2024 U.S. Dirt Bike Events

One of the biggest inconveniences of dirt bike riding is not being able to communicate with the group of riders that you are with. How many times have you turned around to find that no one else is around? So then you are left to wounder where they went and hope that no one is needing help somewhere. This issue forces a rider either to just sit back and wait to see if they catch up, or double back and take the chance of having a head on collision with another rider.  A good form of communication would really relieve this riding strain. The good news is now Sena has a blue tooth headset that allows riders to talk with up to 3 others at the same time, as well as answer your phone and listen to MP3 player all while riding through the middle of the woods. Most often I have used the headset to talk with other riders, but on a long dual sport ride it will be nice to have some music on the road sections. 

While testing this product I was impressed by the amount of distance in the woods the units worked, and by how clear the sound came through. The other thing that surprised me was how much more riding you can accomplish because your buddy can say "Hey I turned left up here", therefore saving the confusion of trying to figure out what direction everyone went. The Sena Bluetooth unit proved most useful when we came face-to-face with a group of ATV's coming at us on the trail, and we were able to relay that information to the rest of the group before we had any safety trouble. 

Another advantage (that I don't get to take advantage of yet), is the ability to talk to your kids when your riding with they or trying to help them out on the track. All you have to do is switch the unit to intercom mode and you can talk live (instead of when they get back and they have already forgot the situation). 

The specific unit that I have been using is the Sena SMH10 Dual Pack . It was simple to install in a closed face helmet, but I should add that it also came with everything you need for and open face street helmet. If this site gave out awards for the products that were tested, Sena would get the product of the year since it adds safety, and is useful in more ways then one. Below you will find a video of the helmet communication in action. 

Update: Sena released the 20S-01 unit which allows up to 8 riders to communicate and increased the range to 1.2 Miles. Also all units can now link with other communication brands by updating your firmware. Use links below to find the best prices at all leading motorcycle stores. [More Info]

Good Prices

1. Ebay-$299.00 [Get Deal]
2. Amazon-$299.00 [Get Deal]
3. RockyMountain ATV/MC-$299.00 [Get Deal]

Question of the day which is better in your dirt bike Bib Mousse or standard tube. Here are a few questions to help you figure out which is best for you.

Dirt bikes are now mainly fuel injected and the days of changing jets, fuel needles are sadly over. It's now up to the younger generation to plug in their laptops and change the settings on our dirt bikes. Its really not that bad all you need is the FMF EFI Power Programmer to change the settings of your fuel injected dirt bike. This unit comes with factory plugs and doesn't require a laptop. Simply plug this unit into your dirt bikes factory harness and changes settings as you wish. Really pretty simple if you ask me. Prices change daily make sure you use the links below to find the best price.

RockyMountainMC-Best Price
Chaparral Motorsports-Best Price

No-Toil is known for their dirt bike filters that are hand made with the highest quality glues and processes. The dual stage filter foam is 2 different pore sizes to ensure even small particles of dust are caught in your filter and don't make their way to your engine. Choose your favorite store below to find out more information and get one of your own. [Purchase]

Keeping your dirt bike spokes tight to manufactures specks will keep your wheels straight and help reduce your chances of having them blow out on a log or jump. A simple spoke wrench is great for building or tearing down wheels, but to get the correct torque make sure you use a spoke torque wrench. (More Info)

Video by RockyMountainATV/MC

Bleeding air from your dirt bike hydraulic brakes is a pain in the you know what if you don't have the correct tools. Air in the lines can happen many ways like boiling your brake fluid, loose fitting, changing out oil, or running your reservoir dry. Lucky for you there is an easy way to get the air out using a Hydraulic Bleeder. With this tool you simply attach it to your bleeder nipple and pump the brakes until all air is expelled. The way it works is the silver piece between the 2 tubes is a check valve which will not allow air back into the system. Make sure you continue to fill brake reservior while bleeding.

RockyMountainMC-Best Price
Amazon-Best Price

Last weekend I attended the Moto GP race in Indianapolis. While walking through the vendor area, I discovered a booth of LS2 Helmets. I'm guessing many of you are like me in that this is the first time you have heard of this brand.  At the booth, I got the opportunity to chat with Phil who gave me some background on the company and how it is the fastest growing helmet manufacture in the U.S. He then simply told me "You need to try one on." After doing so, I immediately understood why they are growing so quickly. The cheek pads are made from a solid piece of foam vs the wedge type design found in the competition. The visor was easy to operate and retracts out of the way for a full spectrum view. I then told Phil I needed to get my hands on one of these helmets to review further, and he agreed. So here is the review on the LS2 MX453 Dual Sport helmet. Check out this link find the Top Selling Dual Sport Helmets.

Fit - The single foam design cheek pads gives full support across your cheeks vs only the top part of the pad on other helmets I have.

Field Of View - They call it a 360° Concept, and I agree 100% with them. With the eye port being so large it allows you to use your peripheral vision which is important when dodging cars on the road.

Shield - Lifts very easy and smooth with one gloved hand. The shield can be adjusted to any height or just cracked a little to help with fogging. When in the full up position it is out of view completely and also closes nicely with goggles on. Curve of shield does cause a slight reflection in certain lighting conditions which can catch your eye while riding.

Noise - Road noise was better than other Dual Sport style helmets I have tried in the past. The gasket around the eye port is thicker and more pliable which makes for a better seal.

Color Design - I really like the designs; they are simple and clean. With that being said I wish they offered an orange pattern and my decision would have been easier.

Safety - This helmet is both DOT and ECE approved.

Ventilation - The ventilation on this helmet is standard, it gets the job done and is glove operation friendly.

Weight - 3.4 LBS for Large Helmet

Price - $169.95

Features Over Competition -

• Fit
• Shield Operation
• Goggle Friendliness
• Road Noise
• Weight
• Field Of View

Disclosure
*I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.*

"The Most Trusted Name in Powersports", jafrum.com,  is a great place to start if you are looking for motorcycle gear.  They carry a wide selection in everything from jackets and boots to pants, vests and other apparel.  They also specialize in motorcycle gear such as tires and motorcycle helmets; on road, off-road and dual sport.  Since I do quite a bit of dual sport riding, I was curious about the differences in a typical off-road helmet and a helmet designed specifically for dual sport riders.  Jafrum carries many of the big name brands such as Shoei, Icon and Fly Racing. Check out this list for the Top Selling Dual Sport Helmets.

I tried out the Fly Trekker Dual Sport helmet made by Fly Racing and sold by jafrum.  One of the specific advantages I found with the dual sport helmet (compared to a typical off-road helmet) is the removable face shield which dampens the cold air, rain and wind in the cooler months then, during the warmer months, the shield can be removed and goggles worn to allow greater air flow through the helmet. It is even possible and surprisingly comfortable to wear goggles under the face shield for ride-type flexibility. From a cost perspective, a single dual sport helmet will cost you the same as either an off-road helmet or an on-road helmet.  The advantage for dual sport riders is that it is only necessary to purchase one helmet (therefore essentially reducing the overall out-of-pocket expense in half).  Also to note, the weight of the dual sport helmet is very close to that of an everyday off-road helmet.  All-in-all, the bottom line is that you get all the capabilities of an on-road and an off-road helmet all bundled up in one.

If you have an interest, like I did, in purchasing a dual sport helmet, I would recommend taking a look at jafrum.com.  The customer service was 5 star.  I also liked that they provide a warranty on the products as well as a money-back guarantee.

Disclosure
*I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.*

Loading and unloading a dirt bike in the bed of a truck is not easy if you don't have the right dirt bike ramp. As I am sure you have also seen, there are a number of creative ways to load and unload your bike into the bed of a truck.  Some choose to ride the bike up a single board, others "push" the bike up while stepping on a crate.  I typically use two ramps, one for the bike and one for me.  All of these methods become even more challenging when you add a bit of rain or mud.  Of the three methods, the two ramp system usually proves to be the safest.  Loading this way allows you to stay at the same height as the bike, and you have more control over the bike. The downside is trying to find room to store both ramps somewhere in the back of your truck (which is already tight on space). Extreme Max Products offers a two-ramp system called the RampXtender that also serves as a truck bed extender. When folded out the ramps are 8 feet in length, and have a slight arch that makes pushing a bike up by hand easy. The major advantage is you don't have to allocate any storage space in the bed of your truck when stowing the ramps.  Instead, you actually gain some additional usable space. The 2 ramps join together to make a bed extender that is very securely held in place by a series of 4 straps. One set of straps hooks into your tail gate lock pins, and the other set attaches to the lock pin receiver. Once attached, the straps do a nice job with securing and stabilizing the bed extension unit. 

The RampXtender is an easy to use system that retails for around $399. This is a reasonable price when you consider your getting a set of ramps, and a bed extender. Check out www.extrememax.com or more information, and to find a set of your own. 

Update: After using these ramps for some time now we have noticed that they do rub the top of the tail gate causing scratches on the plastic. Keep this in mind if you have a new truck. A simple towel under the ramp while loading and unloading with cure this issue. 

Disclosure
*I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.*

Recently Allen from Dual Sport Armory contacted me with a request to advertise on the site. I explained to him how advertising on this site works; instead of money I asked him to donate a few items to serve as door prizes at the next dual sport event I attend. As you can see, he was more then happy to donate some merchandise for door prizes. He also sent a Wolfman Enduro Tank Bag for me to try out.

On most Dual Sport rides a Roll Chart holder or GPS is required to follow the correct trails. In most cases clubs will also have arrows along the route as an indication your on the correct road or trail. I personally like to have a Roll Chart just in case an arrow gets taken down or falls off. Below are quick links to stores that sell Roll Chart holders, prices change daily so shop around.

Motorcycle SuperStore-Best Price
Amazon-Best Price

Keeping your palms blister free while dirt bike riding is pretty simple. You ride more or get a pair of Palm Saver. What this product does is adds cushion to your palm and keeps your gloves from rubbing your hands until they blister. I wear my set on every long ride and they have been going strong for over 3 years. The only issue you might have is they do make the glove fit a little snugger, but not enough to keep me from wearing them. To keep your thumbs blister free make sure you check out Thumb Savers.

Dual sport and adventure riding in the Midwest typically winds down in the late fall due to the drop in temperatures.  Riders try to extend the season by using heavy jackets, wind blockers, and a variety of heated gear. While all of these options provide some additional comfort for winter riding, all of them have drawbacks such as bulkiness, reduced flexibility with the controls, and dealing with a maze of wires.

  Heat Demon has released their Motorcycle Adventure Kit to address the needs of riders looking to
prolong their riding season. This kit along with their Seat Heater provides a rider the warmth and convenience to ride in lower temperatures.

The Motorcycle Adventure Kit includes a 4 zone controller, grip heaters, as well as the required wiring and hardware. The controller can operate a set of grip heaters, a seat heater, as well as 2 additional heated garments.  The heaters are installed beneath standard grips, allowing riders the flexibility of choosing virtually any OEM or aftermarket grips.

Installation:
Installation is straightforward, with 3 main steps.  Step 1 is the installation of the heating elements upon the handlebars / throttle tube, followed by the mounting of the 4 way controller, and lastly connecting the wiring. Mounting options are plentiful, with hardware available for handlebar mounting, flush mounting, as well as an option to attach to an “L” bracket. I chose the handlebar option for my KLR650, which was easy to assemble and allowed me to place the control unit adjacent to the turn signal switch on the left side. It should be noted that the electrical tasks are greatly simplified by the use of color coded wires and easy to connect plugs.

The supplied wire harness makes for easy connections to both of the grip heaters, as well a standard connector to facilitate their seat heater. Additionally, the controller has 2 auxiliary jacks to support additional heated items such as a jacket or vest.  It should be noted that the heating element for the seat does require that the cover be pulled back in order to install it, but this is a minor inexpensive task for an upholsterer.

Operation:
Installation completed, it was time to head out into the cold and try out the Heat Demon gear. Temperatures were in the mid 30’s as I rolled out. With the ability to set the temperature at 1 of 5 heat levels on each component separately, I choose to set the grips and the seat to level 2. Within 30 seconds or so, the heat could be felt, making it easy to start up and go.

Once out on the ride, I made some adjustments to the heat settings. I bumped the grip temperature to 3 and dropped the seat down to 1. The controller is very easy to use, as there are only 2 buttons to operate. The buttons are ample in size, and can be easily adjusted while wearing gloves.  The LED’s are easy to see in the daylight and can dimmed for night use.

While the hand warmers did a great job of keeping my hands warm while wearing medium weight gloves, the seat warmer was even more of a pleasant surprise. Wearing adventure riding pants (with the winter liner installed) over a regular pair of pants, I was concerned that the heat may not reach my body. That was not the case, as the seat warmed quickly and I had to reduce the power as noted above. The heat from the seat does an excellent job of keeping your core warm, which is the key to keeping your entire body comfortable.

Overall the Heat Demon Motorcycle Adventure Kit and Seat Warmer made the ride in the cold weather a pleasurable excursion. As long as the roads are free of ice and snow, I can see riding in comfort with temperatures as low as the mid-teens.

What worked:
1) Ample heat output on grips and seat.
2) Straightforward installation with good instructions.
3) Multiple mounting options.
4) Easy to operate controls.
5) Expandable via 2 auxiliary ports.

Opportunity for improvements:
1) The inclusion of a small amount of the proper grip adhesive would be a nice addition.
2) The plastic mounting brackets had a heavy amount of flash on them that could have been removed to facilitate the installation of the fasteners.

Find out more information about these products and other products offered by Heat Demon at www.heatdemon.com

Winter riding presents several challenges to motorcycle and dirt bike riders, of which keeping your hands and feet warm are at the top of the list. There are several options available to keep your hands warm; however, there are fewer options available for your feet.  Also, most products designed to keep your feet warm have cords and plugs to contend with, which can be cumbersome while you’re on a motorcycle.

Solution:
ThermaCELL has addressed this issue with their Heated Insoles. Wires, plugs, and battery packs have been eliminated, replaced by a pair of insoles with everything built into them. Each ThermaCELL insole is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery and is temperature controlled via a built-in thermostat. The thermostat is a key item in the operation of the insoles, as they maintain a constant temperature to prevent sweating and cold toes.

Installation:
Prior to using the Heated Insoles, trimming may be required. The insoles have guidelines to aid in the proper fit up. It should be noted that the Heated Insoles seem to run slightly large, so keep this is mind when making a size selection.

Performance:
The first ride with the ThermaCELL Heated Insoles was on New Year’s Day on a morning with temperatures in the mid-20’s. Starting out with the Heated Insoles on medium, my feet were
comfortable as I rode around town.  My feet never felt toasty warm, they just never got cold. On medium the temperature is maintained at 100 degrees. As temperatures dropped later in the ride, I used the wireless remote control and bumped the Heated Insoles up to high to keep my feet comfortable. 

Key Features:

• Available in 5 sizes to accommodate feet from size 3 to 13
• Easy to trim for a precise fit.
• Provides 5 hours of constant use (Medium Heat Setting) 
• Re-charges in 4 hours or less
• Re-chargeable for 500 times or more
• Water Resistant
• Wireless remote

Conclusion:

The Deuter Race X Pack offers features that are perfect for long hot dual sports, but is it the perfect pack for you? My theory is I don't want to cut my ride short due to a flat tire or broken chain. Therefore I carry everything including the kitchen sink on dual sport rides. In the past I have reviewed hydration packs of all kinds. I must say this one holds the most water and the most gear. One thing I was looking for was a pack that could hold all my gear plus a nice rain coat or a light weight coat that you need when you first take off later need to ditch once you warm up on the trails. This review is from a dual sport rider perspective. If you ride hare scrambles, or want a close-to-the-car hydration pack you might want to check out their Deuter Hydro Lite 2.0 Pack

If you have done a long all day ride or dual sports then you know how hard it is to get back on the dirt bike the next day. The main reason for me is due to my back side hurting from siting on the 2X4 like seat. One way to help soften the seat is by following this tip How To Soften Dirt Bike Seat. Even with the seat soften padded shorts are a must in my book. This review is on Evs TUG Impact Shorts.

Fit- These shorts fit like any other padded shorts "tight". The two pair I have one has larger thigh pads which cause your riding pants to fit a little more snug. Personally I'm a smaller guy so it doesn't bother me much and I enjoy the extra protection. If you have larger thigh's keep this in mind.

Padding- The key padding for me is the removable tail bone pad, and what I call the crotch pad. Both of these pads help reduce the pain on a sit down rider like myself. Over a long 100+ mile dual sport my tail bone and a** hurt if I don't wear these pants.

Overall- If you're doing long rides on a bike with a hard seat pick up a pair of padded riding shorts. They don't cure all the discomfort but they do help. They will not only provide more comfort during the ride they also give you a little added thigh protection. Below are quick links to padded shorts and the best price we could find. Make sure to check all prices change daily.

RockyMountainMC-Best Price
Amazon-Best Price

Having a good fitting light weight helmet is important while on long rides. A helmet that is to tight or to loose will drive you crazy or give you a head ache over time. This review is on the LS2 MX456 which is an off road helmet. If your looking for a dual sport helmet check out our review on the LS2 MX 453 or the list of Top Selling Dual Sport Helmets.

Fit- This helmet offers a built in air pump to adjust the fit for riders like myself who have head that falls in the middle of two sizes. The pump is easy to reach and operate with gloves on. You can also release the air pressure for easy removal of helmet.

Safety- With both DOT and ECE approval this helmet meets all safety requirement for road use.

Ventilation- Large intake and exhaust ports allow this helmet stays cool even on hot muggy summer days. On cooler days 2 vents are adjustable to help hold in warm air.

Liner- Is removable for washing, and wicks away sweat during long rides.

Warranty- 5 year limited warranty against defects in material and workmanship.

Weight- 3.2 lbs with the snug fit provided by the air pump this helmet feels light which is great for longer rides.

Overall- If you see me on any ride you will see me in this helmet. Since I'm a veteran my color choice is the American flag design as show above. The key reason I enjoy this helmet is due to its fit and graphics. Also with plenty of ventilation I feel my goggles don't fog up as bad.

Best Price: ▼

First Glance: 
Specs:

• Ballistics nylon construction
• Non-scratch, non-skid bottom
• 1” Heavy Duty metal hooks for multiple mounting options
• Universal straps

Price: $27.99
More Info: Wolfman Enduro Fender Bag

Other Wolfman Reviews:

• E-12 Enduro Saddle Bags
• Enduro Tool Bag / Wolfy Tool Roll
• Small Expedition Tank Bag
• Blackhawk Tank Bag