Off-Road Motorcycle Maintenance

As fun as it is to hit the trails with your off-road motorcycle, or even to race with it, a broken bike can kill the fun of an afternoon pretty quickly. Rather than crossing your fingers and waiting for something to go wrong, try getting in front of the problem by performing regular maintenance on your machine. You can do this before or after every ride or give it a few extra days, but make sure you’re at least covering what we list below often enough that you’ll spot potential problems before they blow up in your face. If you spot a maintenance issue that will need to be looked at by a professional, schedule a service appointment with the professional staff at Langston Motorsports in Temecula, California. We proudly serve Riverside, San Bernardino, inland Empire, and Orange County.

Chains

The only way the power from your engine is going to reach your tires is if your chains are properly cared for. Make sure they’re clean and free of debilitating dirt and debris. Then take some time to lubricate them using an appropriate lubricant. You’ll also want to test the chains to make sure there’s the right amount of slack: not too much, but not too tight.

Tires

Even as thin as they are, leaving your tires to wear down and fluctuate in pressure over time can lead to a dangerous pop or sudden flat on the trail. Take some time to check the air pressure fairly regularly, especially if you travel to drastically different altitudes to do your riding. You’ll probably find a number of different psi recommendations online, but the best option is to check with your tire manufacturer’s standards. Keep in mind, there might be different psi level suggestions for muddy and dry riding conditions.

While you’re checking the tire pressure, take a look at the treads. A damaged tire is a dangerous tire, so if it looks like you might have gashes or penetrating debris, you’ll want to get the tire replaced before you use it again. Also, if you notice any excessive or unusual wear, you’ll probably want to consult a professional to see if it’s time to switch out your tires.

Fluids

Whether you’re looking at brake fluid, oil, fuel, or any other number of fluids that run your bike, you’ll want to make sure they’re topped off and fresh. Most manufacturers should provide recommendations on how often you should change these fluids, like your oil, so consult any manuals you may have for assistance.

Air Filter

Your air filter is an essential part of quality performance and a functional engine. If you don’t change it fairly regularly, you run the risk of running into more serious, costly damage. You won’t necessarily need to replace it, just use a spray-on air filter cleaner or use a simple household cleaner. Don’t forget to coat it with air filter oil once it’s dry.

Washing and Final Checks

After each ride, especially if you prefer muddier terrain, you’ll want to make sure you’re giving your dirt bike a thorough cleaning. Grime and dirt that settle in your bike’s parts can damage them if they’re not taken care of. As you’re washing and drying your bike, pay attention to the machine overall. Look for unusual damage, loose bolts, or anything else that might need to be addressed before you can head out again.

This should help keep your dirt bike running for a long, long time. Still need a dirt bike that you can take care of? Stop by Langston Motorsports and let our experienced staff know what you’re looking for so we can give you top notch options. We’re in Temecula, California, near Riverside, San Bernardino, Inland Empire, and Orange County.