How long do dirt bikes last? Let us explore!
Dirt bikes are the best source of adrenaline, and riding your dream bike is an experience like no other. And when you’re passionate about it, you want your dirt bike to last till kingdom come. However, nothing lasts forever, and goodbyes are an inevitable part of life. How sooner or later you bid your dirt bike farewell depends on you.
Dirt bikes tend to give us a good 3 to 5 years of performance. This is true for most of them, depending on the level of care. In other terms of measurement, they may give you an average of six hundred hours of riding time.
How you care for it affects how long it will stay with you. Regularly running routine maintenance and changing faulty parts can increase the lifespan of your bike.
How roughly or gently you use it will also determine its longevity. So basically, how you ride it and how often you ride your dirt bike greatly affects how long they will last.
Also read: Best dirt bikes for adults
How Long Does a Dirt Bike Last in Terms of Miles?
Let’s do the math. On average, dirt bikers tend to ride around 3000 miles per year. And, we have established that they will last 3 to 5 years. Ergo, you get a total of 9,000 to 15,000 miles from your typical dirt bike.
Also read: Best budget touring bikes
What Factors Affect The Lifespan Of Dirt Bikes?
Once you’re truly attached to your dirt bike, you don’t want to get another one. No matter how many parts need replacement. Below are the factors that affect how long your dirt bike will last:
New/Used
If you bought a used dirt bike, chances are it hasn’t got much time left.
How You Ride It
If you’ve been riding it rough and aggressive, don’t expect your dirt bike to last long. You’re bound to encounter mechanical failures. On the other hand, if you don’t ride forcefully onto tough terrains, you can get a good few years out of it.
Also read: Best cheap dirt bikes
How Frequently Do You Ride
If you’re an occasional gentle rider, you can juice out much more years from it than someone who rides 4 to 5 times a week.
Expensive/Cheap
If you’ve bought from a cheap unreliable brand, don’t expect any loyalty. The bike won’t be staying with you for very long. This is true for most dirt bikes that don’t have reliable components.
Also read: Best dirt bikes for kids
Maintenance
If I have not stressed this enough, let me reiterate. Dirt bikes need a whole lot more maintenance than regular vehicles. Because they are ridden on rough grounds and off roads, they need to be taken care of after every ride. Never forget to wash your bike to clear debris and other sticky materials.
Also read: Which Vehicles Can Fit A Dirt Bike?
Which Parts of a Dirt Bike Break Down First?
Sooner or later, your bike’s components will start to fail and will need replacement. Some will break down sooner than others.
Engine
It is the undisputed heart of the vehicle. The engine usually lasts somewhere between 1 and 5 years. If you take care of it, like regularly changing oil, it may even stay with you longer.
Chain
The chain is one of those parts that regularly break apart. And by regular, I mean in comparison to most components anyway. On average, a dirt bike’s chain will typically break after 700 to 5000 miles. The chains need to be properly lubricated in order for them to function properly. And, it’s best if you change them every four months. This is so you don’t encounter any dangerous situations.
Tires
Tires are the equivalent of human limbs. Without them, there’s essentially no way to move. If we’re talking about hours, tires may last you somewhere between an average of 10 to 15 hours. But then again, how often you ride and the way you ride your dirt bike will affect the extent of wear and tear. Typically, they will last 2 to 3 years. After that, you will need to get new ones.
Battery
A dirt bike’s battery lifespan is the same as a dirt bike. It lasts around 3 to 5 years. However, many people tend to get a new dirt bike when their battery fails. You can either have it replaced or jump on the bandwagon. It is up to you!
Clutch
A dirt bike’s clutch is usually a sturdy component that lasts an average of 30,000 miles. However, you’ll know it’s time to get a replacement once you feel the clutch starts slipping. You can even replace the clutch yourself!
Fluids
Your dirt bike runs on many essential fluids. Fluids like gas, transmission oil, coolants, and brake fluid. Some of these need proper measurement, pre-mixing, and regular change. Otherwise, you’re asking for damages. So before you hop on to your adventure wheels, make sure you have gotten the mixtures proper.
Relevant read: What Is The Best Type of Coolant to Use in a Dirt Bike?
How Can You Increase the Lifespan of Your Dirt Bike?
– Wash your dirt bike often and after every ride
– Remember to lubricate the parts, including the chain
– Regularly check for leakages
– Make sure caps, bolts, and nuts are tight and in place
– Check and replace oil, gas, and engine coolants
– Replace damaged parts instantly
Everything on this earth requires love and care. Even dirt bikes! The better you maintain them, the longer they’ll last. And, you might even get some heavy doses of adrenaline for years to come!
Ride out your days of glory by making sure to run proper maintenance checks. Remember to wash your dirt bike after every ride! Happy riding!
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