If you own a dirt bike, you will often encounter problems with your bike. This is because dirt bikes are ridden on rough terrain. The extreme conditions can take a toll on your two-wheeler.
So, problems with dirt bikes are not uncommon. And you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to fix them. You can fix most of the problems yourself, and that’s what this article is all about.
Read on to learn more about the most common dirt bike problems and how to fix them.
Table of Contents
Issue With Spark Plug
This is a common problem because dirt bikes are designed to operate in harsh conditions, which means they are more likely to be exposed to dirt, water, and other elements that can cause the spark plug to stop working. It can also lead to other problems such as the engine not starting or starting but sputtering, stalling, and generally acting like a seized engine.
What makes the spark plug stops working: Either the spark plug failed on its own, or the spark plug lost contact with the battery. Either way, if you have to force the engine to start more than once to start successfully, there is something wrong with your spark plugs. We would suggest replacing them as soon as possible.
Issue With Oil and Filter
It is a common misconception that Dirt Bike Engines require a special oil that lasts for months without changing.
This is not true.
The problem is that most people don’t understand how these engines work. It is important to know that most dirt bikes are single-cylinder engines with a horizontal cylinder (like a lawnmower engine). This means that the oil has to work harder because it covers more surface area than a four or six-cylinder engine.
If you don’t change your bike’s engine oil before putting it in the garage for the winter, it can damage the engine. If the oil sits for a while, it thickens and can start to clog small holes and lines, which can cause the engine to stall or seize up the next time you try to start it.
Change the oil on your dirt bike before winter so it doesn’t clog the engine lines. This will help the next time you start it up.
Perform The “Compression Test” For Engine Diagnosis
The compression test on dirt bike engines measures how much power your dirt bike engine produces. Unlike cars where this test can be done in a garage, a compression test on dirt bike engines is done with a compression tester. This is done by removing the spark plug and inserting a gauge into the spark plug hole. The gauge measures the pressure exerted by the engine.
Note: Make sure the motorcycle’s fuel tank is full and the engine is cold. The engine must also be running and the fuel turned off for this test.
Issues With Fuel
Filling up your bike with fuel that has been sitting unused in the tank for months will do your bike more harm than good. Make sure you fill up your bike with fresh fuel.
Like motor oil, fresh fuel will not settle on the bottom of the tank and be fully utilized while riding. This also results in better operation of the bike and less exhaust.
Also, make sure you fill up your motorcycle’s tank with fresh fuel and use a stabilizer to ensure everything is in order.
Issues With Valve Clearance in 4-Stroke Engines
Valve clearances are the amount of space in thousands of an inch (thou) between the tip of the valve and the top of the piston in a four-stroke dirt bike.
Clearances are controlled by the valve springs, which push the valve down against the piston and keep the valve in place. The clearance in the engine is very important for performance. The valve should be checked at regular intervals, depending on the kind of riding you do and the speed you ride.
This is because a too tight clearance can cause the engine to run poorly. It can also cause the engine to seize if it isn’t corrected. A too loose clearance can cause the valves to hit the top of the pistons.
Braking Issues
Poor brakes on dirt bikes are a common problem faced by many riders. A loose brake cable can also cause a brake problem. If you have heard a rattling noise when braking, you probably need to tighten your brake cable.
Use the Allen wrench from your bike’s tool kit to tighten the cable. If your brakes rattle and don’t have enough grip, you may want to replace them.
Bad Battery Issues
If you have a dirt bike, chances are you’re familiar with the term “bad battery.” However, if you’re living under a rock, questions like “What exactly is a bad battery, and what causes them to fail?” can overwhelm you.
A bad battery is a battery that’s either no longer working or has a very short life span. It may not be able to hold a charge, it may have a short life span because of other defects, or it may simply have been sitting in the dirt for too long and won’t work in your bike’s electrical system anymore.
Make sure you charge your bike’s batteries when it’s parked in your garage. You can also purchase a battery charger and keep it handy. Don’t overcharge your batteries, as they may explode.
Drive Chain Issues
Drive chains on dirt bikes sometimes break, which can lead to some badass crashes if you’re lucky and the worst if you’re not.
The chain needs to be flexible, and its metal parts need to be well lubricated for it to work properly and last longer. A motorcycle’s chain is made up of many parts and components that come together to form a whole, which is why it can break if it doesn’t have enough lubricant or the parts are too loose.
Final Word
If you own a dirt bike, problems like those discussed in this article can sometimes bother you. If you know how to deal with them, you will be able to sleep soundly at night.
Moreover, vigilance is not always limited to dealing with problems. You also need to equip yourself with the right dirt bike gear to keep you safe. MXstore has a great collection of these gears and so much more. Don’t forget to check it out.
Which of the above problems do you encounter most often? Let us know in the comments!
