Keeping your motorcycle and dirt bike shocks and forks in good condition is easy if you let preventative maintenance be a key factor. Shock absorbers should be externally cleaned at least once a month. After cleaning, visually inspect the shocks for dull or pitted spots on the shaft, and for leaks around the seals.
Next, slide the bump rubber up the shaft and inspect the shaft where the bump rubber sits. This is very important in the prevention of shaft damage that will result in needing a replacement. Once a month grease all the shock bushings and all suspension linkage parts. Depending on the type of riding you do you will need to change the fluid and do an internal inspection about every 3 to 6 months, and seals should be replaced once a year. Forks on your motocross bike also need external cleaning after each day of riding and a thorough inspection for wear at least every 3 months.
If you ride where the track is loose and your bike gets extremely dirty, you may have to do these maintenance steps a little more often. Get to know your bike and you'll soon get a regular maintenance routine that works without taking up a huge amount of time.
Preventive maintenance will save you money in the long run and if you need to replace a part on your machine, talk to the pros at Raceway where you can get the parts you need and shipping is always free.
