The art of mastering a dirt bike is not easy. There are plenty of safety precautions, including dirt bike maintenance you must take to make sure that your first ride won’t be your last.
Dirt Bike Safety Starts With Regular Maintenance
Your owner’s manual indicates how often you need to give maintenance service to your dirt bike to extend its life expectancy and boost its performance. Maintenance is also where your dirt bike’s safety begins. A properly cared for bike performs better and grants you a safer ride. Just a reminder, this is what dirt bike maintenance should include.
Washing and drying your bike after each ride: No exceptions for this task. All that mud and dirt get into the tiny crevices in your motorcycle to wreak havoc. If you ride in muddy areas, it's better if you let your bike dry overnight so you can remove the dried mud using a nylon brush. It might be time-consuming to wash and dry your bike, but it’s not a difficult job. All you need is a bucket of water, some brushes, and a clean towel to dry it. Pay close attention to the mud and dirt stuck in your chain drive. Once you clean your bike, lubricate the chain drive with AMSOIL’s Chain Lube.
Synthetic oil change: The constant exposure to dirt and mud make it necessary for you to change your oil more often. Some people believe that you need to change your oil every time you ride your bike, and others consider that it should be replaced every eight to ten operating hours. You better consult your owner’s manual if you’re not sure. You can get your 10W-40 Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil and other motorcycle oil options from AMSOIL’sonline store. You can also talk to an oil expert at San Pedro Synthetics if you want some recommendations before placing your order. Their number is (707) 567-7509, and they will help you get the best motorcycle oil for your dirt bike.
Refill all fluids: There are other fluids and greases other than motorcycle oil that keeps your dirt bike going. Be sure to refill the brake fluid and the coolant too. For you brakes, most bike manufacturers recommend an alcohol-based fluid.
Gear up Properly
Riding a dirt bike requires proper equipment. When driving a regular motorcycle, you can get away with simply using a helmet, but dirt bikes present more significant risks, so more protection is necessary. Regardless of your level of expertise, you should always wear a helmet. Even experts can fall or collide and hurt themselves. Your helmet must fit snuggly and meet the U.S. Department of Transportation’s standards. You’ll know that it meets the requirements if it has a DOT label on it. You should also wear some goggles to protect your eyes if your helmet doesn’t have eye protection. Mind what you wear as well, as you’ll be exposed to harsher elements. At least you should be wearing long pants and shirt, closed-toe shoes, and gloves. If possible, wear chest and shoulder pads. Make sure that your clothes are comfortable enough not to interfere with your ability to operate the
Tips to Ride Your Dirt Bike Safely
Know your bike: Your dirt bike comes with an owner’s manual for a reason. Take some time to read it so you can understand your motorcycle.
Check your bike: Make sure that everything is in working order before you go out for a ride. The tires should be correctly inflated, the brakes lubricated and functioning, the oil fresh, the gas tank full, and all the controls fully working.
Avoid the street: If you want to ride on the highway and other roads, get a regular motorcycle. Dirt bikes are designed to be ridden on dirt and rough terrain. They’re not equipped for paved roads. Avoid pavement as often as you can, unless you need to cross a road.
Take a class: No one is an expert on the first try. If you’re a newbie in the world of dirt bikes, it’s a smart idea to take a riding course. You will learn how to handle, steer, and stop your dirt bike safely. Ask your Department of Motor Vehicles or the Parks and Recreation Department if they know any available programs. You should also look into making your dirt bike legal.
Ride according to your experience: Don’t overestimate your driving abilities. If you’re new to this, don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger. Stay away from unknown terrains and conditions such as mud, rain, snow, and steep hills until you’ve gained the necessary experience.