Luc’s Tips February 2013: Dual Sport Off-Road Preparation
Last Updated: April 1st, 2024
February is Dual Sport month at TEAM Arizona. If you’re considering going off-road with your ride, you’ll want to consider preparing your motorcycle for the rigors and challenges the varied surface will present.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Before any ride, we want to make sure our bike is in good health. The best way to check our bike before a ride is to use the Motorcycle Safety Foundation T-CLOCS method. You can find a T-CLOCS worksheet here.
At the very top of the list is TIRES. Make sure your tires are, at the very least, ready for on and off-road action. Dual sport (knobby) tires may be a consideration. Check your owners manual to determine the correct amount of tire pressure.
Remember, if you reduce tire pressure before going off-road, make sure to have a way to increase tire pressure when you return to riding on road; a simple portable bike pump can do the trick.
Inspect nuts and bolts, before and after a ride, to make sure everything that is meant to be on the motorcycle remains on the motorcycle.
Make sure to gas up and have enough to travel your planned route and beyond.
OFF-ROAD ACCESSORIES
Some modifications and accessories may be helpful before venturing off-road. Here is a list of some of the most valuable:
- Handguards (barkbusters)
- Skid plate (bash plate)
- Engine Guards
- GPS
- Case protectors
- Radiator guards/protectors
- Tool bag
- Spare Clutch/Brake levers
You may consider adding these items yourself or by visiting one of your local, friendly dealerships. You may find, as I do, that adding these elements to your motorcycle really personalizes the motorcycle and gets it ready for the ride.
So once the motorcycle is ready to go, where are you going to ride? We want to know where you plan on taking your dual sport motorcycle. Visit the TEAM Arizona Facebook page, tell us your story, and make us jealous!
Safe riding,
-LUC
DISCLAIMER: THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS COLUMN ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF ANY MANUFACTURER. THE CONTENT PROVIDED IS MERELY EDUCATIONAL AND NOT INTENDED AS A REPLACEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL REPAIR. TEAM ARIZONA, ITS STAFF, AND ITS RIDERCOACHES ARE UNAVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE MOTORCYCLE REPAIR; WE RECOMMEND SEEING YOUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP OR REPAIR SHOP.
