Your dirt bike will last a lot longer with proper cleaning and maintenance.

Cleaning regularly will also help you to spot any potential issues with worn or damaged parts.

View our General maintenance document here:    M2R-General-Maintenance-PDF

 

1. Preparation for washing

We recommend removing the seat before washing and avoid soaking the inner foam etc.

This way you can clean the underside of the seat properly and the area it covers.

Remove the air filter and make sure you cover the inlet with an airbox wash cover.

Plug the exhaust to prevent water from getting in via the exhaust silencer.

 

2. Rinse

Rinse off any excessive dirt and mud with a hose. Use a wooden scraper if you need to loosen large lumps and spatters.

Place the bike on a centre stand and rinse off handle bars, seat area and around the engine area.

Rinse under the mudguards and clean the tyres.

 

3. Soap and wash

Now most of the dirt has been removed it’s time to spray on a mild detergent and scrub clean focusing on one section at a time.

Rinse each section after washing as you don’t want the cleaner to dry up before rinsing.

Use a small brush if needed for nooks and crannies.

Once rinsed check results and see if another application is needed.

Don’t leave soap residue on the bike as it may speed up plastic and seal wear.

 

4. Dry, Inspect and Lubricate

Now the bike is clean it’s time to inspect for signs of wear or damage and lubricate where required.

Below is a checklist for inspection and lubrication:

• Check the front fork dust seals for signs of wear/leakage and and use a seal cleaner if required.
• Inspect the chain and sprockets for signs of wear and lubricate.
• Check the steering alignment and for any play in the bearings by pushing and pulling at the base of the front forks.
• Make sure to check the brake fluid reservoir levels.
• Inspect the chain guides for alignment and signs of wear. Check there is no debris lodged inside.
• Lubricate kick start, levers, brake pedal and shifters if required.

View our General maintenance document here:    M2R-General-Maintenance-PDF

We do not recommend using a jet or power washer at close range for cleaning your dirt bike as these can damage seals, remove paint and stickers and can damage and discolour plastics.

M2R pit bikes are shipped to our dealers in crates, with some assembly still required.

There is the option to have your pit bike arrive fully assembled for an additional fee though, built by the mechanics at Funbikes (UK).

If you’re not so versed in the world of basic mechanics, and you don’t know someone who is, then the best option for you would be to have your bike delivered fully assembled.

If you’re someone with a little mechanical know-how who can tell your spanner from your hex key, then you might consider assembling the pit bike yourself.

Funbikes currently provide assembly videos that are very easy to understand and follow.

 

Check out the example below:

 

Try to avoid bad habits if you are new to dirt bike riding by following the advice set out below:

Tip – If you own a mountain bike get out on the dirt to get a feel for riding on terrain you will encounter on a dirt bike.

 

BODY POSITION

1. KNEES SQUEEZING THE FUEL TANK

Your knees should be squeezing the sides of the bike. This is very important when in a standing position. Squeezing the bike with your knees will help in aligning your body position and increase the riders overall body control of the bike.

 

2. ELBOWS SHOULD BE UP AND OUT AT A RIGHT ANGLE

Probably the most important body position to maintain when riding a dirt bike. If your elbows are by your side, you have no control over a dirt bike or the ability to navigate obstacles.

The over ninety-degree right angle is the strongest in the spectrum. When you extend your elbows allowing them to be vertical along with the handlebars, you have far greater control of a dirt bike.

This will allow your biceps, shoulders, and forearms to engage and have full control. Riding will build much greater stamina and strength over time but always remember, elbows up!

 

3. BALLS OF YOUR FEET ON FOOT PEGS

Keep the balls of your feet on the foot pegs and slide your feet forward only enough to reach the shift lever and the back-brake lever. The back brake can be very difficult for a new rider to get used to, especially if coming from a mountain bike background.

The right foot should be close enough so you do not have to pick up your foot and potentially catch the brake which can cause a skid.

Above the left foot peg your foot needs to be able to upshift and downshift through the gears. Try not to have your foot too far forward as this may cause you to upshift or downshift accidentally.

 

4. SIT FORWARD TOWARDS THE SEAT

The centre of gravity on a dirt bike is above the motor. This is where you can control your weight distribution and keep a dirt bikes front wheel grounded.

Good body position will greatly increase your control and reduce fatigue to your body caused by poor placement. Try to make a conscious effort to remember and work on all these points until they become second nature.

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LEARNING TO CHOOSE THE CORRECT GEARS

New riders usually have difficulty finding and choosing the right gear to be in. It is important to learn how to use gears correctly so that the dirt bike’s power can be correctly utilized to attack and overcome corners and obstacles.

Learn the characteristics of your bike slowly, find the points where the bike revs out and needs to change up, and learn how to change to the correct gear especially going into and coming out of corners.

 

LISTEN

Most riders will be familiar with engine characteristics and when roughly to change gear. Listen to the engine to help guide you.

If you can’t accelerate in the gear you are in, you are in the wrong gear.

 

TAKE YOUR TIME

Learn to control your balance by slowly manoeuvring the bike in a figure eight. The centre of gravity is right below the seat where the frame sits around the engine. Practice this while remembering the body positioning previously discussed.

 

READ THE TERRAIN

Learning to read the terrain and judging the stopping distances required is something that requires experience and should be taken slowly. Terrain is not consistent, and a dirt bike will react and handle differently on sand and gravel or after rainfall for example.

 

YOU ARE GOING TO FALL OFF

Yes, you are going to drop your bike, slide off, lose your balance etc. Make sure you are wearing protective clothing and a helmet every time you take your bike out. Read our article on dirt bike clothing here.