New Or Used Dirt Bike Setup Tips BEFORE YOU RIDE

[@danpluso]

1. 2:15 Ensure air filter is well oiled 2. 2:38 Ensure the clickers are properly set 3. 3:14 Set suspension sag 4. 3:38 Adjust your levers 5. 4:18 Adjust head bearing tension 6. 5:14 Check and adjust your chain tension 7. 5:35 Torque your spokes 8. 6:02 Torque triple clamp bolts 9. 6:32 Run in the brakes 10. 7:17 Align forks 11. 8:05 Adjust handle bars 12. 8:55 Remove steering stop bolts if desired

[@codnstuffgaming5755]

Thank you for your sacrifice🙏🙏

[@Blue-rh2mb]

Ur a legend

[@cameronsaint116]

Love you. No homo

[@letsrideyt384]

Bloody legend

[@conradwoodiwiss7936]

Torque wheels

[@JunkyardDigs]

Oh god I'm all stressed out about my 15 year old bike now😂

[@scottiemanners]

only 15? She's good, mine are almost 20, yeah I need to do an overhaul on both

[@cottonhill35]

Mines 18 lol

[@JDPredatorHunting]

Oh yeah I have a 32 year old 1988 xr 80 r

[@user-sp8eb6iz7f]

The Honda crf450 from years 05-08 are better then 09-16.

[@calebgann5064]

Jaxs Lawn Care I have to old xr80’s I have a 1983 and 1986 and they are in pretty nice condition

[@jasoncaribou9530]

Me too , just sweating now, great stuff and excellent video, heading out to the shop for more checks and greasing all electronic plugs and forks set up, This is one excellent video thanks again, ❤Canada

[@kentuckyjustice1408]

When doing a video like this, it's for sure that someone will inevitably say "you missed this", "I never do that" or "I've been riding the same bike since the Kennedy administration and I've never done that." I thought this was a solid video with some really good advice, and I appreciate the links (below). "Thumbs up" from this Kentucky boy.

[@DC8223]

Agreed! In fact, I saved this video just as an added aid, sorta like a cheat sheet so i don't overlook anything when the time came to purchase a new bike... well, last night I came home with my first KTM, and am spending this morning going over everything on it, using this as a check list so I don't forget anything. 🤙

[@kentuckyjustice1408]

@@DC8223 That's awesome. Congratulations on your KTM purchase. Ride hard, ride safe and ride often, bro.

[@DC8223]

@@kentuckyjustice1408 thanks! Did some break-in riding today in intervals; managed to put about 2.5 hours on it... side note, this thing is enormous compared to the early 90's 250 2 strokes I use to ride. I see a lowering kit in the near future lol

[@kentuckyjustice1408]

@@DC8223 Ha... me as well. 30" inseam here.

[@jedielder7970]

I raced with my brother for 10+ years and the stuff you mentioned is right on. We didn't have a spoke torque wrench, which is trick, btw... so I would put the bikes on their stands and take a regular wrench and "ping" each spoke. They usually make a nice, uniform, high-pitch sound. If any had a low, dead sound to them, I would tighten them up, and vice versa (a spoke can be too tight). But your method is better. For the front axel, we would leave the bikes on their stands, losen bolds, spin the front wheel (fast) and stab the front brake. We would do that a few times, and re-tighten the bolts, while the front brake was still applied. That made sure the front wheel was aligned properly, and the caliper/pads were not dragging on the rotor. I'm so happy that your are encouraging people not to be scared (they should always be respectful and diligent) and go for it, no matter how old they are. I'm older know, have a wife and two kids... and I have the itch to go riding again. Keep the rubber side down.

[@BijahD]

With all due respect to Kyle, he shouldn't talk about things he's not fully informed on....you can NOT just willy nilly tighten or 'torque' wire wheels like that. When you build a wire wheel, you apply an initial torque to the spokes then the wheel has to be 'trued'. Some spokes have to be loosened while others have to be tightened to make the wheel true and straight. Why does he think for a minute that spokes on brand new wheels would need tightening or adjusting from the factory? That shows a real lack of command over fundamental mechanical knowledge and experience. Again, he should avoid topics he doesn't understand entirely. I've seen him do this from time to time and it's a bit disheartening....

[@TheMadMagician87]

​@@BijahD To the contrary, you true the wheel and then torque all spokes in a pattern, with the exact pattern/sequence you use depending on the spoke count. You go about a quarter turn at a time on any given spoke nipple and just keep going through the pattern until everything is torqued. This might introduce a tiny amount of lateral run out, but it's far better than aiming for perfectly true with some overtightened spokes and other very loose ones. Uniform spoke tension is what provides the structural strength of a spoked wheel. Dirt bike wheels aren't built to (nor require) particularly precise run out levels (generally 1.5-2mm). After the first two or three decent rides, everything settles. You true it again (if needed), torque again, and from there on out it's just regular maintenance, they don't tend to loosen a lot, but that's subject to a whole bunch of rider and riding variables.

[@BijahD]

@@TheMadMagician87 I agree with you - my general point is/was is that building a spoke wheel is not arbitrary. It's been many years since I've built them but I used to build them from piece parts on vintage Ferraris. What I remember doing is what I said. It was initial assembly then a process of tightening and truing (yes and sometimes loosening/re-tightening on vintage road wheels) to arrive at and acceptable wheel.

[@TheMadMagician87]

@@BijahD yep, fair enough. You are right in that it's definitely a bit more than just going through and arbitrarily tightening each spoke and then the next one after another, as that can definitely throw the whole show out of whack.

[@dontbethatguy1986]

I’ve literally never adjusted/tightened the spokes...hope they’re still there! Lol

[@ParaMoto910]

Timothy Hibler please do one of my friends had front tire pop off because 2 spokes fell off while riding 9 miles away from any town

[@BijahD]

Guys - You can't do what Kyle says in this video. I don't know where he gets his information from but he shouldn't discuss topics like wire wheel spoke torque, etc. without knowing exactly what he's talking about first. You can't just torque all spokes to the same value on a wire wheel! That's NOT how wire wheels work! Wonder why some spokes are not as tight as others on BRAND NEW BIKES??? It's because whoever built the wheels took time to adjust each spoke to where the wheel is 'true' and straight!! I'm amazed at the amount of disinformation out here.

[@albertcampos959]

@@BijahD hmmmm...u make sense.

[@Gregg0112]

@@BijahDSo true. Just like a bicycle wheel. Crank those spokes tight all around and your riding on potato chips

[@BijahD]

@@Gregg0112 'potato chips'🤣🤣👍👍🤘

[@nicolaasduplessis8425]

Winning this bike would probably come close to being the greatest event in my life so far.🤣

[@adammilan6434]

I'm very late but I've never won anything with any value so idk what I'd do honestly lol..

[@bradymcphail9690]

Thank you for all of your invaluable information and assistance friend. I road dirt bikes hard 35-38 years ago, but life got in the way. Now life is getting too short to woulda shoulda! At 56 I'm going to start riding dual sport, more dirt. I've always been a Honda guy, but I could go KTM the more I watch KZbin, the more KTM I see. Thank you for teaching me the correct techniques. A lot has changed since the early 80's.

[@mattinthehat22]

YT is a god send, right? Mine was a 2-shock YZ80. Everything has changed. Kind of a shame that factory QC misses that much stuff, tho

[@rednecked7462]

Fixing to be 57. Just bought yz 125 . Still RIP just not as long. Just like my sex life. Haha.

[@Winstonsurf]

Great vid Kyle! Something that helps me with a new bike is a track day. I don’t hardly ride tracks, but they help with dialing everything from foot lever positions to suspension tuning. You can do a lap, then pull over to your van/truck and makes quick change. Has been a lifesaver for me.

[@13CDallas]

EXCELLENT ADVICE. That applies to more than just MX Bikes. Just picked up a bike that "meticulously professionally maintained" Head tube had 1/2 inch of play, rear axle was finger tight, Seat wasn't bolted on, and the list goes on. Apply this to picking up your car from the shop (look under the hood before driving away) or anything you purchase that you trust your life to being put together correctly.

[@boburwell9921]

Wipe the brake rotors with brake cleaner. What you suggested contaminates the brake pads. The brake rotor come with oil on them to keep them from rusting while in crate.

[@remymetailler]

I really enjoy your videos! Thanks for the tips. Just picked up a bike today and looking forward to set it up then ride it!

[@gmx0413]

What kind

[@arunvincent7503]

HEY YOU WISE SOLOMON OF Motocross....❤️ from St Thomas mount, Chennai, India.. brappy dude

[@josephruck1]

Great video. I recommend everyone watch this video after getting a dirt bike. I've had road bikes that have had some serious issues from the dealer.

[@DaRuler66]

I always look forward to going over a new / used bike - peace of mind knowing it's done and not niggling in the back of your mind Been wrenching for nearly 39 years Its my number one pastime

[@endurotruckererniedesjardins]

39 years of riding dirtbikes ive learned there's next to no grease in the swingarm pivots and headset. Blue loctight and torque wrench also super important.

[@ryu1014]

Can you elaborate? Don't put greaSe on them pivots?

[@Fmontes]

I'm picking up a 38-hour 2016 300XC on Sunday and I cannot wait to spend all day in the garage doing these things.

[@keithgoodlad7001]

Thank you, I have been riding for some time, but the fact is you never stop learning, you have good information well explained and presented.

[@Propelled]

One sniggle: It’s best to adjust every third spoke or so instead of running straight around the wheel. Better yet, cross over. There are a lot of vids that cover it correctly. Safety tying the spokes at cross points avoids issues if you lose one.

[@MrLiesAngeles]

I'm saving up to buy a used dirt bike at the moment. This video was very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to educate me on some of the things to look for.

[@yellowveedub]

Every brand new bike I buy before I ride it I dismantle all the bearings. Head, suspension, wheel etc and add more grease. Along with everything he did here.

[@longlifeprinters9]

Huh, good info I'll do on the new bike. I did 18 years on a Honda & didn't do any of that stuff & it still runs well.

[@jackeickmeyer783]

how tf does this amazing channel only have 218k subs?!?!?! the best channel for absolutely everything to do with bikes. wow, people sub

[@ianmalleau3398]

Thank you for the excellent advice Kyle! I just picked up my 2020 YZ450FX yesterday and this is exactly the checklist I needed. Already found compression cranked to the moon and a few bolts loose..

[@Jordan_Chapman]

You're the best KZbinr ever you inspired me to ride dirt bikes on my channel

[@chalo212]

Just got my dream bike ! Was supposed to ride it today but better be safe I'm gonna check all of this first... I'm almost done tho ! Great video, dog.

[@gregggiddens]

Bought a new ktm 85 for my boy, I just checked it out and you were so right as there was zero oil in the air filter. The bars were all pushed to one side and the mounts were loose. stressing out what else isn't right. Cheers for the tips, it's his first ride on it tomorrow

[@benjaminfield4888]

I’m looking into getting a dirt bike, I’ve wanted one since I was little so I’m pretty excited. I’m not a mechanic at all, so I really don’t know how I’m gonna do any of this, or what some of this means. Thank goodness for KZbin.

[@SneakyKittyGameDev]

Probably late to the party here but I'd like to add some thing that I believe are as important as making sure your air filter has oil. GREASE YOUR PIVOT POINTS even on a new bike and I cannot emphasize this enough. Often times that brand new bike you just bought has 0 grease on the linkage bearings or swingarm and sometimes head tube. While your doing the above I just start from the back and work my way to the front, remove rear tire and grease axle, remove linkage and grease bearings, remove swingarm bolt and grease the bearings, reassemble. Onto the front, remove front tire and grease axle, remove fork tubes, remove triple clamps and grease head tube bearings (if you like the tension on the bars when you got the bike, mark where the tensioner is with a sharpie so you can put it right back), reassemble and move onto whats shown in the video!

[@maxflight777]

I just purchased a 2023 CRF 450~RX… This video is incredible…Thanks ❤

[@duncanwatson2516]

That bike looks sick. I'm getting a new one tomorrow. So stoked and thanks for the tips. Keep up the good work! 👍

[@duncanwatson2516]

Nvm but now looking 4 used ttr 230 cuz it's my first bike and I'm 6'4 should be sick Christmas tho

[@caderoberts3784]

duncan watson you’ll be a lil small for the bike

[@duncanwatson2516]

@@caderoberts3784 yeah unless i started with like a klr 650 or like a yz 450, anything will be too small

[@706d]

Great advice! When i worked at a shop, they paid kids to PDI bikes... They had no idea what torque specs, chain tension, grease, or anything else was. Just keep that in mind.

[@user-sp8eb6iz7f]

I asked a gal to help me measure my sag, and she slapped me.....

[@billybull7419]

ok

[@trickynic3866]

😬😭😂

[@DakarBlues]

You should have specified bike suspension, lest she thinks nads suspension!

[@johannhans678]

Thats what i am here for🤣😂🤯

[@gladwinlineses582]

😂😂👍

[@thebookwaswaybetter2827]

Bought my first used bike the same exact day you posted this... how did you know I needed this?!

[@skylerroskelley423]

Very great advice! I went through my 2019 xc 300 and found a loose wire barb pulling out of an ecu connector, the cotter pin almost broke on my left foot peg pin, and if i so much as touched the kick starter lever it would start grinding. Dealer helped with the kickstarter and I easily took care of the rest. Good idea to get to know her before you ride her🤪

[@robsep1992]

You know for the amount of money we pay for bikes you’d think they’d be more willing to check some of the torque spots for us.

[@nomadnomad8571]

Absolutely. The build and setup fees are outrageous.

[@justthefactsplease5086]

Another check (because the factory does poor on) is wheel bearings and suspension pivots. Have been away from bikes for 12yrs and just picked up a 2019 YZ250f and noticed Yamaha still puts the same NONsealed front bearings in AND they're not packed. Replace with sealed and pack those too! Oh, and moving in the perch along with lever in makes pulling the clutch WAY more easy too👍

[@swamppicker8279]

I put Never Seize on the Chain Adjustment Bolts.

[@hoosiertrailrider]

Very good tips Kyle. I always look my bike over before a ride. Just to make sure something hasn't come loose, broken, right air pressure for the terrain, no binding cables, no loose battery connections, no dried mud limiting travel for controls. Then I look over my riding buddies bikes to see whose bike I need to bring tools along for! LoL

[@pedalen]

When I bought my Yz250f a few months ago, I realized after a couple of test-runs that the nut for the front sprocket had almost come loose entirely, kind of a shocker. That made me go through the entire thing, luckily no big worries after that.

[@Viaticboston]

Yep definitely worth a watch, good advice even for a used bike. All your vids have good informative information. Cheers lad.

[@spacetraveel]

Love your videos bro. I’m from Mexico. I’m about to get my first dirtbike next week. It’s going to be a yz250fx. Just looking for everything to get it ready before I take it for a ride.👀🙌🏻

[@jraylmao7600]

i have a 2008 crf150f never had the air filter chaged never had a new sprocket or chain never have checked the spokes or anything like that never chage the oil i just check it and if it low i fill it up and runs and rides great i would love to get me a new bike but i dont have the money lol

[@llriyix5301]

I like the lever adjust and Teflon tape recommendation.

[@Thumpermad]

Some great tips for dialing in a freshly purchased DirtBike mate I especially like the Teflon tape trick on the levers I also ride E-MTB and don't run barkbusters or handguard/Lever protection so I have been running my clamps a tad looser great channel thanks heaps. Tony, Sydney Australia

[@thebuyingseller]

Well done sir, just got a ‘21 CRF250RX, need to do this stuff.

[@courtneywoodcox3258]

Thanks for all of the info!!! very helpful, just getting back into riding since HS....

[@colbyh2732]

Also don't forget the grease on axles and swingarm. Another is to put grease on the lip of your air filter. Most new bikes don't come with grease or oiled up air filters. I used to work for a shop that never did that.

[@mrshakey2533]

Great video, thank you! Just got my first KTM, going to go over it like you showed.

[@mountainvalleyfrost5777]

Very good video. But one area that could have been mentioned more is grease. Wheel bearings, head bearings, linkage bearings...they are always under greased, if they have any at all!

[@davelariviere682]

I could not agree more with you on the note of grease....Wow and this keeps out dirt and moisture (corrosion) from everyone of these areas. Another area is something as simple as greasing the axles... I do this and everything he has commented on to everyone of our new bikes. CHEERS!

[@strboys3082]

Totally agree. Every time I buy wheel bearings I always bust them open and add more grease. It’s crazy how much longer they last👌🏻

[@joslow9151]

Bought a 13’ dirt bike yesterday oh boy much I need to learn

[@danortiz6055]

what a beautiful bike and thanks for all the advices very helpful

[@coderedcamaro4812]

Very informative!!! I will be doing this every bike I buy from now on.

[@tomnekuda3818]

Check amount of grease in head bearings, swing arm bearings, and wheel bearings......the factories are very Scotch with grease for some reason. Re-bleed brakes. Can't understand why everyone doesn't run pipe protection.....must have more money than I do. Good tips....good video. Make sure that the bike will get you home.....as it is said somewhere, "Be kind to the ass that bears thee." Walked home 20 miles in 90 degrees one time when I was young.....won't ever do that again. Motocross boots are hard to walk that far in.........think about it.......

[@robertfisher5309]

Yeah I agree. All the bike ive bought have barely had grease rubbed on the bearings.

[@tomnekuda3818]

@Rick Simpson Good, solid bike.......I love 2-strokes. Dunno how much longer I can ride....still do...am 72....

[@tomnekuda3818]

@Rick Simpson Funny I don't hear this guy talking about the 4-stroke KTM's sucking valves.....seems that they are running titanium valves and they're not standing up to the gaff. Don't know why, if they're going to spend that much money, they don't run sodium-filled stainless like I had in my Ford 427 motors....they never die and the sodium melts, transfers the heat away from the seat and if you flow oil over the upper end of the valves it gets rid of it into the oil/oil cooler. I rode Husky's forever but they were 2-strokes and I didn't ever worry......always brought me home from deep in the dez....even when I didn't deserve it!

[@tomnekuda3818]

@Rick Simpson Shoot us some pix....

[@tomnekuda3818]

@Rick Simpson Kaplan Cycles Museum....good old stuff. Takes himself a bit too seriously but nice bikes.

[@romanov9580]

I enjoyed watching this. Definitely reminded me to check a few things on my 2021 husky 450 FS. Thanks for the info! Take care!

[@djp4206]

That head set tip is a mint tip

[@bradquall1547]

Wow. I like this bike.. I havent riden a dirt bike in years.. Families happen.

[@cooldude16871]

This really helped my son thanks

[@420soap7]

Hehe.. I see your video AFTER we tow my dirtbike (profile pic) out of the middle of the woods.... checked my air filter they didn’t oil it and clouged up my engine so it’s in the shop rn 🤷🏽‍♂️🙃

[@forrestheston3000]

Kyle, recently started watching your videos and they’re awesome. Killer job, tons of great info. Something to add to the video is greasing everything. Stock grease is minimal, I usually strip all the major parts down for cleaning and add a good grease. Helps a ton for the life of the bike. Thanks for all the videos 👍🏼

[@TheRomanMay]

Me with my 26 year old xr100 which we never have done any of this, including changing air filter, and runs like a charm😬

[@willeypoboy6052]

Best videshow I've seen for a longtime! Thanks for the basics again brother! We all need this , even a 50 yr old vet! Badash!

[@havoc010101]

Kyle, great video! Extremely informative. Keep the content coming!

[@jasonwulff8341]

This was a good video. The bike you have is so nice and new. Mine is a 89 KX 250 i bought for 100$ and had to fix lol

[@danialdunson]

For riding Teflon is convenient….but in a race I want that perch to stay put!

[@McNeilious1]

“This is how I support my family” Dude, don’t by 45 bikes change all the tyres and give them away for Christmas that will help support them 😂 Good videos though 👍🏼 subscribed !

[@rockbay79]

These are all great recommendations! I'll subscribe!

[@NateShank]

Greetings from the middle east! I'm getting home late fall and picking up my new-to-me Yammer WR250R - really enjoying your vids & can't WAIT to rip!

[@brianjones7681]

I just bought a 2019 yz250fx...not 1 single clicker anywhere on the bike was at the factory base setting. Not only that but the left and right fork were totally different.

[@tomnekuda3818]

That's 'cause the set-up kid is 17 y.o. and reading a dog-eared copy of Playboy and picking a zit on his chin when he assembled yours......

[@darrellknights319]

Great advice,just bought a new 2020 yz250fx,thought I’d just check and apply some extra grease to all bearings,just as well I did.factory only smeared a small amount on bearings.

[@SPCxRecon]

Great great video, perfection at its finest. This is why i'm subscribed.

[@gregstirling7588]

This channel is one of my Fav’s. But I never see the manufacturer links that help support our host.

[@jfftrail1001]

hope to have that bike.. dirt bike in phillipines starting to get known..my bike is Diy. hope to have that kind of bike.

[@michail1963]

when checking the spokes torque, never tighten each spoke fully to torque spec at a time...you will screw up the centering of the wheel. go each 4th spoke for 1/4 of a turn max...until all of them are to spec...

[@josephbuczek9949]

Wrecked my day ! l0l pay 8000 then start taking it apart before you ride it. great video , in the 80s i bought new motocross bikes and just rode the living snot out of them same day, Never checked anything ! Very little maintenance besides chain sprokets and a piston here and there . Never had issues and 1/3 the $ . Have we really progressed in the dirt bike world ? cleaned the airfilter with gas mixed with 2 stroke oil / dry and ride only when it looked nasty of course !! haha spectro 40:1

[@JG7Racer]

EVERY KTM I got, the most crucial torque settings almost everywhere were nowhere near spec... Fork clamp bolt especially. VERY GOOD IDEA TO DO THIS VIDEO.

[@briankc21]

Great video! Just bought myself a brand new bike yesterday. Great tips!

[@chrislopez9156]

Thanks working my way through your list

[@allenlicup7267]

Thank you for the great tips! More power to you buddy!

[@summitdave8782]

Awesome stuff...I would love to have a bike to ride again....

[@cohenveigel3585]

Your vids are so sick keep up the good work.

[@SCBullterriers]

Give more info on the power valve adjustment. Thanks

[@jordandaye1323]

personally i dont torque triple clamp bolts because i had one just snap off because of a torque wrench malfuntion

[@johnwheeler4966]

GREAT videos - keep ‘em coming!

[@surfr8]

Great video. Where is the riding area shown in the video. It looks awesome!

[@seanchriscraft]

If you torque spokes , do it 180degrees each couple ones

[@Farmtractor]

Kyle- “I like to adjust my valves every 2 hours” Also Kyle- “I always tighten my spokes every 30 minutes”

[@chopperdude407]

Yup.... 🙄

[@tantan3809]

Thank you for the tips ..it helps a lot for me.

[@daviddean902]

thanks bro i could see you really like teaching about bike I appreciate it

[@Claudio-gv2lz]

I know this channel is about dirt bikes, but could you make a video on Supermoto conversion and how to do it/what to take into consideration

[@achilleas_christ9136]

It will take a lot of money to convert it. Take this into consideration before you do it

[@danielmccormick5323]

Great advice and beautiful bike the last one I could afford was 2002 ktm 525 miss it like mad. Wish I had that one keep up good work

[@510kid9]

I’m a beginner and just got a KTM SX 85. This is invaluable information! Thanks

[@maggiehubbard1232]

Great info that's a dream bike so great of you to give them away

[@Pablolavaselli]

What do you think about Husqvarna FE 501? I like riding on the gravel but I need ride into the city. I have changed the originals wheels for a couples of Metzeler Karoo 3 Traing to ride well al the both terrain. I Like very much your channel, congratulations

[@treyatchleyatchley2194]

100p best advice wish i seen this before buying my 2020 fc450 rockstar from the dealership never trust ur local dealer :)

[@jontest5718]

Just ordered a spoke torque wrench. Thanks for the video.

[@rainbowunicorn5321]

How did the torque wrench work out?

[@jontest5718]

@@rainbowunicorn5321 Havent used it yet. Lmao

[@nomadnomad8571]

My 450 wasn’t ready race. I let it ideal to start the break in. First five minutes it was fine. I let sit and cool. Second five minutes I back into the garage and the radiator fluid was everywhere. 5 minutes!! Bike was steaming. I let cool. I started again to find the leak. Took a bit but the idiots at the dealer didn’t hook the radiator hose up with a clamp. Hose released and fluid ran everywhere. I’m pist. Tuesday the dealer will get an ass kicking. The hose didn’t even have a clap in it. Check your bike over. The minimum don’t ride far away the first ride. See how things heat up and settle.

[@NeilCowancowannetwork]

Great video! Thanks Kyle once again for all the great info, always very helpful, much appreciated!

[@HardcoreWeeaboo]

hey dude, what drone did you use it on your intro? omg it looks incredible

[@vtuy]

I put anti- seize on the axel adjustment bolts and triple tree bolts first thing.