Dirt Bike Pre Ride Checklist: Bike, Rider and Gear

What goes on a dirt bike pre ride checklist? Before every ride, check oil, air filter, coolant and brake fluid, inspect the chain and sprockets, set chain slack and lube, check spokes, nuts and bolts, adjust the control levers, set sag and check tire pressure where you ride. Then check your own gear: helmet, boots, goggles, gloves and protection.

Use this dirt bike pre ride checklist for motocross, trail or dune days. It splits the work into what to do at home and what to check at the track. Riding on hot days? Browse our UPF motocross jerseys.

Why use a dirt bike pre ride checklist?

MotoSport puts it simply: "If there's one thing to remember when planning a ride day on the track or trails it's you won't remember everything." It warns that a bike "running on low fluid levels" can "wreck your ride in the short term and cause permanent damage in the long term" (MotoSport, Dirt Bike Pre-Ride Checklist).

Always follow your bike's owner manual for exact specs, intervals and torque values.

Dirt bike pre ride checklist: the bike

Fluids: oil, coolant and brake fluid

Low oil is "an easy way to burn out the engine," MotoSport says. It also notes brake fluid "shouldn't change much, if at all," so a drop is a sign to look for a leak.

Chain and sprockets

On the sprockets, MotoSport says to "check for tooth wear, cupping or bent teeth." On the chain, look for rust, corrosion or a flat wear pattern. Then set slack and add lube. MotoSport's rule of thumb is "two to three fingers of slack," but your manual has the exact number.

Spokes, nuts, bolts and levers

Use a spoke wrench, not your fingers, then check the hardware that holds the bike together. MotoSport advises adjusting levers at home, "not when everyone else is ready to roll out."

Tire pressure at the riding spot

MotoSport points out that "Air pressure changes with elevation," so check tire pressure where you ride, not at home.

Dirt bike pre ride checklist: the rider

• Helmet that fits and is not damaged
• Goggles, gloves and boots
• Knee, chest and elbow protection as needed
• Jersey and pants for the weather
• Water and a snack

A jersey is not protective gear. It is a light top layer worn over your armor, so it never replaces a helmet, boots or body protection.

What to pack for ride day

• Fuel and premix if your bike needs it
• Tire gauge, spoke wrench and basic tools
• Chain lube and rags
• Spare levers, plug and air filter
• First aid kit and phone

How often should you check your dirt bike?

Run the quick checklist before every ride, and do deeper service on the schedule in your owner manual. Check again after a crash, a long ride or a wash, since loose bolts and chain slack change with use.

For hot ride days, our UPF motocross jerseys can be personalized with name and number, in Long Sleeve UPF, T-Shirt UPF, Hooded Long Sleeve UPF and Kids Long Sleeve UPF styles depending on the design, from $29.99. See the Forget Toys Just Wanna Ride Kids Jersey, the American Flag Motocross Jersey, the Green Bone Racing Jersey and the Work Less Ride More Jersey. More reading: what to wear to a motocross race and how to stay cool riding a dirt bike in summer.

FAQ

What should I check before riding a dirt bike?

Check oil, air filter, coolant, brake fluid, chain and sprockets, chain slack, spokes, bolts, levers, sag and tire pressure, plus your riding gear.

How much chain slack should a dirt bike have?

A common rule of thumb is two to three fingers of slack, but always use the exact spec in your owner manual.

Should I check tire pressure at home or at the track?

At the track or trail. Air pressure changes with elevation, so set it where you ride.

Is a motocross jersey protective gear?

No. A jersey is a top layer. Wear a helmet, boots, goggles, gloves and body protection under or with it.