Motocross Bike Maintenance : A Short Guide
Posted on May 13th, 2011 in Autos | No Comments »
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.
Every time you get on the bike there are some very simple checks you need to do concerning the general condition of the bike. Check the chain for any distorted links and make sure it is clean and lubricated. Take out the air filter and make sure that it is clean or replace it with a new filter if it is required. Lastly, give the bike a once-over, checking every nut and bolt on the bike is tight and making sure all spokes on the wheels are secure.
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.
All 2-stroke motocross bikes sold nowadays come with a power valve system that helps to improve operating efficiency and therefore power output throughout the rev range. Due to the nature of this system, the power valves require regular maintenance to keep them running efficiently and effectively. Cleaning modern power valves is not an easy task as some can contain over 40 separate parts. If you decide to take the job on yourself, get yourself a workshop manual and do not use cleaning materials that will score or damage the aluminum surface of the power valve.
While most general maintenance is not that difficult to do for the average bike rider, a workshop manual for your motocross bike would help you get through any of the more difficult jobs. If you are having problems with your bike, there are a number of specialized internet forums that will gladly help you. It is important to drain and replace your engine oil on a regular basis depending on how frequently you ride your bike, and also change the gearbox oil frequently, but not as often as changing the engine oil.
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