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 it will save so much headache down the road!
Chain and Sprockets
LUBE LUBE LUBE! LUBE YOUR CHAIN! Seriously, we can’t stress this enough. Most guys are pressure washing their machines after every ride (or even worse not washing it at all) and not lubing those important spots. Chains like to be lubed. They work better while lubricated and can handle a lot more stress. This goes hand in hand with sprockets as well, a lubed chain wears less and is less hard on the sprockets. Lube the chain after every wash and every time it’s time to go back onto the track or the trails. It takes 20 seconds, just do it!
Tires
We’ve all been guilty of trying to make a tire last a little longer than we should have. Which isn’t a terrible thing, we get it, they’re expensive. Pay attention to the wear on it. If the knobbies are starting to become round it’s time to replace it!
Grips
Grips are one of the most important things on a ATV or Dirtbike. They’re the only thing that connect ride to machine. Not to mention it’s how to hold on! One key thing that happens is grips start to spin. The glue gets worn down over time and breaks loose cause them to spin. It’s a very unpleasant thing to deal with mid moto or mid-day so keep them fresh! ODI lock-on’s are a great option if you don’t feel like messing with the glue. Grips also get worn down and smooth which makes it hard to hold on. Replace them when grip starts to go away
Oil Changes
Change the oil as frequently as possible. We recommend changing the oil after every or every other ride on a motocross machine (ATV or Dirtbike). UTVs are a little bit more lenient since they hold a bit more oil, but definitely don’t listen to the 50 hour recommendation. Change the oil every 5-10 hours if it’s ridden rough. Always change the oil filter along with the oil as well. Saving a couple bucks is not worth a catastrophic failure. Also replace the crush washer for the drain plug if applicable.
