It's no secret that motocross is a dirty sport, but it is also quite hardwearing on your bike and while maintaining it is something that is imperative to the performance of the bike, most people tend to ignore it until the bike breaks down in the middle of a race and they are left floundering in the mud while everyone else rides off into the distance. Maintaining your motocross bike is not a difficult task, it just requires some basic knowledge and regular attention before and after races and periodically during the racing season. Below are some tips for keeping your bike in pristine condition.
Before you even get on the bike, there are some obvious checks you need to do every time you go out. The first and arguably most important part is the chain. A chain that is not lubricated may seize, potentially causing a very dangerous accident, and co-currently any distorted links can also be extremely dangerous; so make sure it is in good condition and well oiled. Additionally, check the air filter and clean as necessary. You may want to replace the air filter every few months depending on how often you use the bike. Also, check every nut and bolt on the bike and every spoke on the wheels.
Before you take your motocross bike out for an intensive practice run or a scheduled event, there are some more stringent checks you need to carry out. One of the most important areas on any vehicle to check are the rotational bearings used in the swingarm, wheels and headstem assemblies. Bearings will regularly need re-packing with grease and also need to be checked for mechanical tolerances (or 'play'). If you find that a bearing feels 'loose' or there is more friction than expected, replace it immediately.
If your motocross bike has a 2-stroke engine, then you should regularly check the power valve for efficient operation. Modern power valve systems can actually be quite complicated and cleaning them in most cases will mean removing the system from the bike. When cleaning you can use any oven cleaning solution that is safe to use on aluminum, and do not use steel wool or anything that will score the surface of the valve.
Carrying out maintenance on your motocross bike is not difficult but some of the more technical jobs will require a manual to help you take everything apart and put everything back together in the right order. You should also remember to change the engine and gearbox oil regularly though it depends on how much you use the bike. Engine oil should be changed at least after every 10-12 hours of use, though if you use your bike regularly, change it more often.
Before you even get on the bike, there are some obvious checks you need to do every time you go out. The first and arguably most important part is the chain. A chain that is not lubricated may seize, potentially causing a very dangerous accident, and co-currently any distorted links can also be extremely dangerous; so make sure it is in good condition and well oiled. Additionally, check the air filter and clean as necessary. You may want to replace the air filter every few months depending on how often you use the bike. Also, check every nut and bolt on the bike and every spoke on the wheels.
Before you take your motocross bike out for an intensive practice run or a scheduled event, there are some more stringent checks you need to carry out. One of the most important areas on any vehicle to check are the rotational bearings used in the swingarm, wheels and headstem assemblies. Bearings will regularly need re-packing with grease and also need to be checked for mechanical tolerances (or 'play'). If you find that a bearing feels 'loose' or there is more friction than expected, replace it immediately.
If your motocross bike has a 2-stroke engine, then you should regularly check the power valve for efficient operation. Modern power valve systems can actually be quite complicated and cleaning them in most cases will mean removing the system from the bike. When cleaning you can use any oven cleaning solution that is safe to use on aluminum, and do not use steel wool or anything that will score the surface of the valve.
Carrying out maintenance on your motocross bike is not difficult but some of the more technical jobs will require a manual to help you take everything apart and put everything back together in the right order. You should also remember to change the engine and gearbox oil regularly though it depends on how much you use the bike. Engine oil should be changed at least after every 10-12 hours of use, though if you use your bike regularly, change it more often.
