No matter what kind of dirt bike rider you are, a pro or a rookie, the significance of clutch levers cannot possibly be overlooked.
Dirt bikes are an excellent companion for anyone who loves adventures down the road.
As such, the off-road brake lever helps riders gain increased control over their bikes and mitigate chances of accident or mishaps.
For a beginner, it might be a little difficult to exercise full control over dirt bike levers. However, with time, one gets the hang of it and things tend to become a lot easier, offering a pleasurable riding experience.
For any serious rider out there, the chief focus is on acceleration and tackling obstacles along the way using active braking methods. With frequent turns and jumps, active braking sets into play and ensures the right balance is reached between speed and control.
If you experience sudden trouble with your dirt bike out of nowhere, it is apparent that something is wrong with your factory brake lever. Some of the common symptoms include skipping, grinding, and dragging. When you encounter such situations, know for sure that it’s time to get that off-road brake lever looked at.
Hence, you must gain considerable knowledge about the clutch lever, and ensure your bike stays in top-notch condition.
In this post, you will get to learn about a handful of easy and effective maintenance tips for your dirt bike brake levers.
Start With The Brake Pads
Brake pads are seemingly one of the most significant accessories in a dirt bike. If there is an issue with your brake pads, the usual sign is to look out for a sound that resembles the nails rubbing against a chalkboard.
When brake pads are worn out or malfunctioning, the usual remedy is to get them replaced. Besides, one should also take a look at the brake fluid reservoir.
Don’t Forget The Brake Rotors
Any experienced dirt bike rider or enthusiast is well aware of brake pads that receive a squeeze via the brake rotor when controlling speed. Hence, it is necessary to keep them functioning well. The usual way is to check for the thickness of the rotor using a micrometer. Remember, this is a vital step before you start your ride.
Keep The Brake Lines Clean
Brake lines are often subjected to regular dirt and dust settling in. As an obvious consequence, a rider experiences a mushy feel when the off-road brake lever is squeezed.
To fix a clogged brake line, you will need to replace the brake fluid, which can be done easily by loosening the brake caliper from the back. Make sure to keep the back end open for a little while until all the debris and dirt comes out of the brake lines.
Make Lubricants Your Best Friend
Quite similar to motorcycles, dirt bikes also need adjusting, especially with brake levers to make way for a smoother ride every time. Maladjusting an off-road brake lever might lead to quite a few issues while trying to stop the bike. At times, you will need to exert a lot of pressure to make things work.
That is where a good lubricant cuts in. It not only helps keep the pins bound up but also mitigates any recurring issues arising with factory-fitted brake levers.
Replace With New Brake Fluid
A dirt bike using the hydraulic clutch won’t live long when trying to run on old and existing brake fluid. Typically, the brake fluid is prone to contamination and requires timely replacement to ensure a smooth ride every time.
In case you are getting your hands on to replace brake fluid for the very first time, it is recommended you refer to the owner’s manual. It will explicitly detail out every single step, which will help save your time and money involved with visiting a mechanic each time.
Keep Your Clutch Pads Clean
Dirt bikes, as the name goes are bound to take a lot of grime, debris, and dust.
Especially, when you are riding past the motocross trails, where roads aren’t exactly buttery smooth.
Like every other part, the clutch pads also receive their fair share of dust and grime. Hence, it demands a thorough cleaning at regular intervals.
If you don’t want an off-road brake lever to mess with your riding, you will need to keep your clutch pads clean beside other parts of your bike. This includes the wheels, the whole brake system, and the clutch pads as well.
Wrap up
Compared to conventional motorcycles, dirt bikes assume a more flexible, lighter, and immensely compact frame. Hence, they offer a much longer suspension as well as higher ground clearance to deliver the much-needed torque across all off-road situations.
It’s no denying how expensive your dirt bike is, not many are aware of its cleaning and maintenance process. Remember, besides the basic cleaning of your bike, it’s also important to invest in maintaining off-road brake levers.
By following simple cleaning and maintenance tips as discussed above, you will be able to ensure your dirt bike stays in mint state and offers more thrill and enjoyment while cruising down the road.