Maybe a nasty get-off put you on the couch, glued to the TV for six months, or perhaps life got too busy, and suddenly a year slipped by without any rides. Either way, your beloved dirt bike has likely been parked in your garage, waiting for you. Before you eagerly load it onto the trailer and hit the track or explore the trails, there are some essential things you should consider. Trust me; I’ve been there, excited but realizing quickly that my neglected bike needed extensive work before roaring back to life.
If you’ve overlooked how to start dirt bike after a long time of long-term storage with tips like those in the “6 Tips for Dirt Bike and ATV Winter Storage,” you’ll probably find yourself dealing with dirty maintenance tasks. For starters, drain any black oil sitting stagnant in the engine and replace it with fresh oil and a new filter.
Check the radiator as well, since coolant left unused becomes unreliable over time. If you’ve left your bike with an empty gas tank, great; if not, prepare yourself for some cleaning. Placing your bike on a stand can also make working on it much easier. This quick bit of practical advice will save you from the day of reckoning caused by months of neglect and lost time.
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Check Seals
If an injury kept you off your dirt bike, or life pushed your planned weekend ride into next year (or even three), don’t rush into firing up the engine without doing a thorough visual check first. From experience, one key step often overlooked is inspecting the seals for possible leakage. Even seemingly minor bad seals can cause serious headaches after the engine warms, turning a quick restart into hours of frustrating repairs. Taking a few extra minutes working carefully around these areas can provide a crucial clue to your bike’s readiness, saving you time and unnecessary stress later.
Change Fluids and Filters
If your bike has sat untouched for an extended period, don’t just trust your memory of the last time you changed the oil, coolant, or air filter. Even if you think these fluids only have a few hours on them, swap them out anyway—it’s simply a best practice I learned through experience. Old filter systems can quickly lead to minor damage, making your next ride less enjoyable or even risky. Also, remember to top off the brake fluid; it’s an often overlooked step but vital for your safety and the bike’s performance.
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Got Gas?
When your bike has been sitting unused for months or even years, especially due to an injury or general life busyness, checking the fuel is critical before you’re ready to ride again. If you wisely left an empty tank, your job is easier; just fill it up with fresh fuel, and you’re good to go. But if you forgot to use a fuel stabilizer, the old gas in your gas tank and fuel lines probably turned gummy or into sticky varnish, creating a taxing clean-up job that I’ve unfortunately faced a few times myself.
Higher quality gasoline might reduce these issues, but even good fuel isn’t safe from absorbing water and becoming ineffective. Empty the old gas and add fresh fuel if it’s still liquid. However, if it’s turned into a gummy mess, you’ll need to thoroughly clean the gas tank, fuel lines, and the carburetor if you’re dealing with 2-strokes, or the throttle body and injectors if your bike is one of the 4-strokes. Taking care of these details first ensures your return to the track or trails is smoother and trouble-free.
Grease
Always thoroughly grease your bearings to ensure smooth wheel rotation.
Keep cables properly greased so the throttle and brakes operate smoothly, which significantly boosts control.
Lubricate your chain thoroughly—it not only prevents wear but also makes your ride quieter and smoother.
Nuts and Bolts
Carefully check all nuts and bolts using a reliable torque wrench, tightening each to the manufacturer’s spec. Over time, vibration can loosen even well-secured hardware, something I’ve learned firsthand.
Tires
The majority of riders are aware of how crucial it is to use a bike stand in order to maintain the tires and keep their dirt bike raised. But life happens—like the time a friend dealt with a broken femur, causing his ride to remain idle and tires to sit directly on the ground for months. Long-term storage without a proper stand doesn’t just deflate the air; it weakens and deteriorates the tire structure itself. Always double-check your tires before returning to action, and if they’re more than a year old, don’t risk it—replace them immediately.
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Suspension
One thing I learned the hard way is that your suspension might feel a bit off after extended time off from riding. Examine your suspension seals first; if you notice an oil puddle, the seals are probably leaking. If everything checks out, you won’t have much adjusting to do, but it’s always smart to dial in your suspension settings again for optimal comfort and performance. For detailed guidance, I always recommend checking out some good Suspension Tips to make your first ride back as smooth as possible.
Check the Controls
After a long break, always check your dirt bike’s critical controls before attempting to start it. I’ve personally missed easy details in the past and regretted it, such as realizing mid-ride that my throttle was stuck. Carefully test the throttle, brakes, and clutch, ensuring each moves smoothly and safely. Also, glance at the condition of your spark plug; prolonged inactivity might allow moisture to creep in, affecting how well your bike fires up.
