It’s easy to think that if you know how to ride a road bike then you know how to ride a dirt bike. While there are many similarities, there are a few notable differences which are worth knowing to stay safe. It’s easy to see how dirt bike riding provides more of a thrill than road based bikes, simply because of where they can go. While the two are very similar, it’s important to take note of a few differences to help get the most out of your dirt bike adventure.

Switching to a Dirt Bike

If you love your road bike but are giving some thought to trying out a dirt bike, even just for weekend adventures, below are some great tips from Ace Hi Oil to keep in mind to help you stay safe and enjoy your riding.

A Dirt Bike Isn’t a Gadget

Cell phones have become so easy to use nowadays that everybody just ends up disregarding the user's manual and learning for themselves. While this usually works out fine in the case of a cell phone, the same methodology can’t be transferred to a dirt bike. For this reason, take some time to read through the owner’s manual of a dirt bike. While you may not enjoy the task, the manual is filled with important information to help keep you and your bike in good shape while you ride, including any specific maintenance requirements.

On the Topic of Maintenance

Road bikes are pretty easy when it comes to maintenance, simply because they don’t need too much of it. However, with a dirt bike, it’s a different story. Because of the nature of dirt bike riding, you can expect to put in a bit more time and effort, for example:

• A dirt bike air filter will need to be cleaned and/or replaced after every ride or so. This is simply because, as you tear around a dirt track, a range of dust, dirt, and mud makes its way into your filter, eventually blocking the air intake and leaving your bike underperforming.
• Because the cables and chain are exposed on a dirt bike, it’s important that you keep all them clean. After each ride, be sure to give your dirt bike a thorough cleaning, including removing any and all debris from your chain and levers.
• Speaking of debris, you can expect a range of twigs and rocks to become lodged in the body and mechanics of your dirt bike, again, thanks to the nature of dirt bike riding. As you’re washing your bike, be sure to pay close attention to any small spaces where debris like this can become stuck.

Click here to buy 20W-40 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil and keep your dirt bike in great shape and ready for adventure. To find out more about how products like these and a synthetic oil change in Fort Worth, TX can help to improve your engine health, speak with a friendly expert at Ace Hi Oil by calling (888) 459-9958. Alternatively, feel free to check out the online store to read up on the range of high-quality AMSOIL products.

Are You Covered?

No, you don’t need to go out and buy a whole new range of protective gear. However, you will need a few additions and to make sure your current gear is up to the challenge. For example: While you probably don’t wear goggles during your road rides, you can bet that you’re going to need them while you tear around a dust and dirt track. Why? Because unlike the asphalt of a road, a dirt track is filled with anything and everything nature has to offer, which you can bet is going to end up on your face and in your eyes. Your gloves are likely to be fine, as long as they allow you to reach levers and controls. You will likely notice that the controls of a dirt bike are set a little differently to your road bike, so make sure that you can reach everything you need to. Speaking of reach, you’ve likely noticed that dirt bike riding means lots of standing on the pegs and leaning heavily to each side to make hard turns. While your current protective gear will keep you safe, be sure that you can actually move in it as much as you will need to, otherwise you’ll lose maneuverability and your adventures will similarly be limited.

Watch Your Take Off

When you’re on a solid road, it doesn’t really matter how fast you take off because the road isn’t going to slip. However, the same can’t be said for a dirt bike track. As you get started, be sure to look down and give some thought to the kind of traction you’re going to get when you take off and adjust your throttle accordingly.

Every Bike Deserves a Synthetic Oil Change in Fort Worth, TX

Whether it’s a dirt bike, road bike, or even the truck you use to tow them to the track, every engine can benefit from a synthetic oil change. To learn more about the benefits of a synthetic oil change or to get the right products for your range of vehicles, speak with Ace Hi Oil at (888) 459-9958 and trust in their expert advice to get you what you need.