Maintenance/Service

Picking The Right Oil

One of the most common questions we hear is “what weight oil should I use in my machine”? While this question is best answered by the Owner’s Manual, other variables like Climate, Engine Age, and Type of Use also play part in choosing which oil is best for your machine.

 

What is Oil Viscosity?

Understanding viscosity is the first step in choosing the right oil for your machine. Viscosity refers to a fluid’s resistance to flow. In simpler terms, it describes how thick or thin a liquid is—thicker oils flow more slowly, while thinner oils flow more easily.

Viscosity Measurements

There are two types of oil viscosity grades.

How do I maintain my Dirtbike or ATV?

Items we see break a lot with Dirtbikes, ATVs, UTVs, and anything Powersports is standard maintenance items! A lot of things that should be maintained, greased, or adjust regularly are ignored and cause big problems later down the road! Here is a basic list brought to from us at www.ThePartShed.com. Check out our PARTS FINDER to get any of the items mentioned below or anything else you may need! 

 

Wheel Bearings

Wheel bearings are probably the most neglected wear item of any machine. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen bearings that are just completely shot on a wheel (especially dirtbike) simply because they weren’t maintained. This is one of the easiest things that can be done on a bike. After every ride pull the wheels of the machine and grease the bearings and axels. It may take an extra 15 minutes, but if it’s added to the standard maintenance routine

What Rear Tire Size Should Be On My Dirtbike?

 

The most common misconception with dirtbike tires is “bigger is better”. While that may be true with other things, dirtbike tires are not the case. Rear tire size is one of the most important things you can choose on your bike for a solid weekend. Here is just a few helpful hints from us here at The Part Shed. 

 

• Rear tire size is debatable through all sizes. Big bikes (125, 250, and 450) have a few different sizes you can use. Standard sizes are as follows:

125) 100/90-19

250) 110/90-19

450) 120/90-19

The first number describes width of the tire, the second describes height, and the third describes when diameter. Here are some diagrams to better explain. 

 

                        

5 Tips Before Riding This October

 

It's finally that time of year, fall! If you're like us and you're from the south you know exactly what I mean. During the summer months it is almost too hot to ride your Motorcycle, Atv, Dirtbike, or Side by Side. Now that it is October the cooler weather is finally here and it's time to ride! Also, if you're like us, your machines have been sitting in the garage all summer waiting for this moment. It's a good idea to give them a once over and a service before putting them to the test. Here are a few points and things I recommend doing before pulling them out.

1) Check tire pressures

It's one of the more overlooked things when servicing your Atv, Dirtbike, Side by Side, or Motorcycle but it is one of the most important things you can do. Improper tire pressures can cause a slew of issues. Uneven tire ware, handlebars tweaked, hard or heavy turning, less performance, and if severely low you can damage you wheel or rim! You can check the side of your tires