Are you a road bike rider looking to try a dirt bike? Are you about to buy your first dirt bike and want to know what you’re getting yourself into? This article can help.
It can be easy for a road bike rider to simply think that they can easily ride a dirt bike. And while the basics are the same, there are a few key differences which are worth keeping in mind to stay safe and enjoy your adventures to the fullest.
Looking to Try out a Dirt Bike?
To help you get started with a dirt bike and to give you a bit of an idea of what you’re in for, Ed Welliver has put together the following post.
Dirt Bike Doesn’t Equal Gadget
It’s become human nature to simply disregard any instructions now. And why not? With cell phones and gadgets being so easy to use, many people can simply learn how to use them without the need for paperwork.
However, the same can’t be said for dirt bikes. Why? Because they aren’t gadgets! For this reason, set aside a bit of time with some coffee and give the owner’s manual a read. Not only will it tell you how to operate the bike but it can also help you with any specific maintenance which will be required.
On the Subject of Maintenance
Unlike a road bike, a dirt bike needs much more maintenance because it is put through tougher conditions during each ride. For example:
You can expect to clean or replace the air filter of a dirt bike after every one or two rides. Why? Because unlike road bike riding where there isn’t much coming off the asphalt, when you’re riding around on dirt paths and through mud, you can bet that the air intake is going to get clogged, resulting in an engine which can’t perform as it should.
Chains and Levers are also going to need more attention, given that they are often exposed on a dirt bike. As you can imagine, all of the mud and dirt which doesn’t make its way into your air filter is going to try its best to get stuck in your chain and levers.
Of course, just like all bike maintenance checklists, it’s important to finish up with a solid wash and dry. During your wash, however, pay attention to any places where rocks and debris can become lodged. If left unchecked, these items can lead to damage such as corrosion.
Click here to buy 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil and keep your dirt bike in good shape. To find out more about the benefits of giving your bike a synthetic oil change, speak with experts who know just how important the task is. Call Oils RGV today at (956) 458-9399 and ask about the right products for your bike, whether it’s a dirt bike or a road bike, and trust in their advice to get you the right high-quality AMSOIL product for your needs.
Staying Protected
Don’t worry - you don’t need to go and buy a whole new range of protective gear. However, there are a few items you may need to pick up and others which you will need to make sure are up to the task.
Goggles are likely something which you don’t use on the road, but you can bet that they are necessary when riding around a dirt bike track. This is simply because any of the dust, dirt, and mud which didn’t make its way to your air intake or into your chain and lever is going to be splashed up on to your face.
It’s great that you wear gloves while riding on the road but be sure that they allow you the right amount of reach to get to dirt bike levers. Given the nature of dirt bike riding, you’re going to be using your levers much more often, so be sure you can stay safe and reach them all comfortably.
Lastly, your body protection is essential. The gear you have is likely up to the task of protecting you, but make sure that it allows for the level of maneuverability that dirt bike riding demands. For example, you’re going to spending a lot of time standing on your pegs and leaning from side to side, so be sure that your current protective gear allows for it.
Last, but Not Least, Is Your Take Off
When it comes to road riding, the road gives you pretty good traction, meaning that you can take off pretty quickly without much trouble. However, if you try this on a dirt track you can bet that you’re just going to spin your wheel and likely fall sidewards. Instead, before you move, look down and give some consideration to the type of terrain you’re starting off from and adjust your throttle accordingly. Once you’ve become accustomed to it, it’ll get much easier and you can start to take off faster.
Every Engine Can Benefit from a Synthetic Oil Change in Mission, TX
A dirt bike, a road bike, even the truck which tows them to the track, every engine needs maintenance such as a synthetic oil change in Mission, TX. To find out more or to learn about which products can help improve the performance of your engines, speak withOils RGV at (956) 458-9399 and chat with an expert on the topic.