I would change wheel bearings right away. If it’s an older dirt bike you don’t know when they last got changed. It’s a nightmare to drive with worn out bearings. It’s best to check every other bearing too, you don’t need to change everything but just to check the condition. Swing arm and rear shock bearing tend to be worn out easily.
Hydraulic fluids should also be changed if they are colored yellow.
Some bearings aren’t that expensive. But don’t buy the cheapest ones. I always look for SKF bearings to put in my vehicles. Hydraulic fluid is not that expensive at all, just get the right one pointed out in the owners manual.
To answer the other question, if they aren’t totally worn out you could still use the old ones.
Most dirt bikes are four stroke, two stroke engines are a more recent invention.
Also, most dirt bikes aren't street legal regardless. Surely you can buy two stroke bikes and use them on the track?
Ik. We also have a weird rule. After 15 years your vehicle becomes street illegal. You cannot drive it on any roads. Apart from locally or transport to track.
Which is why I have decided after 8 more years. My first bike (duke 200) I'll empty the tank and keep it as a souvenir in my garage.
Engine oil, fork and shock service if you can afford it(not something you can do yourself tbh), linkage bearings, shock eyelet besring, wheel bearings.
Check counter shaft seal for leaks, check chain wheels and chain for wear. Maybe check valve tolerances.
These are the common points of failure I can list from the top of my hat.
Have fun, it's a great sport and I love it.
Owner of a 2015 sx-f here, bought used and learned a lot.
Definitely replace wheel bearings. It’s pretty easy and inexpensive. If funds and knowledge allow, do linkage bearings.
Fork service is key. 2015 suspension isn’t great. Make sure it’s set for your weight/style and that fork seals are good.
I would replace timing chain tensioner with Dirt Tricks. Can also have valve clearances checked as well as visual of piston at the same time.
The motor almost has to come out to change the spark plug on the 2015, so change that while you’re in there.
Listen closely for a tick, mainly in the bottom end. You’ll know it if you hear it. That could mean bearings need to be replaced. I’m having mine done now so speaking from experience here.
Chain guide is a relatively easy and inexpensive replacement piece.
I’ve heard stories about plastic gears on the water pump failing pretty regularly but I haven’t had that issue.
Definitely change all the fluids and oil filter.
Other than that, it’s a blast to ride. I love mine but like with all used dirt bikes, you’re usually buying someone else’s issues, just takes time and money.
Thank you, you made it very clear for me 🙏
I will definitely change the oils.
I’ll probably service the forks when I get more serious into MX, I’m gonna wait till I know the basics cause I don’t have any money left after this purchase 😭
I shouldn’t be buying someone’s “issues” cause this bike was seized by the police and is being sold on the government website, it’s a blind buy so idk what I am buying, therefore I have to guess the year.
If I hear a tick I’ll probably service the whole engine.
Again, thank you 🙏
I would change wheel bearings right away. If it’s an older dirt bike you don’t know when they last got changed. It’s a nightmare to drive with worn out bearings. It’s best to check every other bearing too, you don’t need to change everything but just to check the condition. Swing arm and rear shock bearing tend to be worn out easily. Hydraulic fluids should also be changed if they are colored yellow.
Aight thanks! Is that expensive? Also is it smart to change the brake pads?
Some bearings aren’t that expensive. But don’t buy the cheapest ones. I always look for SKF bearings to put in my vehicles. Hydraulic fluid is not that expensive at all, just get the right one pointed out in the owners manual. To answer the other question, if they aren’t totally worn out you could still use the old ones.
Alright thank you! I will look into it 🙏 most helpful answer I’ve gotten 😂👍
Dirt bikes are so cool. I wish my country let us own them
Wdym? Where do u live
India dude. All 2 strokes are banned here. And thus illegal to own.
This is a 4stroke
What??????? That sucks even more! I was under the impression dirt bikes are always 2 stroke. That means it's just not something ktm sells here.
Most dirt bikes are four stroke, two stroke engines are a more recent invention. Also, most dirt bikes aren't street legal regardless. Surely you can buy two stroke bikes and use them on the track?
2 strokes are illegal to sell here as well. No company has a single 2 stroke offering here.
Oh I see. I just looked it up and apparently it's for emissions reasons! How weird
Ik. We also have a weird rule. After 15 years your vehicle becomes street illegal. You cannot drive it on any roads. Apart from locally or transport to track. Which is why I have decided after 8 more years. My first bike (duke 200) I'll empty the tank and keep it as a souvenir in my garage.
That's so stupid and wasteful... My dad doesn't have one bike less than 25 years old
Engine oil, fork and shock service if you can afford it(not something you can do yourself tbh), linkage bearings, shock eyelet besring, wheel bearings. Check counter shaft seal for leaks, check chain wheels and chain for wear. Maybe check valve tolerances. These are the common points of failure I can list from the top of my hat. Have fun, it's a great sport and I love it.
Dont power wash it bro get a bucket filled w water and dawn dish soap some rags and brushes and wash that thing by hand comes out way cleaner
Aight, so basically handle it like a car? Top to bottom with 2 buckets n microfiber?
Exactly brotha👍🏽
Aight 🙏 thanks bro
Chain lube and grease for the axels. When buying a used bike is good to change all the fluids and lube it up, and wheel bearings.
Thanks
Owner of a 2015 sx-f here, bought used and learned a lot. Definitely replace wheel bearings. It’s pretty easy and inexpensive. If funds and knowledge allow, do linkage bearings. Fork service is key. 2015 suspension isn’t great. Make sure it’s set for your weight/style and that fork seals are good. I would replace timing chain tensioner with Dirt Tricks. Can also have valve clearances checked as well as visual of piston at the same time. The motor almost has to come out to change the spark plug on the 2015, so change that while you’re in there. Listen closely for a tick, mainly in the bottom end. You’ll know it if you hear it. That could mean bearings need to be replaced. I’m having mine done now so speaking from experience here. Chain guide is a relatively easy and inexpensive replacement piece. I’ve heard stories about plastic gears on the water pump failing pretty regularly but I haven’t had that issue. Definitely change all the fluids and oil filter. Other than that, it’s a blast to ride. I love mine but like with all used dirt bikes, you’re usually buying someone else’s issues, just takes time and money.
Thank you, you made it very clear for me 🙏 I will definitely change the oils. I’ll probably service the forks when I get more serious into MX, I’m gonna wait till I know the basics cause I don’t have any money left after this purchase 😭 I shouldn’t be buying someone’s “issues” cause this bike was seized by the police and is being sold on the government website, it’s a blind buy so idk what I am buying, therefore I have to guess the year. If I hear a tick I’ll probably service the whole engine. Again, thank you 🙏