Mud preparation for your dirt bike can be the difference between nailing a race or being stuck on the track with a bike that won’t start.
That’s why it’s imperative to prep your dirt bike ahead of a mud-race and give yourself the best chance of crossing the finish line.
We will discuss a few important tips in this article to help you get your bike ready for the next mud-race.
Handguards
Firstly, install a pair of handguards on your dirt bike. Using them isn’t mandatory, though they do come with some benefits.
For starters, they will guard your hands against impacts and also prevent them from getting covered in heavy dirt.
Some riders like to use handguards for every use, while others use them only for tough races like the mud ones.
Moreover, it’s easy for the mud to clog your levers and throttle during a mud race. Handguards prevent that from happening by swerving the mud elsewhere.
Add Foam
The pros recommend installing foam to the key areas of your bike to prevent mud clogging. Ensure that you fit a foam insert (like a DRC skid plate) between the engine & the skid/bash plate.
You can also slice up the foam and install it on the bottom sides of the engine & frame for added protection.
Fender foam can also be a good option. It prevents mud-clogging under the fenders. In its absence, the heavy mud on the fenders will make it difficult for you to handle the bike.
You can also spray your plastics with a silicone spray, which lets the mud slide off, rather than sticking on your bike.
Block Airbox Breather Holes
Depending on the orientation of your bike’s number plates and how wet the conditions are, it’s advisable to block the breather holes of the airbox with tape to stop the mud from entering.
Although it might affect the bike’s performance a bit (you won’t possibly notice it anyway), it’s better than not getting your bike to start because the water was able to penetrate the air filter.
Suspension
If you often experience tiredness even after short mud-rides, your bike’s suspension might be at fault. A worn-out suspension exerts unnecessary pressure on your shoulders and arms.
The below parts make up a good dirt-bike suspension system:
- Shocks
- Linkage
- Triple Clamps
- Fork Seals
This suspension setup will ensure lesser force on your joints and will help you ride smoothly in the mud.
Extras To Consider
There are some additional precautions & products to consider for a mud-race, mud scraper being the first. It will let you remove all the mud under the fenders.
This can be handy if you have back-to-back races and don’t have time to wash your bike thoroughly.
Spare brake pads need to be on your list as well. It’s easy for the main brake pads to get damaged in mud-races due to the high abrasiveness of the mud and dirt.
So if you don’t carry the spare brake pads in the race, you might face problems. Better be prepared than sorry!
Mud Preparation For Your Helmet
Extending your helmet’s peak can be effective in a mud race. Most riders do this by applying an old goggle lens and taping it to the peak’s end to give it an additional length.
This adjustment allows the riders to put their head down when getting roosted and prevent the mud from filling up the goggles.
It’s not advisable to go in a muddy trace with a worn-out or cracked helmet. It exposes your head to impacts and can be fatal. If your helmet is old, consider changing it.
If you are looking to upgrade, check out Fox helmets; you will certainly find one that fits right.
Wrapping Up
Mud racing isn’t easy. It requires expertise and a well-equipped bike to make it to the finish line.
We hope the tips mentioned in this article will help you prep your bike for the next mud-race!
