All Ask A Mechanic Content

Ask a Mechanic: Clip-on Handlebars

By: AndrewT 12 December, 2025

You ask we answer. Here's the latest in our "Ask a Mechanic" series. Q: What are clip-on handlebars? A: OK, for starters, not sure if you're talking dirt bikes or motorcycles so let me say clip-on handlebars do not have a dirt bike application....

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Ask a Mechanic: Soaking Clutch Plates

By: AndrewT 07 November, 2025

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....

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Ask a Mechanic: Bearing Lubrication Frequency

By: AndrewT 18 October, 2025

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...

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Ask a Mechanic: Coolant Change

By: AndrewT 24 September, 2025

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...

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Ask a Mechanic: Fouled Spark Plugs

By: AndrewT 05 September, 2025

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...

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Ask A Mechanic: Front Brake Power

By: AndrewT 31 August, 2025

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...

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Ask a Mechanic: False Neutral

By: AndrewT 23 August, 2025

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...

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Ask A Mechanic: Clutch Lever Tension

By: AndrewT 11 August, 2025

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...

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Ask a Mechanic: Fuel Leaking from the Carb

By: AndrewT 31 July, 2025

You ask we answer. Here's the latest in our "Ask a Mechanic" series. Q: I have just discovered fuel leaking from my 2008 Honda CRF450. It's not a lot actually, just the outside of the carb had moisture residue that turned out to be fuel so I know...

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Ask A Mechanic: Spec Tolerances

By: AndrewT 24 July, 2025

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...

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