What is a dirt bike

13.10.202113.10.2021 by Matthew Bell

What is a dirt bike?

A dirt bike is a small, light, and very rugged motorcycle that is suitable for use on off-road trails. This type of motorcycle features knobby tires and a flat seat which makes it suitable for riding on trails with difficult terrain.

Most dirt bikes feature rear-mounted engines and come with two or four wheels which also make them suitable for racing against other riders in timed off-road competitions.

The dirt bikes are not designed as road legal motorcycles but some models have been modified so they can reach speeds of 80 miles per hour on paved surfaces. Although most people buy dirt bikes for recreational purposes, these motorcycles are also commonly used by police officers to patrol off-road areas

The term "dirt bike" can refer to any motorcycle that's primarily designed for off-road use. Dirt bikes usually have special features such as:

knobby tires
flat or high handlebars
high ground clearance.

The history of the dirt bike

In the early twentieth century, most motorcycles were primarily designed for use on paved roads. Because of this, these motorcycles were generally heavy and not suitable for riding over rough trails or through thick sand.

By modifying ordinary bicycles to carry engines with pushrods rather than pistons, Bill Stroppe was able to create a motorcycle that is very lightweight and also capable of traversing off-road terrain. In 1948, Stroppe entered his modified bicycle in the Mexican 1000 race where it won first place against more conventional motorcycles. This success helped make dirt bikes exceptionally popular among those who enjoy exploring new territory on two wheels.

Types of Dirt Bikes:

Minibikes. Smaller than most dirt bikes and considered to be very lightweight, mini-bikes are often used for racing on smaller tracks.
Motocross. This type of dirt bike is designed specifically for off-road competition and features a high-power engine and suspension that can carry the rider over jumps and other obstacles.
Enduros. Designed more for riding long distances on trails rather than racing, enduro motorcycles have large fuel tanks and low gearing making them suitable for use on trails with heavy terrain. Enduro dirt bikes also feature flat seats which make it easier to stand up while climbing hills.

What are the benefits of owning a dirt bike?

Dirt bikes offer good handling, agility, speed, power, and torque. This makes them suitable for all types of off-road riding including racing and recreational trail use. Many people choose these motorcycle over other models because they're relatively inexpensive when compared to road motorcycles that can be used on paved roads. Dirt bikes also need less maintenance than other types of motorcycles.

What is a Dirt Bike Engine?

Dirt bike engines are usually designed around two-stroke or four-stroke power plants that deliver good torque with low weight. The engines on most dirt bikes are therefore larger than those found in similar road legal motorcycles.

What is the purpose of a dirt bike?

Among other things, dirt bikes are used for racing and recreational trail riding. These motorcycles offer an unbelievable combination of power and agility which is why they're so popular with amateur motocross enthusiasts. Dirt bikes are also commonly used in timed off-road events such as seven-minute scrambles, hill climbs, trials competitions, and desert races.

Dirt bike Buying Tips

When considering how to buy dirt bikes, riders should take into account their specific needs and how much money they're willing to spend on buying a new motorcycle.

Dirt bikes vary:

size
performance
features
quality
and price;

therefore you must do your research before buying any one model.

People sometimes buy a dirt bike without considering how they will transport the unit from one place to another, which often leads to motorcycles being damaged or not performing as expected. When considering how much a dirt bike is worth, riders should consider how easy it is to replace damaged components and how much it costs to maintain the motorcycle.

If you have never driven a dirt bike before, it's important to start with an entry-level model until you get used to how to control these motorcycles. Entry-level dirt bikes are also less expensive than a more high-powered motorcycle which can be dangerous for new riders.

Riders that are not yet comfortable on their chosen dirt bike should practice how to ride in open spaces such as parks. It is recommended that beginner riders take lessons from professional instructors who will teach how to handle the motorcycle safely and how to make basic repairs if needed.

How much are Dirt Bikes?

Dirt bike prices vary depending on how they are powered including gas, electric, or petrol/gasoline combinations. The average cost for a new dirt bike is between $1,000 and $2,500 although some models can be more expensive. Some people choose how to build their own dirt bikes from scratch which can save them money if they have the knowledge needed how to assemble these units. People who buy used dirt bikes usually save up to 50% compared to buying new models which cost less than even high-end gasoline road legal motorcycles that are suitable for commuting on gravel roads in rural areas.

When considering how much a dirt bike is worth riders should consider how easy it is to replace damaged components and how much it costs to maintain the motorcycle.

Bottom line

Dirt bikes are a great investment for people who want to get into motocross racing or enjoy recreational trail riding. These motorcycles offer an unbelievable combination of power and agility which is why they're so popular with amateur motocross enthusiasts.

Dirt bikes also need less maintenance than other types of motorcycles, making them the perfect choice for riders that don't have much time on their hands but still want to go out and ride off-road in rural areas without having to worry about how much it will cost when parts start breaking down.

How Often to Change Motorcycle Oil?

17.11.202126.07.2021 by Matthew Bell

Motorcycle Oil Change

When you ride your bike, the engine heats up. The oil gets hot and very thin, which makes it easier for contaminants to enter the system. After some time, that oil starts to get dirty. This dirt will mix with the new fresh oil that you add to your motorcycle’s engine. It is important to change this old dirty motorcycle oil. Once the engine oil is changed, new clean oil will flow through your engine which will keep it running smoothly and efficiently.

How Often Should you Change Motorcycle Oil?

Theoretically, it is important to check the factory recommendations, and that is what you need to stick to. But practically, things may be a little different, because the manufacturer’s recommendations are designed for certain average conditions of operation of the motorcycle. Sometimes it is worthwhile to proceed from objective factors.

Besides, the road infrastructure also has considerable value. Invaluable helpers in this delicate matter will be an oil dipstick and an inspection window in the crankcase of your motorcycle. Or a transparent tube, as is done on some models of KTM motorcycles.

The general average recommendations are that your bike probably needs an oil change every 3 months or 5,000 miles. However, if you are using synthetic oil in your bike, then the required motorcycle oil change interval between changes is extended to 6 months or 7,000 miles. Synthetic oils hold up better than regular types of engine oil and they require less maintenance than standard oils. They perform at a higher level under high heat and they are not as inclined to break down under the pressure.

If you are commuting to work every day on the motorcycle then it should be checked more often. For those of you who ride through extreme conditions or if you have many off-road riding experiences, your oil should be changed every 3 months or 5,000 miles.

Changes in the weather also play a factor in the frequency of changing your bike’s oil. If it is cold out then there will be more moisture in the air which can affect how regularly you need to change your engine’s lubricant. This is especially true for riders in colder climates. Riders who live in temperate zones shouldn’t have to change their oil as often.

So, it’s always best to check for yourself when you should change your motorcycle oil. Visually assessing the condition of the filled oil and the degree of its consumption is still the best and safest means of control. Sometimes the onboard computer optimistically informs you about the next change of oil only after 3100 miles of the run and you see the black substance on the mark “Min” of the oil dipstick.

If you are checking the color of the engine oil and it is dark, then you should probably get out the oil filter wrench because it’s time to change it.

Most motorcycle manufacturers recommend checking the oil level after every ride. Whenever you are checking the oil level on your bike, make sure to check the color of the oil too. New oil is transparent and brownish in color. The longer it has been running, the darker it will become. Checking the oil level on time will ensure that everything is in order and that there are no leaks. Changing the fresh oil will prevent corrosion and ensure that your oil is clean.

Why is it important to change motorcycle oil on time?

There are benefits to changing your motorcycle oil regularly even if you don’t ride often. Dirt builds up over time whether you use your bike or not. If you do nothing about this dirt, it can cause serious problems like corrosion, seizing up the engine, and can even lead to engine failure.

Most riders don’t realize how quickly dirt accumulates in the engine oil – it’s just a fact of life that engines get dirty. If you ride often or go on long rides, then it is especially important to change your motorcycle oil regularly. If you are ever in doubt as to how often you should change your motorcycle oil, ask your dealer.

There are four main aspects that the oil is responsible for.

Lubrication of rubbing surfaces.
Cooling of parts, since modern sports bike engines can easily rotate up to 16,000 rpm. In addition, the cooling systems of motorcycles (not only sportbikes) also often contain an oil radiator, through which the oil, being cooled, flows again to the parts experiencing friction loads.
Protection of engine parts from corrosion, since regardless of whether the engine is running or not, moisture enters it from outside and as a result of fuel combustion.
Cleaning the engine from wear products of rubbing parts and other solid particles, which get into the oil and are delivered to the oil filter for cleaning. And to be quite frank, the more often you can change the engine oil, the better it will affect its longevity.

The Importance of Oil Quality

Inadequate quality fuel creates soot on combustion, oil oxidation, and additives burnout occur gradually. All this leads to increased loads on the piston group, transmission units, and, consequently, to a reduction in the service life.

How to Change the Oil on a Motorcycle

Materials:

Engine oil (the right viscosity)
A catch pan or container
An oil filter wrench or a strap wrench to remove the crankcase drain bolt

Step 1: Drain the old engine oil from the motorcycle. For this, you need to locate and open the crankcase drain bolt. Use this information for most models of the most popular motorcycles.

Kawasaki KLR650: Drain plug is located on the engine case behind the front number plate.
Yamaha WR250R/X: Drain bolt is located near the oil filter, it has a square-shaped head with 25mm edges.
Honda XR650L: Underneath the fuel tank, the drain bolt is located on the right side. It has a 19mm head with a 6-point hexagon shape.
Suzuki DR650SE: Drain plug is located underneath the bike near the oil filter, it has 6mm squared edges.
Husqvarna TE449: Underneath the fuel tank, remove the rear brake pedal and its 10mm bolt. Unscrew hexagon-shaped drain bolt that is located near the oil filter.

Step 2: After draining the old oil, refill the engine with fresh oil. The amount of oil needed will be stated in your motorcycle owner’s manual, usually, it’s 3 liters or 3 quarts for most models. Some models require more oil, but as a rule of thumb, you should always use as much as the manual states.

Step 3: Unscrew the old oil filter from the engine and dispose of it correctly. Get a new one and screw it on tightly.

Wrap your hand with a cloth before removing the filter because some filters can be difficult to grip.
You can use a strap wrench or a filter wrench to remove the old filter.
Make sure that the new oil filter is securely tightened in place.

Step 4: Open up the drain bolt and let all of the remaining engine oil drains from your motorcycle’s crankcase. Once it has stopped dripping, close up the drain bolt by tightening it.

Step 5: Start the engine and let it idle for a minute so that all of the old oil gets mixed with the new one.

Step 6: Remove the drain plug or cap from your motorcycle’s oil tank, take off the dipstick and wipe it clean before inserting it back in.

Step 7: Check the oil level by taking out the dipstick. If it needs more oil, add it slowly to avoid spills or overflows.

To prevent engine damage or oil leaks when changing the motorcycle’s oil, make sure you place a drop cloth underneath your bike to avoid getting any stains on your garage floor. Also, place the drain pan directly under your oil tank so that you don’t spill any of it. Use a funnel to avoid spills when adding new oil to the motorcycle’s oil tank.

Take steps to make changing the oil on a routine basis for your motorcycle as easy as possible by leaving the used oil at an auto store or other location where they will dispose of it for you.

So when does the oil in the motorcycle engine requires replacement?

Motorcycle engine oil change interval, as mentioned above, can vary greatly. If you have NOT sports equipment, subjected to overloading, where changing the oil after every race is commonplace, then the average service interval is better to keep around 3100-3800 miles.

The answer is that when you ride a motorcycle, a small number of combustion products pass by the rings – into the crankcase, introducing water in addition to pollutants. Harmful substances mix with the oil and spread throughout the engine through the oil pump, where they can begin to destroy small but expensive parts.

If your bike is only used for short rides and is rarely fully warmed up, that is, left at operating temperature for less than an hour, moisture will accumulate and dilute the oil, degrading its lubricating properties, cleaning, and cooling functions. If your bike is almost always used for short runs, and not always running fully warmed up for long periods, you should change the oil about three times a year. Ideally, you should warm the engine up to operating temperature and not shut it off for an hour at least 2 times a month.

We recommend changing the oil filter at every oil change. Contaminants and chips that are bad for the engine accumulate in the filter. Why? To be sure, you can cut open your old filter with a solvent cleaner, and see if there are any harmful elements (like metal shavings).

Final Words

It’s a fact of life that engines get dirty. If you ride often or go on long rides, then it is especially important to change your motorcycle oil regularly. Whether you’re racing or going for a leisurely drive in the country, if you neglect this basic maintenance task there could be serious consequences down the road. For example, dirt in engine oil can lead to corrosion and seizing up the engine – not what most riders want! To avoid these issues from happening when changing your motorcycle oil, keep an eye out for any leaks while filling with new motorbike oils, and remember to dispose of old used oils at an auto store nearby so they can properly recycle them. In addition, don’t forget about safety precautions like wearing gloves when removing filters or draining engine oil. If you follow these steps, you should have no problems when changing your motorcycle oil!

6 tried and tested ways to remove scratches from your bicycle

26.07.202120.11.2019 by Matthew Bell

No matter how carefully you ride your bike, chips and scratches are a common occurrence for any vehicle, especially a two-wheeled one. Therefore, bike lovers often face the question of how to remove scratches from their bikes at home and with their own hands. We have collected the 6 best ways to get rid of scratches on a bicycle and describe each of them in detail below. Before we begin to “heal” your bike, let’s see how serious your problem is. There are three main types of scratches:

damage to the upper transparent coating – the lightest of the scratches, a non-serious defect that can easily be fixed;
defects in the primer– the paint layer is already damaged, but in some cases, you can still be successful with simple grinding and polishing;
scratches in the paint layer – the deepest defect, which without painting is almost impossible to eliminate.

Let’s consider how you can save the look of your favorite bike.

Method #1. Candle wax, suitable for shallow and light damage.

You can “hide” the scratch with candle wax. This is not considered a long-term solution, but for a short while is a great way to make your bike look new.

Method #2. No wax? Use super glue!

You can also use super-glue to mask the scratch on the frame or other element of your bicycle, as quickly and efficiently as the previous method. The transparent structure and uniform mixing with different types of surfaces allows the super-glue to easily mask scratches on your bike without leaving your home.

Method #3. If you don’t have wax or glue, you can always use toothpaste!

Most toothpastes have abrasive elements that perfectly replace grinding and polishing tools. If you decide to remove the scratch on your bicycle with toothpaste, first rinse the area thoroughly with water. Then lightly moisten a microfiber cloth and apply about an inch of toothpaste. Start rubbing in a circular motion on the damaged surface of your bike. The procedure should be completed in two or three circles.

Method #4. Sanding with sandpaper.

If the scratch damaged only the topmost transparent layer, use sandpaper to restore the appearance of the bike. But, be careful! With insufficient care, you can do even more damage to the surface of the bicycle frame. Procedure:

Smear the damaged area with shoe polish so that the scratch area is completely filled. Pick a color slightly darker than the color of the part.
Take fine sandpaper and begin to gently rub the area of damage in a circular motion.
Carefully monitor the surface. You only need to slightly level the scratched area and not remove the whole layer.
In the end – wipe the bicycle part with a dense cloth and enjoy its appearance!

These methods should help with slight damage to the clear coat. But what if the damage is deep and noticeable?

Method #5. Nail lacquer and polish.

If, for example, a whole chip appeared on your bicycle frame, the procedure is as follows:

Apply colorless nail polish to the damaged area. The nail polish should be durable and of good quality.
Let the first coat dry and then apply a second layer.
Leave it to dry for 24 hours. By this time the polish will have dried sufficiently and adhered to the surface of the paint.
Once completely dry, take fine sandpaper and sand the nail polish that was applied to the bike earlier. Continue until the surface is even.
Once you have a flat surface, take car polish and apply it on a damp microfiber cloth. Start rubbing the polish in a circular motion until the surface looks shiny as before.

In case bicycle has a scratch, use our advice: do not apply nail polish with a brush, but take a needle or a toothpick and carefully fill the scratch with polish, without leaving the area of the scratch.

All the above methods are excellent ways of removing scratches from your bike. However, if the color of your bike is anything other than black, you will need to follow this up with Method #6.

Method #6. Car pencil.

You can easily find special car pencils in different colors and compositions in car dealerships. They are not cheap but will allow you to qualitatively eliminate scratches so that you will not notice them anymore. Additionally, a pencil should last you for a very long time.

The procedure for working with a pencil:

Wash the damaged area thoroughly with soap and water, remove any dirt that may interfere with the application of the paint;
Gently apply the pencil, let it dry;
If the scratch is deep enough, apply a second coat;
After completely drying, you can grind and polish the surface.

As a rule, the packaging of these products also contains detailed instructions. Follow it and you can definitely return your bike to a new and brilliant appearance.

Precautionary measures:

When you work with any of the above methods, be careful with the paintwork – remember that you can do it even more harm;
Before you start using any of the above methods, be sure to thoroughly clean the scratch – there should be no dirt inside;
If your bike frame is constantly being scratched, consider getting bicycle frame pads or other bike frame protection.

And remember, no matter how carefully you roll, scratches and chips are normal for any bike. Well, we hope we helped you cope with the problem of how to remove a scratch on a bicycle. Please write to us in the comments below if you have applied one of the methods and tell us about the result. Or if you know how to remove scratches from a bicycle in any other way, share it with other cyclists!

How to ride a bike with gears – The Best Way to Shift Gears

26.07.202120.11.2019 by Matthew Bell

Many of you may no longer have any questions about how to ride a bicycle with gears, but don’t forget about beginner riders, for whom this issue remains very relevant. Improper gear shifting sooner or later leads to an open circuit or even breakdown of the switches. And if you are on a long trip, such a breakdown will definitely take you by surprise. Correct gear shifting is the key not only to the health of the bicycle but also to the most productive ride in any terrain.

So, we will briefly consider a bicycle transmission device.

The left trigger is responsible for switching forward speeds on a bicycle, and the right one for switching rear speeds. The number of speeds depends on the number of stars on the bike.

A modern bike has 2-3 stars in the front (system) and 5-10 stars in the back (cassette). Gear shifting is carried out using the rear and front switches that work with the chain, transferring it to the stars of the connecting rod system and to small stars on the rear wheel hub, which causes a change in speed. The gearshift levers (shifters) can be in the form of levers and grip shift – a rotary gearshift mechanism on the steering wheel handle. To understand how to ride a bicycle with gears, count the number of gears: first at the base of the pedals, and then at the rear wheel. Multiply the two numbers to get the number of gears on the bike. For example, there are three gears at the base of the pedals, and six at the rear wheel, so 6 * 3 = 18 gears (the so-called “speeds”).

Note! The presence of a large number of gears in a bicycle does not indicate its high-speed capabilities. More gears simply means more range for adjusting the appropriate speed and more efficiency in driving.

How to switch speeds

Use the left switch to change the forward gear. In our example, there are three of them. And the right switch to change the reverse gear. In our example, there are six of them. The gears are needed so that it is possible to pedal faster and easier and to control the bike. The lower the speed, the less effort must be applied to rotate the pedals. Switching to a higher speed, pedaling will be more difficult but every such push of the pedal will make your bike move farther and faster. Low (or light) gears are convenient to use when climbing uphill or in front of hills (when you need to apply more power to pedaling), most often used during descents to accelerate even more

Terrain Speed Switching Techniques

After we understand how speed switches work, it’s time to understand the practical side of the issue: how speed switching works on the ground, for example, when we go uphill, or on hilly terrain, etc. If you drive on flat terrain, then you may not need speed at all. And if you have them, switch to the big one when you feel that pedaling is too easy, as it’s time to change gears. Do so gradually, if you intend to gain more speed. In front of a hill – get ready and drop your gear a little down to make pedaling easier. It will take time to get used to, but it will greatly facilitate your climb to the hill by bicycle. If you only need to switch the speed slightly, use the right switch. It is designed for small speed changes. If you need a sharper and more significant change in speed, it is better to use the left switch. Before braking, we recommend that you reset the speed mode a bit so that when you start driving again, it will be easier to start moving (at high speed, you will need to put too much effort into moving the bike).

Also, follow a few simple rules when riding a bike with gears so that it lasts as long as possible.

Rule number 1. Any switching of speeds should occur in motion but at the so-called idle speed. That is, you need to accelerate the bike to the point where it can ride by inertia, so that torsion occurs without transmitting torque to the rear wheel, and then switch the speed. That’s why they do not recommend switching speeds when you go uphill (you can’t switch speeds freely. If you try, you will most likely stop). With the application of force during gear shifting, unpleasant sounds appear that indicate that the chain hardly jumps from one star to another, which can negatively affect its performance. If you are thinking about how to ride a bicycle with gears in traffic, then you can do as follows; when you are forced to stop, stop, raise the rear wheel, pedal, change gears and, if necessary, repeat this process. Rule number 2. Do not skew the chain. You need to select speeds not only based on the terrain on which you drive but also on the location of the chain. Do not allow the chain to be located on the opposite extreme gears. For example, on the first front gear and the last rear. This break the chain. Rule number 3. Read the manufacturer’s instructions. This is the simplest and rarely executed rule that gives you more precise knowledge about your bike and its usage. There are a huge number of nuances you need to know that you will be able to find in the instructions.