Just as you make a proper pre-trip check of your car before heading out on a long drive, the same applies to your dirt bike when embarking on a lengthy trail ride.
Get prepared and go prepared.
Beginners and seasoned riders find much joy in riding a dirt bike on trails whether across hard dusty desert trails or along lush green on mountain side paths. A meandering sight-seeing affair or a fast-paced trip through winding curves and up-tempo straightaways speak to all types of riders but like the car trip, proper preparation ensures an enjoyable, safe and trouble-free experience.
Check out this comprehensive guide for tips before you go and during your travels to help make the right memories rather than your dirt bike trail ride turning into a shoulda, woulda, coulda campaign used as a cautionary tale.
Pre-ride Inspection
If you regularly maintain your dirt bike this process should prove relatively easy. Think of it as a pre-ride checklist. Routine maintenance prevents headaches and breakdowns today and later.
Oil and Fluids
Check, check and check! Check all your fluid levels and if any need changing as per the service manual: drain and add fresh oil, coolant or brake fluid. Those who stay on top of service intervals will likely need only to top off fluids, as needed. If you change the oil, change the oil filter.
Air Filter
Generally replace after every ride and most certainly start out with a fresh one before a long trail ride. A clean air filter provides a first line of defense for your engine from dusty trails.
Chain and Sprockets
Inspect the chain and sprockets and lubricate; adjust slack. Replace chain and sprockets together if any show signs of wear, warping or stretching.
Tires
You need good tires! Check the knobs for wear but don't inflate just yet. Wait until you get to your destination to account for elevation and temperature changes. Or, try a mousse and forget all about psi and flats. Also, if you invest in multiple tires, make the switch if the current set keeps you gripped on a loamy MX track but your trail ride consists mostly of hard pack. Otherwise, stick with an all-terrain style dirt bike tire.
Brakes
Check the brake pads and brake function. If you glossed over the "Oils and Fluids" section check the brake fluid level.
Bolts and Fasteners
Tighten all nuts and bolts to spec.
Spokes
Something often forgotten. Get a spoke torque wrench to make this job easy. Go around and tighten every spoke. It makes a big difference.
Suspension
Set suspension sag. Keep in mind any gear you carry affects weight therefore the suspension. Elevation changes might require you to bleed the forks. If your day consists more of a fun trail ride in a group setting this becomes less a priority but nonetheless something to keep in mind.
Riding Gear
Wear the same gear on the trails as you do the Motocross track.
- Helmet
- Goggles
- Gloves
- Boots
- Pants and jersey
- Hydration Pack
- Chest and back protector
- Riding jacket (if necessary)
- Any additional protection desired like knee or elbow pads
Extra Dirt Bike Parts
Bring an extra spark plug, an extra tube even if you bring a tire repair kit (unless you have a mousse) and fuel. Some riders bring spare levers and an extra chain. Include zip ties and duct tape in your bag.Handguards
If not already installed, install handguards. Not so much for kicked up rocks but whipping tree branches. Like a switch. You know A thin, flexible branch or twig, typically from a tree or bush, used historically (and sometimes still) for corporal punishment. Yes, that's a direct quote. Imagine getting slapped with these over and over and over. Good luck holding on or enjoying the ride.
Essential Tools and Emergency Supplies
Bring tools and parts for minor repairs like a tire repair kit (unless you have a mousse), t-handles and a small wrench set. Some tool kits contain small screwdrivers, socket and Allen wrenches and even tire irons. Various first aid kits offer just basic bandages and pain relievers others include splints in the event of a bad crash.
Hydration and Food
Trail riding lasts hours not a 20 or 30 minute Moto. So, take food and drink to stay hydrated and nourished. Most trail riders wear a hydration pack that fits like a backpack and holds your favorite beverage of choice (a hydrating beverage, of course). This allows more room to carry food, tools and a safety kit.
Just In Case Emergency Gear
A GPS communicator or at least a cell phone. Throw some matches, a whistle, and a multi-tool in your bag. Speaking of bag
Bag(s)
Various dirt bike bags fit on your bike and you. Yes, a fanny pack (oops let's call it a hip pack) but also you can store all these essentials listed above in a fender bag and/or a handlebar bag. Check out the various bags that fit on your bike and you.
Fuel
Top off your tank, bring an extra fuel container in your truck and consider a smaller portable fuel jug "to go" just in case you run out of gas in the middle of nowhere.
All Systems Check T-minus Nine
A system check includes the throttle roll and ensuring all levers and controls work. Electric start work? That would suck if you got all the way out there only to not start.
Trail Etiquette
Yes, such a thing exists and dirt bike riders have not so great a reputation. Help fix that. Read Dirt Bike Trail Riding Tips.
Know Where You Go and Tell Someone
Check the weather, check trail conditions, bring a trail map and let someone know your plans and expected return time. Sites like Backcountry Discovery Tours and OnX help with locating trails and mapping your route.
Preparing for a trail ride differs little than getting ready for Motocross. Much of the bike prep remains the same and what you bring to the track for in-between Motos you need to figure out how to take on the trail ride. But other considerations exist. Like the well-traveled traveler, a seasoned rider likely has a checklist of what they want after forgetting the last time, they don't want to forget this time. Sunglasses? Cash? Bug spray? Sun block? Firearm? Bear spray? All worthy considerations.
Collectively, hardly an exhaustive list, but hopefully a good one to get you started and as you gain experience start writing down the important things for you, for next time.
