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OUR BLOG

12/13/2017
Riding a dirt bike is no easy feat, it takes time and effort to master the art. You need to take all the safety precautions you possibly can to ensure your first time won’t be the last.

Stay Safe On Your Dirt Bike

Driving in the dirt can feel amazing, but it can soon turn into a life-threatening situation if you’re not careful and prepared. Avoid making some of the typical mistakes dirt bike beginners make by preparing and staying safe. Learn about your state’s dirt bike regulations. You might be required to take a class. Meanwhile, here are some things you need to consider to stay safe and enjoy the freedom of dirt bike riding.

 Maintenance is Critical to Your Safety

Regular dirt bike maintenance it’s not only meant to extend its life expectancy and boost its performance, but it’s also meant to keep you safe. A properly maintained bike performs better and grants you a safer ride. Necessary dirt bike maintenance includes:
  • Washing and drying your bike every time you ride: Mud and dirt can get into little crevices and wreck havoc. If your bike is muddy, let it dry overnight so you can easily remove the dry mud with a nylon brush. Washing your bike is not tough work, might be a bit time-consuming, but you just need a bucket of water, some brushes, and something to dry it. Don’t forget to thoroughly remove any mud or dirt from your bike’s chain drive. After cleaning it off, you should lubricate it using AMSOIL’s Chain Lube.
  • Change your oil: You must change your dirt bike oil often because of the constant exposure to dirt and mud. Some people believe you need to change your dirt bike’s oil every ride, and others think that you should do it every eight to ten operating hours. If you’re not sure, check your owner’s manual. AMSOIL’s 10W-40 Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil can be a good option for your four-stroke dirt bike, but you should explore their online store to learn about your dirt bike oil options. If you’d prefer to receive some more personalized recommendations, call North American Wholesale at (866) 580-1008, you’ll get the help you need in choosing the best dirt bike oil, and you can easily make your purchase in
  • Check the other fluids: A synthetic oil change isn’t the only thing your dirt bike needs to keep on going, you need to change the brake fluid and the coolant levels as well. Most bike manufacturers recommend that you get an alcohol-based fluid for your brakes. As for the coolant, you only need to worry about flushing and replacing it once a year.

Use the Right Gear

You can’t just up and decide to drive your dirt bike without gearing up. Dirt bikes offer a different kind of freedom than regular motorcycles do, but they also provide more risks. You should always wear a helmet to protect your head, no matter what your level of expertise is. Anyone can fall or collide, even experts. Your helmet must fit snugly. It also needs to meet the U.S. Department of Transportation standards. It should have a DOT label on it.  If your helmet doesn’t have eye protection, get some goggles. You’ll also be exposed to harsher elements, so you need to wear the right clothing. At the very least, you should be wearing long pants and shirt, closed- toed shoes, and gloves. Even better, wear shoulder and chest pads. Be sure that your clothes are comfortable enough not to interfere with operating your bike.

Driving Tips

  • Watch your body position: Finding the correct body position while riding a dirt bike takes a while to nail down. You don’t just stand or sit, you need to find the right way to grip your knees, place your legs and arms, and adjust your back posture. If you’re into tackling a variety of off-road obstacles, you have to be constantly standing. The right standing position should be like this: use your knees to get a better grip of the gas tank and more control, crouch over the handlebars (don’t lean straight-up or back), center your feet on the foot pegs until you find the most comfortable location, and lean forward keeping your arms and elbow away from your body.
  • Avoid the streets: If you want to be driving on regular roads, get a normal motorcycle. Dirt bikes are meant to be ridden on rough terrain and dirt. They’re not safely equipped for paved roads and highways. Avoid these places as often as you can.
  • Ride according to your experience: Be real to yourself, if you’re still an amateur don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger. Avoid unknown terrains and conditions such as mud, rain, snow, or steep hills until you’ve gained enough experience.
  • Take a class: Look for a dirt bike driving course that will teach you how to handle, steer, and stop your bike safely. There’s no shame in taking a class! Ask your Department of Motor Vehicles or the Parks and Recreation Department if they know any available programs.

Change Your Dirt Bike’s Oil

After you’ve decided how often you should change your bike’s oil, be sure to use only the best dirt bike oil available. Give synthetic oil a try. It’s even better than conventional oil.  You can simply visit AMSOIL’s online store and explore their dirt bike line, or call North American Wholesale at  (866) 580-1008  and place your order. ;