ATVs, motorcycles and dirt bikes are in a lot of ways like cars and trucks; the more diligent you are in your efforts to maintain and pamper your bike the more life you will get out of it. A properly maintained bike will provide years of enjoyment and retain its resale value in the event you decide to part ways with it. The time required is not significant compared to the maintenance of an automobile, but the tasks do need to be performed regularly in order to keep your ride in the best shape possible.

What follows are a few basic tasks that should be performed on a routine basis in order to properly care for you motorcycle, dirt bike or ATV.

Thoroughly Clean Your Bike

When mud, sand, and dirt are allowed to remain on the vehicle for an extended period of time, damage occurs as a result of corrosion, paint deterioration, and rust. In a relatively short period of time, dirt and sand remaining on the bike can become hardened and will be very difficult to remove. When these elements are not regularly removed from the bike, they promote corrosion as well. By giving the bike a thorough cleaning on a regular basis, it will remain corrosion and rust-free for much longer than if these responsibilities are not performed.

Do not Exceed Manufacturer's Specs

When engineers design a bike or quad, certain parameters are established in order to ensure that the vehicle is operated safely. When a rider operates the bike in excess of these very specific guidelines, they are running the risk of incurring damage to the ATV - and possible personal injury to themselves as well. Operating the bike in excess of manufacturer specifications can range from hauling an excessively large load, to operating the bike at extreme speeds, to using the machine for tasks for which it was not intended. Operating your ATV, motorcycle, or dirt bike will require more frequent repairs, and can very well shorten the life of the bike.

Perform Scheduled Maintenance as Directed by the Manufacturer

Your bike is a machine that must have its maintenance services performed on a timely basis in order to ensure that the vehicle will remain problem free. This includes the lubrication of moving parts such as tie rod ends and ball joints, engine oil and filter replacement, and the periodic replacement of worn or defective parts. It is also important to replace the transmission fluid according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Neglecting the regular maintenance can very well lead to the occurrence of a costly, catastrophic repair. Furthermore, failing to perform routine maintenance can be a safety issue as well.

Properly Prepare for Storage

While it is easier to simply stick the bike into storage and close the garage door at the end of the season, doing so can potentially cause a lot of damage to occur in the engine, fuel system, and chassis, which can shorten the life of the vehicle.