Tired of COVID? Let's talk Dirt-bikes Instead!

If you are like me, you are more than ready to move on from COVID, politics and listening to people talk about either one. I never thought I would see the day that I would miss religious arguments. But, unfortunately, that's the world we are living in at the moment. So instead, it's much more fun to talk about dirt-bikes. 

You might be thinking that the dirt-bike season is over and it's time to put the bike away for the long, dark, Winter.  If your bike is need of some major attention this might be the time to do just that. Normally I would advise you to keep riding as long as possible and  wait until January or February to get your bike fixed up for the next season. But, what we have been finding with many of our suppliers is getting parts, particularly OEM parts, has been taking longer than normal. Some items that traditionally have taken less than a week to get, can take as much as a month or more. The crazy part is there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to which parts are going to take a long time to get; some things are showing up on time, some are not. On top of all that we have been hearing rumors from suppliers that the back-log on parts is going to get worse since manufactures are having difficulty getting needed supplies to produce the parts. Most everyone is hoping to get back up to speed and caught-up sometime next summer. What that means for you and me is that if you wait until Spring, or even late Winter, to get your machine fixed you might be waiting right through the beginning of the riding season. So, bottom line, if you need work, get it done as soon as possible.

Now on a happier note! If your bike doesn't need some down-time, there is still lots of time to ride. Temperatures here in Sunny Central Washington have been amazingly mild for this time of year. The mountains are pretty much snowed in for the season, but the desert riding is just getting started. So far, "The Man" has not shut down the riding areas, so get that bike loaded and get going. Another plus is that unless you decide to fall down and hurt yourself (which never happens) you can easily practice social distancing, particularly if you are faster than your buddies, or slower whichever the case may be. As far as I am concerned a full face helmet is just like wearing a cloth mask (keep in mind, I am not a medical professional of any sort. I don't even play a doctor on TV) so take my dubious advice at your own peril.

One final thought, if you are new to the idea of Winter Riding; it's a different experience. Don't get fooled into thinking you need some sort of special gear, or need to wear a snow parka. You just need to remember to layer your clothing and NO COTTON. As far as your bike is concerned, if you have electric start make sure you have a good battery and charge it before going (avoid leaving it on a battery tender). Dirt-bike batteries are small and generally don't like cold weather. If worse comes to worse you can jump start your bike just like a car, but keep in mind if you hook your little battery to a big car battery you can't leave it hooked up very long or you will have a very, very bad day. 

Have questions? Feel free to send us a message. Our crew may not be able to give you medical advice, but we can sure doctor your bike and give lots of cheap riding advice. Just remember to have fun, be safe and you are faster on two wheels than you are wadded up on the side of the trail.