Necessary maintenance and checks of a trail bike before a motorcycle trip

June 27, 2025

Preparing your trail bike before a trip is essential to ensure safety, avoid breakdowns, and fully enjoy the adventure. A simple mechanical failure in the middle of a remote trail can ruin the experience or, worse yet, put you in danger.

That's why, in this article, we explain the complete maintenance and all the necessary checks for a trail bike before a trip , especially if it's a long trip or a mixed on-road and off-road route. Whether you're planning long treks through Morocco, the Pyrenees, the Balkans, or the Trans Euro Trail (TET), or just going on a weekend ride, this guide is essential.

Get ready to learn every technical detail and get expert advice from RM Motos Adventure Trail , the school and shop specializing in the world of trail and adventure.

Why is it so important to check your trail bike before a trip?

Trail and adventure motorcycles are designed to combine road and trail riding, but this entails much higher mechanical demands than simple urban use. Before embarking on your adventure, you should make sure your motorcycle is in perfect condition:

✅ You'll avoid breakdowns in remote locations
✅ You will minimize the risk of falls or accidents due to mechanical failures
✅ You will guarantee your safety and that of your companions
✅ You will improve the performance of the motorcycle
✅ You will extend the life of key components
✅ You'll enjoy your trip more without stress

A well-prepared motorcycle makes the difference between an epic adventure or a nightmare.

Complete inspection of a trail bike before a trip

Below, we've provided a complete, professional checklist for inspecting your trail bike before setting off on a trip:

1️⃣ Tires: contact with the ground

🔧 Condition and wear:

• Check the tread pattern and depth of the studs

• Check the sides for cracks or cuts.

• Change tires if they are more than 4-5 years old, even if they are not worn.

🔧 Adequate pressure:

• Adjust the pressure according to the terrain (less pressure on off-road, more on asphalt)

• Also check the spare tire pressure if you carry one.

🔧 Tire type:

• Mixed trail (50/50) if you do both road and trails

• Studded tires (pure off-road) if your route is mostly on tracks or sand

At Aventura Trail RM Motos, you'll find the most suitable tires for every trip, from mixed trail models to specific tires for sand or mud.

2️⃣ Brakes: your insurance on any terrain

🔧 Pads and discs:

• Check the thickness of the pads (minimum 2 mm)

• Check that the discs are not warped or worn.

🔧 Brake fluid:

• It must be clean and at the correct level.

• Change the fluid if it is more than 2 years old

🔧 General operation:

• Test the feel of the levers and their stopping efficiency

⚠️ Remember that the rear brake is heavily used on off-road routes. Check that assembly especially.

3️⃣ Transmission: chain, crown and pinion

🔧 Chain status:

• Clean and lubricate properly before leaving

• Check that the tension is correct (refer to the manual)

• Check for seized links or uneven wear.

🔧 Pinion and crown:

• Change the transmission kit if you notice deformed, worn or damaged teeth.

Off-roading can take a lot of strain on the transmission, so it's a good idea to pack a kit in good condition and carry grease spray in your luggage.

4️⃣ Oil and filters: the heart of your engine

🔧 Oil change:

• If maintenance is coming up soon, change it before your trip.

• Use oil of the correct specification for your motorcycle (see manual)

🔧 Oil filter:

• Replace it with every oil change

🔧 Air filter:

• Clean it or change it, especially if you are going to ride on dust, sand or tracks

• On long or dusty routes, carry a spare filter

5️⃣ Suspensions: comfort and control on all terrain

🔧 Front fork and rear shock absorber:

• Check that there are no oil leaks at the seals

• Adjust preload, compression and rebound according to load and terrain

🔧 Maintenance:

• If your motorcycle has many kilometers or you don't remember the last suspension oil change, it is advisable to do it before the trip.

Poor suspension compromises safety, comfort, and control, especially on demanding off-road routes.

6️⃣ Battery and electrical system

🔧 Load and status:

• Check the battery voltage and charge

• Check that it starts well when cold

• Check the terminals and connections

🔧 Lights and warning lights:

• Make sure all lights are working properly (parking, brake, turn signals)

• Check the witnesses of the painting

Carrying an auxiliary battery or portable charger can be a good idea on remote trips.

7️⃣ Cooling system

🔧 Coolant:

• Correct level and clean color

• Replace if it has not been changed for more than two years

🔧 Hoses and radiator:

• Check for leaks, cracks, or wear in hoses

• Check that the radiator is not clogged or damaged

On high mountain routes or in extreme climates, a faulty cooling system can cause serious breakdowns.

8️⃣ Screws and anchors

🔧 General review:

• Check the tightness of key bolts: handlebars, footpegs, protectors, fenders, luggage

• Check the anchors of the crankcase, fenders and accessories

Off-road vibration can loosen components, so it's vital to check the entire assembly.

Additional recommendations for trail motorcycle trips

In addition to basic maintenance, these tips will make your adventure easier:

✔️ Bring basic tools and repair kit
✔️ Includes essential spare parts: inner tube, chain links, extra air filter
✔️ Check maps, GPX tracks, and plan refueling points
✔️ Make sure you have coverage or emergency devices in remote areas
✔️ Check the charge of all your electronic devices

How often should a trail bike be serviced?

Although it depends on the model, trail bikes usually have the following guideline intervals:

• Oil and filter change: every 5,000 to 10,000 km

• Brake check: every 5,000 km or sooner if you are going off-road

• Transmission inspection: every 500 km off-road (lubrication and cleaning)

• Air filter: check every 1,000 km on dusty off-road

• Battery: Check before each trip

If the trip is long or very demanding (desert, high mountains, technical routes), schedule key checks in advance.

A well-reviewed trail bike, the best adventure companion

Taking a trail motorcycle trip is an unforgettable experience, but only if your bike is up to the task. At RM Motos Adventure Trail, we're experts in preparing you for adventure:

✔️ Complete overhauls in our specialized workshop
✔️ Personalized advice for your motorcycle and type of trip
✔️ Sale of Trail tires, equipment, and spare parts
✔️ Off-road driving courses to gain confidence

Don't leave it to chance. Prepare your trail bike carefully and enjoy a true adventure with safety, confidence, and the best possible experience.

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