notes probably doesn't resonate too well with dirt bike or ATV riders. Hands-on works best along with verbal instruction. So it should come to no surprise that most dirt bike and ATV owners find keeping tabs on riding hours a bit tedious ...

Ask a Mechanic: Fixing Misaligned Graphics

By: AndrewT 15 May, 2018

You ask we answer. Here's the latest in our "Ask a Mechanic" series. Q: I am having trouble aligning my graphics to the plastic. I keep pulling them off to start over. Any suggestions? A: If someone ever develops a machine that precisely slaps o...

Stock Your Portable Tool Box With These Dirt Bike or ATV Fluids and Lubricants

By: AndrewT 24 April, 2018

All the parts in the world won't do a bit of difference if the liquid refreshment keeping your bike functioning runs out. "Just bring extra" certainly makes for an appropriate slogan when riding dirt bikes or ATVs. Extra applies to tools, parts,...

Can I Use Dirt Bike Oil In My Car? And Other Equivalent Engine Fluids

By: AndrewT 17 April, 2018

Check. Check. Check. Pre-ride checklist almost complete. Shoot, no coolant. You need some and you don't have any. Then out of the corner of your eye you notice the half-filled jug of fresh coolant used last summer after a flush and refill of you...

Stock Your Portable Tool Box With These Dirt Bike or ATV Parts

By: AndrewT 02 March, 2018

If something can go wrong, it will go wrong. And, when putting a dirt bike or ATV through the wringer on the track or trails don't expect nothing to go wrong. Parts break or fail even without carnage happening but add in a get-off or two, somet...

Stock Your Portable Tool Box With These Dirt Bike or ATV Tools

By: AndrewT 20 February, 2018

You can wreck, crunch, munch or smash a dirt bike or ATV and more often than not continue riding without much difficulty. You can also grind away on the ride of your life only to encounter one troublesome problem after another. Usually though a...

5 Tips to Show Some Love to Your ATV

By: AndrewT 09 February, 2018

Despite what some other people say, your love never falters. Unfortunately, you've lost some of that loving feeling and it has nothing to do with those "couch" comments from your jealous neighbor. We all neglect our true love sometime or another...

Ask A Mechanic: Steering Stabilizer Settings

By: AndrewT 06 February, 2018

Q: I bought a steering stabilizer. How should I set it up? A: Certainly, little more takes a rider by surprise than when the front wheel gets jerked out of his or her hands. It's annoying, frustrating and sometimes dangerous depending on the lev...

Ask A Mechanic: Breaking In a New Piston

By: AndrewT 30 January, 2018

You ask we answer. Here's the latest in our "Ask A Mechanic" series. Q: What's the best way to break in a new piston? A: Replacing the piston on a dirt bike (or ATV) hardly embodies an entire engine rebuild however the same principles apply whe...

How To Do a Compression Test On a Dirt Bike or ATV

By: AndrewT 23 January, 2018

Much like the human body a dirt bike often rides well, sounds fine and by all accounts performs in great shape. Until you look under the hood, so to speak, and perform some diagnostics. Little did you know, it was falling apart on the inside. An...

How to use an EFI tuner on your dirt bike

How To Properly Use An EFI Tuner

By: AndrewT 11 January, 2018

The 4-stroke engine introduced fuel injection and simplified the involved task of jetting the carburetor when running rich or lean. However, it also brought an electronic component to ensure the right ratio of gas and air that on the surface see...

A Seized Engine and Other Parts That Seize

By: AndrewT 22 November, 2017

"My engine seized!" It's as bad as it sounds and don't get it confused with sneezing. Mostly bearings seize on a dirt bike or ATV but when you hear the dreaded words of a seized engine that could also mean the piston. A seized engine or anything...

Tips to cleaning the carburetor on a dirt bike or ATV

How To Clean a Carburetor on a Dirt Bike or ATV

By: AndrewT 16 November, 2017

You can kick till the cows come home but a dirty carburetor is no match for the strongest leg or even an electric start. A dirty, gummed-up carb on a 2-stroke or non-fuel injected 4-stroke dirt bike or ATV prevents fuel from reaching the engine ...

How To Rebuild a 2-Stroke Top End

By: AndrewT 07 November, 2017

Rebuilding the top end on a 2 stroke dirt bike or ATV sounds like a job for maintenance man. Lots of riders freeze at the word "rebuild." It sounds complicated and intricate but while rebuilding a 2 stroke top end takes some time and a bit of pat...

Tips for using gasket sealant on a dirt bike

Using Gasket Sealant on a Dirt Bike or ATV

By: AndrewT 31 October, 2017

Some say Yes, we say No. It makes perfect logical sense to use a spray or silicon sealant along with a gasket when, for example, replacing a cylinder head gasket on your dirt bike. The more sealant, the better the seal and much less chance of a ...

Ask A Mechanic: Swingarm Play

By: AndrewT 08 September, 2017

Q: How much Swingarm up-and-down play is acceptable? A: The short answer is little to none! You don't want any up-and-down or side-to-side play on the swingarm. However, it's also understood that the swingarm is a bolted on part thus overtime los...

How To Replace Swingarm Bearings

By: AndrewT 07 September, 2017

When the swingarm bearings need replacing in your dirt bike or ATV you'll know by the loose or unstable feeling of movement, or what is also known as chatter, in the rear of the bike. Of course, it never seems easy pinpointing problems on dirt b...

Ask A Mechanic: Front Brake Power

By: AndrewT 31 August, 2017

You ask we answer. Here's the latest in our "Ask A Mechanic" series. Q: I can never get the front brake back to original power. I bleed them and it has power but not as much as it had off the show room floor. A: There are a number of things that...

Slipping Gears: Dirt Bike and ATV Transmission Problems

By: AndrewT 28 August, 2017

Imagine hitting a jump out of a corner and suddenly losing all power at the face. But the engine still sounds cranked at full rev. A seasoned rider probably knows what happened but someone new or who has never encountered ...

After The Race - Motocross Maintenance

By: AndrewT 15 August, 2017

Staying on top of maintenance gives you the best chance to find performance related issues and prevent problems from happening on your dirt bike or ATV. And when racing, it starts immediately after the Moto finishes. We're not talking routine ...

Ask A Mechanic: Clutch Lever Tension

By: AndrewT 11 August, 2017

You ask we answer. Here's the latest in our "Ask A Mechanic" series. Q: How much tension do you normally leave in a clutch lever? A: On a cable actuated clutch the amount of play in the lever before the cable is actually pulled is called free pl...

How To Clean Riding Gear

By: AndrewT 08 August, 2017

The clothes off a homeless person probably smell better than your riding gear after a day of riding. Make it a hot day and you'll not only happily remove all the gear but never want to put it back on. Not to worry. All riding gear washes just fi...

How To Adjust Float Height

By: AndrewT 28 July, 2017

If you find yourself in a crappy situation when the bowl overflows just throw down some towels, grab your tools and get to work. You might want to turn on a fan, too. It's going to smell. A properly maintained 2-stroke includes a correctly adj...

The Nuts and Bolts of Torque Settings

By: AndrewT 25 July, 2017

You might wonder why you need a torque wrench to tighten all the nuts and bolts on your dirt bike or ATV when a regular old ratchet or closed wrench sets work perfectly fine on your car and likely offer appropriate attachments that fit the bolt an...

Ask A Mechanic: Spec Tolerances

By: AndrewT 24 July, 2017

Welcome to our first "Ask A Mechanic" question where we answer your tech related questions and hopefully get you back up to speed and make your next ride your best ride. Q: Even though it's not generally accepted among the professional mechanic ...

Color Matters: Check Engine Oil on Your Dirt Bike or ATV

By: AndrewT 27 June, 2017

Have you ever seen that movie Colors? Well, it's not about the different colors of engine oil and what it means. But thankfully, if you're looking for answers to why the oil in your dirt bike or ATV is milky or white, you found the right place. ...

Summer maintenance check list for 2 stroke dirt bikes

Your Summer Maintenance Checks For Your 2 Stroke

By: AndrewT 09 May, 2017

Summer is a time to take in a bit of life's beauty and enjoy the fresh smell of pre-mix. If it's been a while since brapping along trails or on a Motocross track - thanks to the cold winter months - the warm days ahead should help get you moving...

Summer maintenance check for 4-stroke dirt bikes

Your Summer Maintenance Checks For Your 4 Stroke

By: AndrewT 02 May, 2017

The longer days, warm temperatures and scattering clouds mean only one thing: Summer is around the corner. For many of us, that means waking our dirt bike or ATV out of their long winter slumber to get it ready for the coming riding days. While ...

What Does a Steering Stabilizer Do?

By: AndrewT 25 April, 2017

Uh oh. Possibly your last words before hitting the dirt. You wore gloves. Had a solid grip. But still left holding air as the handlebars yanked away from your hands and a desperate attempt to grab them proved futile as your dirt bike squirreled ...

Dent in Exhaust Pipe - Buy New or Fix It?

By: AndrewT 27 January, 2017

Little else turns a dirt bike into an aging relic than a romped, reamed and dented exhaust pipe. Bar banging, tree hitting and plain 'ole crashes can wreak havoc on just about every inch of the exhaust system. Minor dents usually pose little iss...

How To Repack Exhaust On a Dirt Bike or ATV

By: AndrewT 21 December, 2016

It's a dirty job but somebody has to do it. And that somebody should be you since repacking the exhaust on your dirt bike or ATV is a pretty simple and straightforward process. First, know when to say when. It doesn't matte...

Intake Upgrade - What You Need to Know

By: AndrewT 10 November, 2016

The engine on your dirt bike or ATV needs to breath therefore helping it expand its "lung" capacity presents an ideal way to boost power and performance. The most cost effective and easiest course of action is to upgrade the in...

Exhaust Upgrade - What You Need to Know

By: AndrewT 02 November, 2016

You've pinched pennies, said "No" to evenings with friends and put in longer hours all for the sole reason of saving money to buy that prized new exhaust system for your dirt bike. After you placed the order, delivery day turns...

How To Prevent Goggles from Fogging

By: AndrewT 27 October, 2016

Call it foggy goggle syndrome. You're out for an early ride on a cool brisk morning or perhaps it's a sticky summer day in the South. You first notice the moisture in the upper corner of your goggles. A few minutes later the de...

Exorcising a Stripped Bolt

By: AndrewT 25 October, 2016

The stripped bolt conjures images of beet red faces, bloodshot eyes and thrashing body movements usually resulting in fastball style pitches of hand tools thrown across the garage. Those suckers just won't come out. The stripped bolt comes in ...

Symptoms of a Clogged Fuel Filter on a Dirt Bike and ATV

By: AndrewT 19 May, 2016

The clogged fuel filter is a common yet sometimes overlooked problem when dirt bikes fail to start, hesitate once running, frequently stall or just straight up give erratic performance. Once clogged, fuel obviously can't get to...

Tips to mounting a camera on your dirt bike helmet

How To: Helmet Camera Setup

By: AndrewT 06 January, 2016

Thanks to YouTube and the masterful technology of GoPro cameras helmet cams continue to flood the internet with at worst, mundane rides through the countryside, and at best, crashes that make the viewer sitting safely in their chair at ...

Top Utility ATV Modifications

By: AndrewT 09 September, 2015

The workhorse of 4-wheelers offer ruggedness and durability that make life easier for anyone who works on a farm, maintains a large area of land or participates in outdoor activities like hunting. A utility ATV is similar in...

What you should bring when hunting with a UTV

What You Need to Go Hunting With Your Side by Side

By: AndrewT 13 March, 2015

A must-have for most hunters is a UTV, more commonly known as a side by side. But it doesn't stop there. Once in hand, or in the garage, you'll want to outfit your ride to make your day easier, more enjoyable and safer. Simply ...

Tips for New ATV Owners

By: AndrewT 03 November, 2014

There's a right way and there's a wrong way. After spending thousands of dollars for a new ATV don't cheapen your investment five minutes after getting it home. Like all new machines, quads need a breaking-in period and ignoring sound advice on ...

How To Maintain Your Dirt Bike or ATV Transmission

By: AndrewT 23 October, 2014

Grinding it out on the track is a great way to spend an afternoon on your dirt bike or ATV unless of course grinding it out refers to the sound coming from your transmission. If you've been riding long enough, then you probably...

10 problems that ruin the performance in an ATV

10 Things That Alter Your ATV Performance

By: AndrewT 15 October, 2014

Racing, farm work or just roaming around backcountry trails, ATV riding is a fun hobby, a great way to spend an afternoon and if used for chores, makes the job that much easier. ATV ownership is much like car ownership. Your ...

How To Prepare Your ATV for Long-Term Storage

By: AndrewT 08 October, 2014

In some areas of the country, the winter months prove difficult for riding so ATV owners find it's best to store their 4-wheeler until the riding season resumes. Storing your ATV long-term does not mean simply leaving it in the confines of your ...

ATV Cleaning Tips & Tricks

By: AndrewT 28 May, 2014

A day of riding or racing your ATV doesn't end when you pack up and head home. You've got to get your 4-wheeler ready for the next ride. Cleaning your ATV is in many ways like washing the car but with a little bit more detail and a lot m...

Tech Tips: Suspension Set Up for Sport Quads

By: Joshua Gray 26 December, 2012

The guys from Dirt Wheels and Race Tech take us through some basic suspension set up tips for sport quads. While working with ATVs, what we're looking for is a ride height number. One of the ways we do that is we actually physically pu...

ATV Weight - How To Trim Some Pounds

Dirt Bike and ATV Maintenance: When to Give Up and Call a Mechanic

How To Break In Brake Pads

ATV Tech Tips

ATV Weight - How To Trim Some Pounds

Dirt Bike and ATV Maintenance: When to Give Up and Call a Mechanic

How To Break In Brake Pads

A Guide for Traveling With Your ATV

How Often Should You Bleed the Brakes on Your Dirt Bike or ATV?

Easy Steps to Increase Horsepower in Your ATV

ATV Spark Plugs - What You Need to Know

ATV Tire Buying Guide

Best Chain Lube for Dirt Bikes and ATVs

How To Find a Good Dirt Bike Mechanic

Everything You Need to Know About Radiator Hoses - Dirt Bike & ATV

Do I Need a Big Bore Kit?

Ask a Mechanic: Bad Bearing Symptoms

Cold Weather Riding Gear for Dirt Bikes and ATVs

An Easy Technique to Resurface Cylinder Heads

How To Load a Motorcycle, Dirt Bike or ATV Into a Truck

Do Motorcycle Helmets Expire?

Best 2-Stroke Oil for Your Dirt Bike or ATV

Bad Head Gasket Symptoms

Signs That You Need To Get Your Dirt Bike or ATV Brakes Checked

Preventive Care for Your Dirt Bike or ATV

Types of 2-Stroke Oil

Ask a Mechanic: Best Gas for Dirt Bikes and ATVs

How To Clean a Dirt Bike Gas Tank

O-ring Chain vs Non O-ring

How To Clean a Dirt Bike Chain

Top Motocross ATV Modifications

6 Tips for Dirt Bike and ATV Winter Storage

87, 89, 92 or Race Fuel - What Gas to Use in Your Dirt Bike or ATV

How To Fix Dirt Bike and ATV Clutch Problems

Freezing Cold Weather and Your ATV

ATV Steering Stem Height Guide

10 Required Tools in Your ATV Tool Box

The MotoSport.com ATV Pre-Ride Checklist

10 Really Expensive Adjustments to Improve ATV Performance

10 Inexpensive Adjustments to Improve ATV Performance

How To Fix a Flat ATV Tire

Dirt Bike and ATV Oil Change Guide

Bad Fuel Pump Symptoms on a Dirt Bike or ATV

Should You Snorkel Your ATV?

A Guide to Choosing ATV Tires & Wheels

Symptoms of a Clogged Air Filter

How To Clean a Dirt Bike or ATV Air Filter

Smoke Signals: Exhaust Smoke Color

Ask a Mechanic: Dirt Bike Grips

How To Remove Baked on Gaskets

Ask a Mechanic: Service Intervals by Hours Not Miles

Ask a Mechanic: Proper Chain Maintenance

Ask a Mechanic: Soaking Clutch Plates

Ask a Mechanic: Bearing Lubrication Frequency

Tips for Cleaning Your Muddy Riding Gear

How To Use Loctite on Your Dirt Bike or ATV

Ask a Mechanic: Coolant Change

Ask a Mechanic: Fouled Spark Plugs

Ask a Mechanic: False Neutral

Want More Power? Try Changing These Parts on Your Dirt Bike or ATV

Does Engine Oil Go Bad? Using Old Oil and Other Fluids in Your Dirt Bike or ATV

Using Old Gas in Your Dirt Bike or ATV

How To Be a Mechanic - Learning Maintenance on Your Dirt Bike or ATV

How To Check Valve Clearance on a Dirt Bike or ATV

Ask a Mechanic: The Term Roost

Bad Water Pump Symptoms on a Dirt Bike or ATV

Ask a Mechanic: Repacking Exhaust

Signs of Engine Overheating On a Dirt Bike or ATV

Use an Hour Meter to Keep Track of Maintenance Intervals

Ask a Mechanic: Fixing Misaligned Graphics

Stock Your Portable Tool Box With These Dirt Bike or ATV Fluids and Lubricants

Can I Use Dirt Bike Oil In My Car? And Other Equivalent Engine Fluids

Stock Your Portable Tool Box With These Dirt Bike or ATV Parts

Stock Your Portable Tool Box With These Dirt Bike or ATV Tools

5 Tips to Show Some Love to Your ATV

Ask A Mechanic: Steering Stabilizer Settings

Ask A Mechanic: Breaking In a New Piston

How To Do a Compression Test On a Dirt Bike or ATV

How To Properly Use An EFI Tuner

A Seized Engine and Other Parts That Seize