How To Remove Dirt Bike Graphics

[vc_row background=""][vc_column background="" width="2/3"][omx_content title_tag="h1"]Dirt bike graphics transform your bike from a simple off road vehicle into a beast with a purpose. They provide both you and your bike with a unique identity and stamp you as someone to be taken seriously. But dirt bike decals are not permanent and if you own your bike for more than a few years you’ll eventually reach the point where replacing your old graphics becomes necessary. Removing old decals is not as simple as it might seem on the surface of it however. After being exposed to the sun and the elements for a prolonged period of time they’re going to be baked on pretty good and you won’t be able to just peel them off cleanly from the edge. So what do you do? Below we’ll get into how to remove dirt bike graphics.

 

While removing dirt bike decals isn’t rocket science there is a bit of science involved if you’re going to do it right and not mess up your bike in the process. And while you’re likely to find several different websites and/or videos on the Internet describing different ways of removing old graphics from your bike the way we’re going to suggest will not fail if you are guided by one principle: patience.

 

Before we get into the right way to remove graphics from your dirt bike we should say a few words about the wrong way to do it. That would be to try and scrape the little buggers off when they’re cold and you’re in a hurry. That method will only ensure 2 things: a lot of sticky crap left behind and ruined paint job. So, don’t do that. Okay? Alright.

 

The 5 Steps to Perfect Decal Removal

 

The secret to removing old decals from your dirt bike is heat. The problem with old decals is that they’re cold and dry and brittle. So trying to peel them off when they’re like that is destined to fail. What you need to do is make them pliable first and then you’ll see, they’ll come right up like dogs to dinner. Here are the 5 steps you’ll want to take to make that happen.

 

 

• Go to the bathroom or bedroom or wherever and retrieve the hair dryer. If you don’t have one borrow one from your sister or mom or neighbor.

• Holding the hairdryer about an inch above the decal turn it on high and move it back and forth for about 30 seconds. Don’t get it too hot as you could actually soften the paint underneath.

• Now that the sticker is nice and warm use a credit card or something similar and gently pick at the edge of the sticker until it comes up. If it doesn’t come up fairly easy apply the heat for another 30 seconds and repeat with the credit card.

• Peel up the sticker slowly. If it starts to resist too much turn the dryer back on and hold it over the decal while you peel it back.

• Once the sticker is completely removed you’ll probably have an outline and/or some residual glue on the surface. Just spray a tiny bit of WD40 onto the residue and wipe it away with a clean cloth.

 

 

That’s it. Once the stickers have all been removed clean all the surfaces thoroughly and dry them completely. If you don’t clean the surface thoroughly your new decals aren’t going to stick no matter how nice you ask them to. Use a mild soap and perhaps some rubbing alcohol, particularly if you used WD40 on the surface. Just make sure you don’t use a glass cleaner or anything with ammonia because it will likely leave behind a residue that will prevent the new graphic from adhering properly.

 

Now you’re ready to apply your new dirt bike decals.

 

We’re going to assume you spent your money wisely and invested in a set of pre-made or new dirt bike graphics from OMX. So bring them over to the workbench, get comfortable and let’s get going.

 

• Remove all the components you can that are going to receive a decal and lay them out flat on your workbench. Wipe them down one more time to make sure they’re clean and dust free.
• Peel back the paper from the decal using extreme care and making sure you don’t tug to hard in one direction or the other. Firm, even pressure is the order of the day here. Make sure you don’t touch the adhesive side of the decal during this part of the process as it could leave a dirt mark on you decal that will only become visible after you attach it.
• Take a breath and get a nice firm hold on the decal, holding it so that no part of the sticky back will contact any other part. For small decals you can place them all at once, just make sure they’re positioned properly. For larger decals place one side of the graphic down using extreme care and then slowly lay down the rest of it going from one side to the other. If you detect trouble at any point pull the graphic back a bit before proceeding.
• Starting in the center and moving to the edges smooth out the decal completely making sure you remove any creases or air bubbles along the way. If the bubble is stubborn puncture it with a pin and use a squeegee to force the air or water out through the pinhole.

 

Proceed until you have all the decals installed. Return the various components to your bike and you’re ready to go.

 

Learning how to remove dirt bike graphics is easy actually. All you need is a bit of common sense, some patience and a hair dryer. When installing your new graphics just be sure that the surface is completely clean and remember not to use any window cleaning products or others that contain ammonia. Other than that just relax and be methodical.[/omx_content][/vc_column][vc_column background="" width="1/3"][best_selling_products per_page="25" columns="3"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

How To Remove Dirt Bike Graphics Was first published here: OMX Graphics.

About Dirt Bike Decal Quality

[vc_row background=""][vc_column background="" width="2/3"][omx_content title_tag=""]Graphics help turn your dirt bike from a high performance machine into a personal statement of your beliefs, your attitude and your determination to excel. They can be as simple or elaborate as you want them to be but one thing they should never be is cheap. As in low-quality. Dirt cheap graphics might seem like a good idea when you look at the price, but as with anything else that’s being offered at rock bottom prices you need to ask yourself “why?” before shelling out your hard earned money. As in, why are they so cheap? If you don’t bother to ask about decal quality up front the answer will in all likelihood present itself to you in short order when they start peeling off or bleaching out in the sun.

 

The Importance of Decal Quality

 

Your dirt bike is no gilded lily. It’s a beast designed and built to attack the course, trail, circuit, desert, beach or wherever else you feel like taking it. It should be an unmistakable expression of who you are but when you saddle it with cheap dirt bike graphics that’s all anyone will see. And make no mistake, anyone who knows anything about decals will pick out your cheap decals a mile away. Maybe that doesn’t bother you. But if it doesn’t then why bother having decals at all?

 

While it’s true that your graphics won’t make your engine more powerful or allow you to smash through that turn any faster or land any smoother it’s also true that if you just slap a bunch of dirt cheap graphics on your bike it’s going to reflect poorly on you and your sponsors. Even if you bought your dirt bike just to join your friends for some fun on the logging road near your house high quality graphics will help protect the plastic components of your bike from scrapes and scratches and keep it looking factory fresh for a lot longer.

 

So How Can You Tell Cheap Graphics from Quality Ones?

 

• Material thickness - Most dirt cheap graphics are made of paper thin vinyl; often 6 mils or less. This is so thin that even the lightest brush by a branch or stout bush is going to penetrate the plastic, opening up a slash that will only grow over time allowing moisture and dirt to seep in under the decal and causing it to peel and flake. If you work your bike hard you want the decals to be at least 20 mils thick. This way they’ll hold up to whatever the trail or course or desert or whatever throws at them.

 

The fact is the thinner the material the less durable it will be, the shorter the lifespan it will have, the harder it’s going to be to position it properly, the harder it’s going to be to ultimately remove it and the weaker will be the UV protection. In the end you’ll wind up replacing them with high quality graphics anyway, so save yourself the time and wasted money by just opting for high quality decals to begin with.

 

• Inks - In order to save money makers of crappy dirt bike decals will use whatever cheap inks they can get their hands on. These discount inks typically have little or no protection from the sun’s UV rays. They’ll look good alright when you first put them on but after only a few weeks in the sun you’ll notice they’re starting to bleach out. In short order your bike will look 10 years old and sponsors are going to start ringing you up asking what’s going on.

 

• Adhesives - Another trademark of lousy bike decals is inferior adhesives. If the adhesive that holds the decal to the tank or fender or whatever is cheap you’ll notice your decals beginning to pull away at the edges almost immediately. If you contact the manufacturer to complain they’ll usually try and say you didn’t clean the tank or fenders good enough before you applied the decals. But you know yourself and you know that fender was so clean you could eat off of it. So what happened? Discount adhesives happened.

 

The OMX Difference

 

At OMX Graphics we take great pride in the dirt bike decals we produce. We’re committed to making sure you look your best from the time you arrive at the track to when you cross the line under the checkered flag. Every one of our decals is fashioned from the highest quality materials using state of the art printing processes and the best colorfast inks on the market.

 

We understand that dirt bike decals are no laughing matter and as such we approach the design and fabrication of each and every one of our graphics with the same care and relentless attention to detail. Every pre-made and custom order graphic we sell is:

 

• Printed using the highest quality UV resistant inks available.
• Printed using our state of the art digital printers. The same kind used to produce graphics for all of the world’s leading MX champs.
• Printed on ultra-aggressive media engineered specifically for the rigors of MX.
• Backed with ultra-durable adhesives that won’t fail you in the short or long term.
• Finished with a durable laminate coating to ensure long life.
• Cut to exacting tolerance using laser guided tools.

 

The Bottom Line

 

If you go ahead and buy some discount graphics based solely on the price you won’t be the first. You also won’t be the first to learn the hard way about the importance of decal quality, or the first to spend a couple of days a few months later trying to scrape that junk off of your tank, fenders and number plates. Nor will you be the first to realize you should have just purchased beautiful, durable, xddd from OMX Graphics to begin with and saved yourself a lot of money and headaches.

 

Do right by yourself and your dirt bike. Always choose high quality dirt bike decals from OMX Graphics. [/omx_content][/vc_column][vc_column background="" width="1/3"][best_selling_products per_page="20" columns="3"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

About Dirt Bike Decal Quality Was first published here: OMX Graphics.

Dirt Bike Customizations

[vc_row background=""][vc_column background="" width="2/3"][omx_content title_tag=""]Every kid who’s ever had an interest in dirt bikes or motocross in general has also dreamed about having the perfect bike: one that performs like a demon and looks like it couldn’t belong to anyone else. The best way to get that is to take the bike you get from the showroom and personalize it. And a good way to begin that customization process is to purchase a set of custom dirt bike graphics from OMX. They’ll ensure you have a unique look that stands out from the crowd even in a cloud of dust or when the mud is flying fast and free.

 

The Many Different Ways to Customize Your Dirt Bike

 

Custom graphics from OMX are the best way to jump start your dirt bike customization efforts. They’ll provide your bike with a professional aura, even if all you do is ride around the quarry with your friends. If you’re dedicated to the notion of making an MX career for yourself however, they’ll catch the attention of both the competition and potential sponsors and inform anyone that’s paying attention that you mean business. But while custom dirt bike graphics are a no-lose proposition you’re likely going to want to customize your ride from a performance perspective as well. And below we’ll give you a number of ways to do that.

 

• Upgrade your pipe - Upgrading your pipe is more involved than just removing the old one and fastening the new one into position. There are an array of things that factor into the choice of a pipe and if you aren’t careful you could wind up harming the performance of your bike rather than enhancing it. If you have a 2 stroke the pipe you choose will be determined at least in part by the type of riding you do. MX calls for one type of pipe while Supercross calls for another. Are you looking for top end power or something more in the low to middle end of the spectrum? If your bike is a 4 stroke you have the option of replacing the entire system which is a great way to reduce weight which, of course, should help enhance performance as well. If you’re this close to contention swapping out your pipe could be the push you’ve been looking for.

 

• Upgrading the suspension - This is one of the most, if not the most, common upgrades performed on dirt bikes. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most expensive. But if you’re serious about gleaning a competitive edge from your machine upgrading its relationship to the ground is a great way to do it. You might have to enlist professional help to ensure you do this right, or at least the help of someone who has experience with it. It’s really too important to take chances. Once properly installed you’re going to notice an immediate difference in your ability to attack turns, endure landings and float through whoops like a rock skipping across the water.

 

• New Reeds - Where 4 strokes use intake values 2 stroke bikes have reeds. They prevent air and fuel from being pushed back into the carb on the power stroke. If your bike is running sluggish there’s a good chance there’s an issue with the reeds. Even if the bike is right off the showroom floor you might still benefit from upgrading to new carbon fiber reeds that will typically close faster and provide more horsepower as well as better response when you crank the throttle.

 

• Upgrade the gearing - By upgrading the gearing you’re going to see a noticeable boost in performance the first time you take the bike out. However, it’s another of those upgrades you’re going to want experienced help with. You should have a clear goal of what you’re trying to accomplish with the upgraded gearing and whoever is helping you should know how to provide that. Are you looking to enhance acceleration or top speed? Why? Think it through before you dole out the bucks for this type of customization and be sure to get qualified help.

 

• Install a steering damper - A steering damper can literally make the difference between enjoying yourself and feeling like you’ve been drawn and quartered at the end of the day. The damper will stabilize the handlebars which will go a long way toward relieving stress on arms, hands and shoulders, especially if you are into off road activities where the terrain is rough and unpredictable. Some dampers can be adjusted on the fly, which can provide an enormous advantage over those racing with stock steering.

 

• Jet the carbs - Not the easiest thing to do. Or rather, not the easiest thing to do right. Jetting your carbs will adjust the air/fuel mixture so that you’re not running too rich or lean as can happen when you go from racing at 5,000 feet one week to sea level the next. Eventually electronic fuel injection will probably make jetting the carbs obsolete, but until it does go get a good jet kit and make sure you’re running the right mix for the conditions.

 

• It’s the Little Things - All of the above are fairly involved customizations and several will take a nice bite out of your bank account. But there are other, simpler ways you can customize your dirt bike that aren’t glamorous but will make a noticeable difference in your experience. The seat, grips, foot pegs and more all play a role in determining your comfort level and therefore your ability to focus on the task at hand. If you’re thinking about how much your feet hurt or how sore your butt is half way through the race you’re not thinking about closing the gap or exploding out of the turn. Make sure everything you come into contact with on your bike is right for your size and body type.

 

By implementing some or all of these customization tips you’ll be molding the bike to your body, your temperament and your goals. And don’t forget the cherry on the cake: custom graphics from OMX.[/omx_content][/vc_column][vc_column background="" width="1/3"][best_selling_products per_page="26" columns="3"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Dirt Bike Customizations Was first published here: OMX Graphics.

5 Reasons You Should Build Your Own Custom Dirt Bike Graphics

[vc_row background=""][vc_column background="" width="2/3"][omx_content title_tag="h1"]Your bike is an extension of yourself both physically and psychologically. It should be an expression of the way you see the sport, the passion you bring to it and it should look like it could not belong to anyone but you. But how do you achieve that personalized look without just stenciling your name on the gas tank? The best way is to create your own custom dirt bike graphics at OMXGraphics. OMX graphics have the experience, resources and technology to help you create your own state-of-the-art dirt bike graphics for a price that won’t clean you out.

[caption id="attachment_6998" align="alignnone" width="650"] Source: https://www.motosport.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-dirt-bike-graphics[/caption]

Why You Should Build Your Own Custom Dirt Bike Graphics

 

Sure you can pick up some pre-made decals for your dirt bike. You could also throw one of those premade frozen pizzas into the microwave instead of going down to the corner and getting a fresh one with exactly the toppings you want from your favorite pizza joint. But why would you? Something that’s crafted to your tastes is always better than something that’s not. Here are 5 solid reasons you should build your own custom dirt bike graphics:

• Your Bike is You - And it should look like you. The essential you. The you that decided to become a dirt bike rider in the first place. That’s not some homebody who likes to play it safe, who’s risk averse and is always reining himself in. The essential you calculates risk and forges ahead. The essential you treasures the rush and dreams of soaring over that rise and nailing the landing at full speed. The essential you is engaged in life, with all its color, energy and possibilities. Your dirt bike graphics should reflect these things in your choice of colors, shapes and graphic flourishes.

 

• They’ll Get You Noticed - We’d like to have a buck or Euro for every time we watched racers blow past and said to each other: “Who was that?” That kind of thing happens all the time when dirt bike owners don’t give enough thought to the graphics on their bike. It’s hard enough to identify riders moving at speed through clouds of dust. When they all have the same graphics it’s nearly impossible. Your custom dirt bike graphics will let you stand out from the crowd so that when you slam through that corner at dizzying speed bystanders can say “There goes your name here!”

 

• They Give You A Professional Aura - Dirt bike graphics not only express the essential you they also provide you and your ride with an aura of professionalism you can’t get any other way. Even if you’re not (yet) a competitive rider there’s no reason you can’t have the aura of one. “Image is everything” as someone once said and it’s true. It’s the image you project to the world that people use to determine where they think you fit in the larger scheme of things. If you really want to make an impression, one that not only says “I’ve arrived” but also says “I know where I’m going” there’s no better way than to build your own custom dirt bike graphics.

 

• They’re Unique - Once you establish a unique identity it’s yours. Others may try to copy it but they’ll always be known as one of your clones. Think about it. It happens all the time with music, automotive design and clothes. Nirvana (ask your parents) came along with a completely unique look and blew everybody else out of the water. Within a year there were a hundred of bands imitating their look, but they were all known as Nirvana copycats. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so when others imitate the look of your custom graphics people will know ‘Hey, he copied that from your name here”.

 

• They’re Affordable and Fun - Moving away from marketing principles for our last point, the fact is that custom dirt bike graphics are first and foremost great, affordable fun. Using the dirt bike graphics order form from on our website you can sketch out all your most amazing ideas and send them to the pros at OMX. They’ll then work with you to turn them into a set of custom graphics for your dirt bike that will blow your friends away and set your bike apart from the herd. It’s a lot easier and faster than you think to build your own custom dirt bike graphics and at €30 it’s also one of the most affordable ways to establish a completely unique identity.

 

 

About Our Full Custom Dirt Bike Graphics Kit

 

• A Great Value - A full set of custom graphics from OMX is only €30 ($35). That’s an amazing price when you consider this is no mere shifting of a sponsor’s logo or tweak to the color scheme. This is a one-of-a-kind, totally unique identity others will be scurrying to copy.

 

• Fast Turnarounds - As soon as we’ve received your custom order form and payment has been confirmed we set to work on your order. You’ll usually get a .jpg image with our designer’s concept emailed to you within 48 hours. You then provide feedback and work with our designer to perfect the look. Once you decide on the best graphics for your bike they’ll be produced in 3 business days, sometimes less.

 

• Choose how much or how little you want to cover - If you like you can just have us produce backgrounds for you. These will cover the number plates on the front and sides, along with the airbox. Or you can go full tilt and work with our design pros to build your own custom dirt bike graphics. If you want graphics for non-standard items like the lower forks we can do that to. Just contact us and tell us what you have in mind.

 

Custom graphics mx and decal works turn your ordinary dirt bike into something everyone will immediately identify as a part of you.

Download our custom graphics order form, sketch out your ideas and send it to us today to get the ball rolling.[/omx_content][/vc_column][vc_column background="" width="1/3"][best_selling_products per_page="24" columns="2"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

5 Reasons You Should Build Your Own Custom Dirt Bike Graphics Was first published here: OMX Graphics.

Build Your Own Dirt Bike

Build Your Own Dirt Bike

[caption id="attachment_6984" align="alignnone" width="650"] Source: https://pixabay.com/en/kawasaki-kx250f-kx450f-2524025/[/caption]

 

Some guys kick around the idea of building a dirt bike as if it was as simple as building a flower box or a shelf for their books. It’s not. It takes a lot of determination, knowledge, common sense, mechanical wherewithal, patience, persistence and the ability to not get too impressed with yourself. After all, just because it looks good doesn’t mean it will run. And just because it runs doesn’t mean it won’t fall apart the first time you hit a rock on the trail.

 

Now that we know we should pay attention while building our dirt bike and not be distracted by the newest “Shadow of the Colossus” release it’s important to mention that there are actually 2 ways to build your own dirt bike. The first entails finding an old dirt bike that has been moldering away in the junk yard, stripping it of anything that’s no longer useful (which should be just about everything) and then pimping out the frame with new components until you have the dirt bike of your dreams.

 

The second way to build your own dirt bike is to create it from scratch. That is, start with nothing and build it from the floor up. With this method you have absolute control over the build from day one and can make sure you select only the best parts. That way you minimize the possibility of equipment error and can just focus on putting everything together properly and fine tuning it prior to taking it out on the track. Be warned that it will cost a pretty penny to do it this way however.

 

Before we get into the nuts and bolts of how to build a homemade dirt bike though it’s important to know the different types of dirt bikes out there along with when and why they are typically used. After that we’re going to look at the various components that make up a dirt bike. Then we’ll dive into the process of putting it all together and tripping it out with your own custom dirt bike graphics.

 

The Different Types of Dirt Bikes

 

People unfamiliar with the common dirt bike tend to think there is only 1 kind: the kind with those high-strung engines and fenders like woa! The fact is however there are a number of different kinds of dirt bikes and if you try to win a motocross with an endurance bike you’re going to be in for a very long, unsuccessful day. So choosing the right type of dirt bike for your intended use is critical if you are going to build one you can actually use. With that in mind here are the different types of dirt bikes.

 

• Motocross Bikes - Commonly referred to as “MX bikes” motocross bikes are built for one thing: racing. The typical motocross course involves lots of loose dirt, mud, jumps, tight corners and straightaways. Sometimes these are very tightly controlled courses built temporarily inside arenas and sometimes they’re long established outdoor tracks like Unadilla. Motocross bikes typically have tough suspension systems and tires with deep, hungry treads.

[caption id="attachment_6985" align="alignnone" width="650"] Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/enduro-bike-rider-driving-across-desert-164478737?src=a90MRZ_A0oUivVIMPr9E7Q-1-42[/caption]

 

• Desert Bikes - Desert bikes are also referred to as “sand bikes” and their designed specifically to be used on large expanses of sandy terrain whether that’s in the actual desert or on a beach. Because sand is such a corrosive element the drivetrain and transmission of the desert bike needs to be sealed tight. Tires are also specifically designed to avoid sinking into the sand and to grab as firm a hold as possible in the loose surface.

 

[caption id="attachment_6986" align="alignnone" width="650"] Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/dirt-bike-trailing-745000135?src=T6S2eDBw6dFfuCWh3HE7Hw-2-16[/caption]

 

• Trail Bikes - Trail bikes are commonly mistaken for motocross bikes. But while there are many similarities there are also differences between the 2 that are driven by the differences in the terrain they have to navigate. While MX courses can be extremely challenging they are relatively well-groomed compared to some of the trails out there. And even though trail riding is mostly an enthusiast sport rather than a profession the bike is still going to take an extreme pounding. So heavy duty suspension and special off-road tires are the order of the day.

[caption id="attachment_6987" align="alignnone" width="650"] Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/enduro-athlete-on-motorcycle-crosses-puddle-670565629?src=8mRhIRm2RZQdrt-Fg0ypqQ-1-23[/caption]

 

• Endurance Bikes - Enduro races test the strength and endurance (and so the name) of both the bike and the rider. It’s a lot like trail riding only far more grueling and a single race can last up to 3 hours. That’s a lot of time to be battling tree roots, creek beds and woodland trails. Because of the length of the race an endurance bike will need a larger than average gas tank and a suspension system that’s tuned to the particulars of the course since every course is a bit different.
• Street Bikes - A street bike can be taken off road or down the highway (although you won’t want to take them on the Interstate). As such they’ll need to pass standard road-worthiness requirements which usually means tires that are better suited to flat, hard road surfaces and mufflers that bring noise levels into line with local ordinances, along with a full complement of lights.

 

Now that we know what the different types of dirt bike are let’s take a look at the various components that go into building one.

 

Major Parts of a Dirt Bike

 

We’re going to assume for the purposes of this article that you have decided you want to build a standard MX bike. There are still a few more things you should probably know about dirt bikes before you start procuring parts. Your dirt bike won’t have a faring to break the wind, won’t have a big comfy seat for 2 people, won’t have the kind of top-end speed a standard street bike will and won’t be very heavy or very aerodynamic. Got all that? Great. Let’s look at the main components you’ll be needing to build your own dirt bike.

 

• The Frame - The frame provides structural support for all elements of the chassis which in turn determine the relationship of the vehicle to the course. The frame is typically built of aluminum or steel and is responsible for carrying the weight of all the other parts, so it needs to be tough. The suspension is an integral part of the chassis and includes the rear shocks which attach to the frame at one end and the swing arm at the other and the front forks which have built in shocks that can be adjusted as you see fit.

• Engine - Almost all dirt bikes will have a 2-stroke engine. These engines fire on every revolution of the crankshaft as opposed to firing on every other revolution, which is what a 4-stroke engine does. Because of this the 2-stroke gets off the line much faster than the 4-stroke. The 4-stroke is also heavier which impacts its ability to get up to speed. Most MX bikes will have an engine displacement under 450cc (with most being considerably smaller than that). They are also single cylinder engines which again cuts down on weight and means fewer moving parts (so fewer potential problems).
• Wheels, Tires and Seat - Tires made for use on hard terrain would be made of relatively soft rubber with tread blocks that are pretty close together. Tires built for sand or desert bikes typically have what’s called a ‘paddle tread’. As for your standard MX bike you’re going to want tires specifically designed to navigate the terrain of the MX course. And that means tread. And lots of it. Typically widely spaced lugs that have the effect of paddling through the soft dirt and mud. You also owe it to yourself to get a top notch seat. You’ll have pretty wide leeway regarding styles, just make sure to keep the weight down.

[caption id="attachment_6990" align="alignnone" width="650"] Source: https://www.motosport.com/blog/how-to-bleed-dirt-bike-brakes[/caption]

• Brakes - A lot of times on the motocross track you’ll be landing after a big jump and then smashing straight into a hard turn. Your brakes better be able to hand it. Whether they’re drum brakes (whose stopping mechanism is internal) or disc brakes (whose stopping mechanism is external) they’ll need to withstand enormous stress and strain.
• Drive Mechanism - Most dirt bikes use a chain drive although an increasing number use belt or shaft drive systems. Chain or belt drive systems are lighter and when something goes wrong they’re typically easier to fix. While shaft drives are efficient but heavier and a pain in the you know what to repair if something goes wrong on the course.

 

It’s a given at this point that you’ll need an array of nuts and bolts, screw, wires, pins and clips to assemble a complete MX bike but we’re not going to get into that kind of excruciating minutia here. Instead, let’s have a look at what goes into building your new dirt bike using reclaimed/reused parts.

 

How to Build Your Own Dirt Bike: The Reclamation Method

 

A lot of MX enthusiasts want to find a way to enjoy their favorite sport without going broke. Certainly building your own motocross bike is one way to save money; as long as you can find the necessary parts and do it right. The alternative is to build your dirt bike using all brand new parts. Which is not only impractical but can get expensive as we’ll talk about below. The preferred way for most builders then is to start with a junker and rebuild/refurbish. Here’s how to do that.

 

• Visit the junkyard - Take a Saturday and go to the junkyard. Sift through the various dirt bikes they have on hand and look for one whose frame seems structurally intact without a lot of rust. The less rust the better, but as long as the frame isn’t rusted through anywhere it’s likely salvageable. Plunk down a few bucks and take it home. Alternately you can search online for a junker someone is trying to get rid of and as long as the frame meets the above requirements, pick it up.

 

• Assess the engine - Clean the bike up when you get it home enough so that you can get a good look at the engine and tell if it’s worth saving. If you’re unsure ask someone with mechanical abilities to take a look at it for you. A good mechanic should be able to tell you in short order if the engine can be salvaged. Just to be clear, most engines can be.

 

• Disassemble the engine - Drain all fluids from the engine and then take it completely apart. It’s important that you catalog and clean each part thoroughly. Keep everything organized so you know where each nut and each bolt came from and the sequence you used to take it apart.

 

• Assess body parts - Take a good close look at the gas tank, airbox and other parts to determine if they’re salvageable or need to be scrapped. You may want to just scrap them regardless and replace them with new customized parts that will allow you to retain the performance profile of the bike but give it a unique look and feel. If you want to stick with the original look of the bike and need to buy any parts look online for refurbished parts. The Internet is teeming with them.

 

• Paint the frame - Here’s your chance to add a custom touch by giving the frame a nonstandard paint job. Just make sure you keep in mind the motorcycle decals you’re going to add later so that everything works well together.

 

• Rebuild the engine - Put the engine back together carefully. Again, if you know someone with mechanical acumen it’s a good idea to have them on hand during this process to ensure it all goes smoothly.

 

• Buy new rims, tires and seat - Chances are good that the tires, rims and seat suffered the brunt of the years of neglect the bike went through before you claimed it from the scrap heap. As such they should be completely replaced. Make sure to pick a seat that is light, firm and reasonably comfortable.

 

• Finishing touches - If you were building a street bike you’d need to worry about the headlight, tail light and blinkers. But you’re not so you can skip that step. Your final touch should be to build your own dirt bike graphics at omxgraphics.com. These motorcycle decals will be the cherry on the cake of your new bike (we’ll get into them more below).

 

• Test the bike - Have your mechanically inclined friend around when you test the bike. In case anything goes wrong they’ll be able to point you in the right direction to fix it. Once everything is working properly take it out for a test ride but keep the speed down and your eyes and ear open.

 

• Begin working on your legend - No one else will do it for you.

 

How to Build Your Own Dirt Bike: The OEM Method

 

The second way to build your own bike is to start with nothing more than a place to work and build from the floor up using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. While there’s no precise answer to the question “how much does it cost to build your own dirt bike?” it has to be said that this method is probably going to cost you more than if you just went out and bought a brand new bike. However, if it’s something you’re determined to do and you have the financial wherewithal then more power to you. We’re not going to go through all the steps in painstaking detail because they’re basically the same as described above:

 

• Start with a good frame. Give it a nice paint job.
• Add the engine.
• Add the tank and other parts. Give them a nice paint job.
• Add the wheels, tires and seat.
• Add custom decals from OMX.
• Rock the course!

 

The most important thing we can do here is provide you a checklist of things to keep in mind when building your own custom dirt bike from the ground up. Print this list out and tape it up on the wall of your workshop to always have at the ready.

 

Note that if you are unable to find new OEM parts reconditioned parts will usually do. Just be sure to procure them from a reliable seller.

 

• Tip 1: Consider a steering stabilizer - While these aren’t widely used by MX riders it just could save your bacon some day when landing hard (and maybe help you win in the process).

 

• Tip 2: Use a high-quality chain - Bars are full of old MX riders with stories to tell about how they had the race in their hands when their chain broke. Make sure you use a high quality chain and you won’t have any excuses for not winning.

 

• Tip 3: Be real with the power - A 250 2-stroke should be all the MX bike engine you need unless you have some compelling reason to have more power than that. With 450s you’re talking 4-strokes and extra weight and that would need to be justified.

 

• Tip 4: Rugged suspension is vital - You’ll want to work with someone who knows what they’re doing when it comes to selecting and tuning your suspension. But the bottom line is that it will need to be a robust system if you’re serious about motocross.

 

• Tip 5: Get the handlebars right - If you’re of average height you’ll probably want to go with low bars, maybe rotated forward a little until you find your comfort zone. Anyone over 6 feet is going to want taller bars or they’ll be unbalanced to the fore all the time.

 

• Tip 6: Don’t forget the skid plate - One unlucky encounter with a rock or tree branch or piece of gravel could end your day in a hurry and send you to the parts store for a new oil filter, shifter or brake pedal. Not having a skid plate increases your chance of not finishing. Why would you want to do that?

 

Building a dirt bike from the ground up using OEM parts will be expensive but it may well provide you with a hybrid MX bike others will be drooling over. As long as performance matches the looks you’re golden.

 

Decal Works: Build Your Own Dirt Bike Kits

 

Whether your new custom dirt bike is based on a salvaged frame and motor or is something you built from scratch using off the shelf OEM parts the custom decals you apply as your final step will make all the difference in the way your bike, and you, are perceived. OMX graphics offers a dizzying array of semi-custom dirt bike graphics along with the ability to design your own fully custom dirt bike graphics with the help of our world class designers.

 

When you choose to build your own dirt bike you’re making a statement about your brains and determination and you’re telling the world you will not be denied no matter what. Your new bike deserves custom graphics that are as bold and original as your new bike. No matter what path you chose when it came to the matter of how to build your own dirt bike it’s here now. Make sure it’s one to be reckoned with by installing incredible custom graphics from OMX. They’re a tremendous value, provide you with a wealth of options regarding how much or how little coverage you want and they’ll be in your hands in a flash so that once you build your own bike you can get it on the course in a hurry.

 

Conclusion

 

Here’s one final tip: make sure you document the process every step of the way. Not only will it be priceless record of your effort that you’ll refer to for years to come but it will help you immeasurably when it comes to things like putting the engine back together.

 

Whether you start from scratch using off the shelf parts or rescue a vintage bike from the junk yard you’ll always have a special connection to your new bike regardless of whether it enjoys a legendary career or not. Make sure you pay homage to the effort that went into its creation by decking it out with custom graphics from OMX.  

 

Build Your Own Dirt Bike Was first published here: OMX Graphics.

5 Reasons Why Enduro Will Improve Your Motocross Skills

Enduro riding is a totally different style of riding from motocross in terms of speed, but what the enduro tracks lack in average speed and jumps, they gain in technical, tight twisty turns that force you to ride on the pegs, ride in the right gear, and stay 100% focused the whole time.

The average lap time of the track layout was between 12-16 minutes. Within the lap were tight, twisty woodlands where there were trees everywhere, deep sand sections, blind jumps, flat out straights, ruts and a few boggy pits. A side from this, the track is mapped out with red and white hazard tape with hand sized arrows pointing in the track direction.

So what can be learned from riding enduro?
The key elements in motocross are feet position on the pegs, body position, riding in the optimal gear, concentration & braking effectively. Speed comes down to the individual's confidence.

Here are just 5 ways, enduro riding will improve your motocross riding.

1. Improve your balance.
When you learnt to ride a bicycle, the faster you went the easier it became. For this reason, slowing the pace in tight, twisty and rutty surroundings forces you to put your balance to the test.

2. Strengthen your legs.
Have you ever ridden over a tree whilst sat down? Probably not.. and if you did, it probably hurt! In motocross, so many people sit and stand in the wrong places due to tired legs and a weak back. Strengthening these weaknesses in the gym will help, but strengthening them by riding on the pegs for longer will improve your technique massively and will be a lot more fun (seat time and a stronger body)!

3. Feel for the bike.
Developing a good feel for the bike comes from bike time and riding in challenging conditions, this is what enduro is about.. Time on the bike over very difficult terrain.
 

4. Mental awareness.
Around a motocross track there is a big element of learning the track involved when it comes to the first laps of a generic flat track, however after 9-10 laps, you could probably draw the circuit out on a piece of paper... Including any jumps and areas where ruts have developed; however, enduro tracks can be so long in distance that every corner can become a guessing game; even after hours of riding. This is why mental awareness and focus is so important, one slip or mistake can put you on the floor, in a boggy mess, a never ending rut or into oncoming riders. 

5. Improved reactions.

Everything covered in 1-4 will contribute to improved reactions on the bike, and adding speed to the equation only heightens these senses. The tight nature and low hanging trees force you to be proactive and move on the bike, because if you don't you'll get hit.

So if you're a motocross rider feeling as though you're stuck in a rut with your riding, try an enduro practice day and see for yourself how it can develop your skills on the bike.
If you're still stuck, get in touch for a 1-2-1 or small group training day with your friends and I'll help you to improve. 

Source: 5 Reasons Why Enduro Will Improve Your Motocross Skills