8 Ways to Upgrade Dirt Bike Performance

Published on
June 29, 2022 at 12:09:00 PM PDT June 29, 2022 at 12:09:00 PM PDTth, June 29, 2022 at 12:09:00 PM PDT

Dirt bikes can be expensive if you purchase a model with all the best features right out of the gate.

Serious bikers will want to make dirt bike upgrades to take their performance to the next level and get more power. However, knowing which changes to make is crucial if you're looking to improve your dirt bike without breaking your budget.

Keep reading to learn about eight things you should consider to blow your current bike out of the water!

1. Keep Up With Maintenance

Taking care of your bike and making sure all the dirt bike parts are in tip-top shape is the best way to ensure everything performs correctly and doesn't break down at the worst second.

Adjusting and replacing parts when necessary helps your bike to get the best power and you can improve dirt bike performance without making any significant changes.

The most common things you'll need to keep an eye on are:

  • Oil filters
  • Fluids
  • Brake pads
  • Wheel spokes
  • Chain tension

Before making any other upgrades, focusing on these areas is beneficial.

2. Upgrade the Exhaust

One of the best dirt bike upgrades you should consider is upgrading the exhaust.

Upgrading the muffler, in particular, is a great project beginners can complete on their own to help their bike breathe better. A better muffler will decrease the sound from the exhaust and give you better power at the same time.

If you want to boost your dirt bike's power, even more, upgrading the entire exhaust system instead of just the muffler will make the most significant difference. Plus, it's customizable and easily noticeable on the outside of the bike, so it's perfect for showing off.

3. Upgrade the Clutch

The clutch your dirt bike came with will be adequate for most beginners, but as you get used to the machine and crave better control, you might want an upgrade.

A more race-specific clutch can give you better acceleration and control around turns, leading to better engine performance. It also helps make the dirt bike faster, which for most people is always a huge benefit!

The price of this upgrade can lead to sticker shock for some, but experienced riders will take any gains they can get to develop a better edge over competitions.

4. Upgrade the Levers/Foot Pegs

Replacing small dirt bike parts like levers and foot pegs can give you better comfort, grip, and control of your bike as you ride.

Foot pegs, in particular, are a great choice because the wider they are, the easier it is to straighten out after a turn and land from a jump. Being mindful of the teeth on the pegs is essential, too, because you don't want mud to get packed into them.

Installing them properly and testing out a few different options will help you find the ones you're most comfortable with so you don't get distracted on your rides.

5. Choose Your Handlebars/Grips Wisely

There are countless types of grips available for you to pick from. Opting for something to make your ride comfortable and easier is ideal.

Having a firm grip on your handlebars will give you the best control over your bike and keep you safe and secured to your bike when you land big jumps.

Overall, you want your handlebars to fit your specific physique and not feel too stiff while you ride. The more comfortable you are on your dirt bike, the better you'll perform and the easier it'll be to develop new skills.

6. Replace or Tune-up the Suspension

The suspension of a dirt bike is one of the most common upgrades for these bikes because it's one of the most important elements of the bike.

The better the suspension, the quicker you can fly over obstacles on your path and the more confident you'll feel as you do so. Plus, you'll benefit from better traction and control.

The suspension absorbs bumps and impacts, so you'll also experience less fatigue as you ride, so you can ride for more extended periods of time without tiring out and needing a break.

7. Opt for Premium Tires

It goes without saying that higher-quality tires will help improve traction and control on your dirt bike.

But riding with tires that need to be replaced can be dangerous. Your performance will rapidly decline, too, so replacing tires sooner rather than later is best on all accounts.

The better the tire, the quicker and tighter your turns will be too. So upgrading them when the time comes will boost your performance, especially when paired with other upgrades.

8. Use Premium Fuel

Regular 87 octane gas will work just fine on your bike. It's cheap and gets the job done.

But race fuel contains extra additives designed to work with high-performance engines. It's hard to say how much better this type of fuel is for your engine, but it will likely make a difference in the long run/how long it stays in excellent condition.

Plus, racing fuel can give you the extra edge you need if you're in a high-stakes competition. Regular fuel will work just fine otherwise, but this upgrade will be appreciated when the timing is right.

Choose Your Dirt Bike Upgrades Carefully for Best Performance

Making any upgrades to your dirt bike will help it work better so you can perform your best. But knowing which upgrades to make will save you time and money while still giving you an edge against your competition and keeping you comfortable as you ride.

Consider making a few of the eight upgrades mentioned here to see the benefits you enjoy after.

Click here to learn more about the benefits of purchasing OEM parts for your dirt bike.