13 Best Post Dirt Bike Ride Maintenance Tasks

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I wanted to do a video talking about all the post ride maintenance that I do. In preparation for this video, I also reached out to several great riders and dirt bike mechanics to make sure I wasn’t overlooking something.
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[@nolanfreeland2168]

I felt like I was taking good care of my bike until I watched this video 😂😂

[@KABOOMRACING]

After washing, I always bust out my leaf blower for drying! I believe it works better than compressed air.

[@stevenllewellyn8906]

Me too. Same with after washing the truck. People drive by looking like I’m a weirdo

[@P00P_]

I do that with my br600😂😂

[@joshuagarcia9726]

Never thought of that!!!! Thanks for the advice🤙🏽

[@LouieGonzalezGolf]

Good idea, I almost bought a air compressor 😂

[@zzpprime9624]

Appreciate the tip 💪

[@2vino2]

I used to ride growing up then stopped when I joined the military... I would love to get back into riding! Your videos have motivated me into getting another bike! Thank you for all you do keep up the hard work

[@Lyokofn]

You ever buy a bike

[@SSYoung125]

Yeah I've been on 4 rides with different groups where simple bike maintenance would have prevented a really crappy day. Chain tension, chain condition, Tire condition, loose water pump bolts, all preventable

[@hellboundracing9420]

Great list !!!!!!! Only thing I would add is check spokes especially on the ktms,keep the great content coming,love these service videos

[@OldManEnduro]

Here's a hack. Use a leaf blower to dry your bike for the majority, compressed air to finish it off in the tight spots. Also, as others have said, check spokes every few rides. Get a spoke torque wrench and it takes five minutes a wheel.

[@themicdfiles1865]

Great info, Kyle. Going through the bikes today and now I realize how much more I should be doing after a ride.

[@brapbrapmafucka]

The clutch lever pivot bolt is a good one to give a shot of brake clean, and some fresh grease

[@shoefly757]

Spent about $900 on parts to re do my 250 from the ground up. Glad I could help the channel out in a way

[@zekeisme1]

these tips will save you so much time in the long run. thanks for sharing them. how do u maintain for seals? or do i?

[@paulvanhout9695]

I remove the seat and air filter prior to washing. An air box cover keeps water out of the motor as long as you don’t directly spray with the hose or pressure washer. Air compressor to blow down the bike after washing is a good tip.

[@wj286]

Kyle, dude thank you so much for the super fast shipping!!!!

[@VlogEpicness]

Those are all really great tips. I’ve also recently started using a leaf blower to dry my bikes. It’s great for getting water off the chain and brake calipers.

[@joeybishop7604]

Don’t forget to check the spokes

[@nuthintoprove]

Sprocket bolts need to be checked, it’s a favorite to overlook. I can recall times riding with friends that lost one or two on a ride.

[@rudipieters3193]

Nice enjoyed that now you need to do that save vid with the 300 vs 350 ride but compare the 250 2t vs 250 fx

[@lorenzogioia4546]

@dirtbikechannel just FYI WD-40 is bad for anything with a seal, when it dries WD-40 has a tendency to remove all moisture along with it… I’d recommend a marine grade version such as 6-56

[@petecarrillo8311]

Good info brotherson! Also, it looks like that rear tire is directional and you have it on backwards:) If it's the IRC Gekota you def have it on backwards. Just an FYI so you can get more traction!

[@stuarthipkins8336]

Thankyou..funny i just asked my dealer about bleeding frt fork..dont forget spokes..

[@Tye264]

Wd40 is a solvent and breaks down the o-rings in the chain. Most manufactures recommend painting on gear oil.

[@geoffgraham6449]

Tynan yes absolutely agree, wd40 is the worst thing to use on an o ring chain, not good for the o rings!

[@mcool4587]

thats what I have heard too.

[@lukedvisscher4676]

Great tips just remember to clean the fork seals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@youngman7655]

Lmao one thing I never did

[@Buck762]

Excellent advice all around

[@valtteri315]

You really should get a 2020 Tm Racing bike for test, they are great bikes and they even offer 125 fuel injected 2 stroke and 300 two stroke with Fi, balance shaft and electric/kick start!

[@uvuvwevwevweonyetenyevweug7776]

I dry the plastics with my hands, but i also let the engine run for like 5 minutes instead of blow drying it. I think this is better drying it this way because of the all the bearings. You don’t blow water the water in the bearings that way, but that’s just my opinion. And i also hope that one day it is able to ship the bikes to Europe lol.

[@King_Ty98]

This is horrible if you get the air filter wet when cleaning

[@uvuvwevwevweonyetenyevweug7776]

@@King_Ty98 I put a hood on the airbox (if that what it’s called)

[@skyyy5150]

Funny you mentioned radiator fluid... Last ride I had my bike idling while I was gearing up when it started boiling over. Had to spend $20 because I was not going to drive the hour and a half back home. Check your bikes people!

[@joeygioncardi5062]

Love you videos, helped me buy a used bike. I used to race big back in the day. Getting back on ill be making videos soon youll have to check It out. But thank you for all your help

[@HYDETREEWORKS]

Use gear oil on chain and an old toothbrush to apply. Then wipe off excess. Its super cheap way cheaper than buying chain lube. But your out west i rode in AZ a lot and no matter what u put on it the dust sticks.

[@AndrewBoundy]

Another good vid. Perhaps put these lists for download on you website on PDF for us (and if you want to serve us some ads while you're at it, we'll understand ;-)

[@jjjjjjjjrifufjssjosskenf]

Worse thing for your bike is to pressure wash it. If I’m not doing maintenance between rides, I just wash it by hand, just like a car, dry it with compressed air and ride around for about 2 minutes after. Any more than that is a waste of time because your bike will get dirty within 2 minutes of your next ride.

[@chrispike9132]

Hey Kyle what was that you used to drain oil from the side oil drain plug something you made or purchased.. G'day from AUS :-)

[@dustyrock1]

👍😎 Almost 200k !👏

[@Aspired329]

The O, X or Z rings in a sealed chain need lube also so not just rust prevention but yeah they are sealing in the factory grease so not lubing the pins. WD40 has a lot of uses but for me not chain lube though plenty use that method. I need to ask Project Farm to do a chain lube video! I know on my SuperMoto and Enduro the sealed chain will start making awful noise when needs lube, lube those seals up and back to normal chain noise. Offroad doubt would ever here it as the chains mostly just coated with mud and junk and never run that many miles before lube anyways plus the exhaust is louder and your in pure concentration mode pretty much all the time.

[@joeylacoy1315]

Adams polishes for the win!!!!!

[@twelthmanfan]

Can you do a video and talk about what your thoughts are on Recluse automatic clutches, also what do you use for gps tracking. Thanks

[@mcool4587]

I love my Rekluse!! Its a game changer.

[@RCoperator]

Great video!

[@stuarthipkins8336]

After washing its best to go for short ride..use the brakes..to dry them out..n water washes away with ride

[@116rides]

Yeah... Not checking my coolant level just cost me $200 in a top end rebuild. Super important 😂

[@australianendurorider4878]

Hey mate if I payed for postage on top would you send a hat and a shirt to Australia?

[@alpaca7886]

I'm not a fan of pressure washing. You can force water into places it shouldn't be. I filled a transmission with water because of a bad seal. I was told to never use on or near an O ring style chain, water can easily get inside and rust the chain from the inside out.

[@radubo]

Hi, why super clean air filter for 4 stroke and preety clean for 2 stroke?

[@AGVenge]

I want to start riding again as an adult. How do i learn how to repair and maintain a dirt bike?

[@goatyachty1762]

Hey guys I need advice! I want to make this short and simple. I got into dirtbiking all by myself and couldn't get a bike of my own till now because we never had money as a kid. I really want to learn the ins and outs of how to work on a dirtbike engine and everything that's inside it. I want to learn the parts and all the names. I'm having a hard time even finding like a map guide of all the parts and names and what is what. Does anyone have any recommendations or links they can share with me? I would greatly appreciate it!

[@charlesmckenna6164]

I would add check spokes.

[@paulcomrie9534]

hey is it possible to clean the bike by removing the seat and tank? i hate how all the wires and engine parts get so dirty - bad for oil changes or valve clearance. can you tell me if there's a safe way to do this?

[@MXUnion]

Nice vid!

[@benenglish1707]

PLease do more rides with your kids

[@MrZaneDuraes]

Yeah, so I been riding my KDX for years and years now and have managed to try do some work on it once dumping in a substantial amount of cash. I did the clutch basket, new clutch (racing), some new and customized plastics and so on as well as re nickeling the shaft and new piston and rod I wanted a new bike and was looking at the KTM 300 but it came to nearly 3-4 times what I spent working on mine and it wasnt even new That’s he problem with having a passion for something on a budget, we make it work any way possible I hope I’ll be able to afford a newer bike soon or at least a new model even if second hand

[@nonya1009]

I have a Ktm 300 xcw from 2004 I'll let it go for 3 grand.

[@DatGloriaVires]

I went out and just picked up a 2018 yz250 in excellent condition for $7500 AUD. You can probably even do better than that but if you buy a motocrosser factor in rec reg kit and registration as well.

[@stuarthipkins8336]

S1 works well on plastic n rubber

[@zaneelliott7538]

I got a 2003 crf450r and do i need to put air filter oil/grease on the air filter?

[@philippbeckmann4378]

Why should the air filter on a 4 stroke be cleaner than on a 2 stroke?

[@owenusher]

Hey, my name is Owen and I own a 2009 Honda crf250r. I am having issues when my bike is hot starting. I’ve been told that it might be the valve shims but they are in spec. I re jetted the bike to make it run better but have no luck. When I start it it will either run good, or won’t want to idle and be hard to start. When I let it sit and cool down for a bit it starts well. My spark plug has plenty spark. Do you know what may be wrong with my bike?

[@craigchase5381]

Fork seal clean with a proper fork seal cleaning tool

[@womp195]

Or just put it away dirty and wet, then the night before your go on a ride find out you got to put a new top end in (steal jug and piston off of a another bike) and get 2 hours of sleep then hit the road and go riding.

[@ragoff]

After wash Im exhausted from riding all day. Beer 30. Start the next day

[@hung1396]

How often do you change your tires?

[@nickg5275]

Wait so you don’t Lube your chain with those sticky lubes. I’m very new to biking and I’m not sure what’s right or wrong. I’ve heard very few people say they use wd-40. Please help

[@itsyourdaddy6646]

Hello, what problems have the KTM XCW 250 2020?

[@samtoshner8002]

I always say the best crash protection is fresh tires

[@talanking1895]

But I lube my o ring chain because I don’t want to ruin the teeth on my back sprocket I went threw a sprocket in 4 weeks from like 3 races a week

[@tom97zr2]

Check the masterlink and rim lock every ride!

[@oakmister11]

SPOKES

[@ionGuy123456789]

How does bleeding the fork on the ktm air forks work? Do they have a normal bleed valve like everything else?

[@kevinrowe3272]

Just unscrew a torx head screw at the top of the right fork.

[@cookingchickenugget6924]

losing bolts is so frustrating

[@LuisHernandez-vk3cq]

I was going to take my bike to the car wash but ok I’m going to clean it by hand😂

[@palfrydenlund6014]

Why do you think airfilter in a 4stroke is more important to keep crisp clear than in a 2stroke? On a 2stroke all the air/fuel mixture pass through the crankcase/bearings but on a 4stroke air flows straight to the intakte Valve. What am i missing?

[@itsyourfinancialplan]

$1200 vs. $200

[@mlakarx2931]

Best bolt kit for ktm's???

[@jettrodgers3117]

what if my bike has more than 100 hrs on it

[@johndouglass800]

I'm very religious about keeping my chain clean and lubed. I also run an o- ring chain. should I not be using chain lube? I don't notice it catching more dirt when it has fresh lube on it....

[@DirtBikeChannel]

John Douglass no reason to use sticky chain lube on o ring chains. Just attracts dirt IMO.

[@wesleyhubbard8944]

The best thing to do, put new tires or your bike. It has to be one ove the hardest things

[@Chase_01]

I got a 15 yo dirt bike I’ve only washed of with a garden hose all it’s life

[@keithh7483]

You should have a dual sport on the channel for something different. Seems like the same bikes over and over sometimes.

[@shoefly757]

I mean, the beta is actually a dual sport, just more sport than street lol.

[@Pedros93]

When he dropped that rear fender, my soul got hurt :(

[@alexthemtbr]

I feel like you think 100 hours is a lot of hours... my 2017 must be a grandpa 😂

[@DiDoSvK]

100 hours is nothing.I have 2018 bike with 300 hours.150 hours per year.

[@wj286]

@@DiDoSvK Try a 2004 ktm525 mxc all season long!

[@RichLaffertyRacing]

I have 300 on my 2019 250xcf...just rebuilt top end at 220...change oil and maintain air filter..and she good..what can I say Every Sunday and 2-3 times a week...more lately with China flu..be safe all.

[@RichLaffertyRacing]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qorOk4N4i81roKc

[@mixalis6168]

@@DiDoSvK A mate has around 200 and his KTM 350 is around a year old..

[@matejkersic]

I wash my bike when I need it to be clean for service or when mud adds significant weight to it and doesn t fall off the bike by itself :) If the bike is not exposed to water too often, especially under pressure, is better IMO. And I prefer to use all that time for riding :) What do you think? Is it really necessary to wash the bike after every ride? Tnx

[@marianocanalesescuela7950]

I do like washing my bike after everyride, because that way I can see if there is a missing bolt or if something isn't right and it is easier to work on a clean bike. Just my opinion 🤙🏻

[@DiDoSvK]

Exactly Matej 👍

[@ride4funnomg103]

I like to ride for 2hr then spend 4 hr cleaning and servicing. Every ride costs so much money.

[@robbiemcgowan3670]

If I paid for shipping could I enter the competition I’m from Zimbabwe

[@angusloughor-clarke386]

Robbie McGowan Zimbabwe same except I’m from South Africa

[@tysonfulford9864]

Hey I have a 2012 ktm 150 xc I'm 13 years old and I want to know if my bike has enough power so I could ride it into my adult hood do you think you could do a review

[@derekd4349]

That is a fantastic motorcycle no matter your age. Great for developing and mastering ones motorcycle skills. Use that tool to your advantage and stay safe!

[@tysonfulford9864]

Thanks

[@lucadevera5523]

Hey Kyle, I'm 13 yrs. old, 5'8" and 162lbs and have been riding a Crf125fb for the past 3 years and definitely need a new bike. I'm looking at a Yz125x, do you think this would be a good choice for me?

[@derekd4349]

A 125x, or one of the 150's would be great. Make sure you have mastered your current bike before jumping up. Cheers.

[@liamhunger8867]

You wont regret the 125xcw

[@lucadevera5523]

Thanks!

[@zachstyles2365]

I have an old dirt bike so I'll just run it until I can do a full rebuild.

[@shoefly757]

I'd still recommend greasing wheel, linkage, swingarm, and steering bearings. If any of these go dry and crumble, it makes junk of the surrounding parts as well.

[@Dell_xD]

Looks like I need to do better😓

[@leonbutler1721]

One minute gang

[@stoned_snake8763]

If some one from new zealand won a bike would u still send it out?

[@junerfifi9713]

This dude rides for an hour and is maintaining for 3

[@Aspired329]

Your ride a hour or 12, maintenance is the same.

[@Bubbleuprubberdown]

Doesn’t WD-40 break down the O-rings?

[@shoefly757]

In a way, almost everything breaks down o-rings depending on the the type (butelene, nitrile, oil impregnated, etc) but for the most part the wd40 will be washed off of your chain before it has a chance to swell and soften the rubber. But you're not wrong! Chain wax use to be a solid product but has declined in the last 10 years. I use Klotz chain oil if I'm not riding for a couple days or couple months. VERY sticky and stringy. I would not recommend in the desert where a dry chain may be more beneficial than a well lubricated one.

[@mcool4587]

I have researched it and most claim it does degrade rubber. However, WD-40 says it is safe but why take the chance?

[@stuarthipkins8336]

No..see ari henning on that..

[@stuarthipkins8336]

Wd40 was developed as a water displcement solution.

[@cucumberlumber1463]

MC garage tested this theory and found it doesnt break them down at all. Ive only used WD40 for chain lube for the last 20 years and its all you need

[@kmoney4648]

Damn I’m 4 months late for the free bike 😔

[@mcool4587]

There is a debate on whether WD-40 degrades rubber. WD-40 claims its safe on rubber, others claim it degrades rubber. Therefore, I would not use it on your rubber O ring chain. Do your own research, at the request of my mechanic, I will not use it on any rubber parts.

[@henrydando]

insurance company: sorry but unless your doing a complete rebuild every time you ride, you can't claim insurance

[@joelohr1723]

FIRST COMMENT?

[@RantzBizGroup]

WD40 pulls moisiture in...