Dirt Bike Gas: Know Before You Go


dirt bike gas

If you want to read all information about dirt bike gas in a single article, this article is for you. Because here I’m going to discuss A-Z of dirt bike gas step by step with some essential maintenance tips. 

However, I can assure you that you will not have any confusion with dirt bike gas after finishing my whole article. Hence, don’t run anywhere without finishing the article from top to bottom. Here, every word will be vital for you.

So, let’s start your reading:

Are Dirt Bikes Good On Gas?

Dirt bikes generally come with 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines. And both the engines are running very well on gas. In fact, both engines are capable of providing you the best possible performance if you use a premium dirt bike gas. 

You can read my previously written article ‘Do Dirt Bike Run On Gas?’ to know more about the connection between the gas and the dirt bike.

What Kind Of Gas Does A Dirt Bike Take?

I often hear this question from dirt bike riders, especially those who are new. You’ve used such gas for your dirt bike, which is recommended by the owner’s manuals.

According to my experience, you should use a regular 87 octane pump dirt bike gas for the fuel-injected 4-stroke engines. In the case of 2-stroke engines, ethanol-free 92 or 93 octanes could be the best choice. 

Don’t use such dirt bike gas, which has more than 10% ethanol. However, to get the best experience, always use premium quality dirt bike gas instead of regular gas. Click the link to learn the differences between the premium dirt bike gas and the regular dirt bike gas.  

How To Check The Gas Condition Of Your Dirt Bike? (3 Tests)

Before draining, you’ve to check the gas condition of your dirt bike. By following my methods, you can easily understand whether the gas is alright to continue or need to be changed. 

Do the following 3 tests to check the gas condition of any dirt bike:

Test- 1: How Is Your Dirt Bike Running?

It is the most straightforward test to understand the gas condition of a dirt bike. In this test, you just need to observe how your dirt bike is running. If your dirt bike is running poorly or takes too much time to start, you’ve to change its gas. Because these are the possible symptoms of bad gas.

Test- 2: How Does Your Dirt Bike Gas Smell?

A smell test will help you to know the gas condition of your dirt bike. When you get sour or stale smells from the dirt bike gas, that means the gas has probably gone bad. Just keep in mind that you’ll never get the original scent from bad gas. Even an untrained nose can understand the condition by testing the smell of gas.

Test- 3: What Does The Color Of Your Dirt Bike Gas Look Like?

You also can understand the gas condition by checking its appearance and color. When the clean and clear appearance gas turned into a darker color, that means it went bad. Hence, before pouring the gas into the tank, take a sample because it’ll help you identify the differences in gas color and appearance.

You can do all 3 tests together to check the gas condition. If you find or suspect anything wrong, don’t delay draining the gas from your dirt bike. In the next subhead of my article, you’ll learn how to drain them in detail.

How To Drain The Gas From Your Dirt Bike?(4 Steps)

Here I want to discuss how to drain the gas from your gas dirt bike. It’s the correct method to empty out bad gas in a dirt bike. You can follow my steps to drain the bad gas from any model dirt bike. 

Below, I explain the whole exhaust process in simple 4 steps:

Step- 1: Tools You Needed:

Here, I have listed the tools that you need to drain the gas from your dirt bike:

  • A Screwdriver.
  • A Shop Rag.
  • An Empty Bucket.

Gather all the necessary tools before moving to the further steps.

Step- 2: Select A Wide Space:

In a narrow space, you may face many difficulties in completing this task. So, you require a wide and well-ventilated space to drain the gas. Driveway is the most suitable place to do the job. Before moving to the next step, make sure that your fuel valve is ‘off.’

Step- 3: Unscrew The Securing Clamp:

You’ve to chase the fuel hose from the lower part of the tank to the carburetor. Then use your screwdriver to unscrew the securing clamp that holds the hose of the carburetor. After that, position a shop rag in the region of the end and tug it off the carburetor spigot.

Step- 4: Let The Gas Drain Out:

Place an empty bucket under the fuel tank. Then turn the dirt bike fuel valve ‘on.’  With that, the fuel flow from your gas tank will be started. Thus the bad gas will directly fall onto your placed bucket. And then wait until the gas drains out completely.

When the exhaust is appropriately finished, install the parts you opened. That’s it, we’re done.

What 2-Stroke Fuel Ratios Should You Use? (Exact And Most Accurate)

I know it’s complicated and confusing to find out the exact fuel ratios for a 2-stroke dirt bike. For the new dirt bike riders, it’s literally impossible to do the task accurately.

Anyway, your tension is over now. Because below, I make 2 tables that will provide you with the most accurate 2-stroke dirt bike fuel ratios that you should use:

Table- 1: International Standard:

From the below table, you’ll get international metric 2-stroke dirt bike fuel ratios:

Volume Of GasVolume Of Oil2-Stroke Fuel Ratios (Gas: Oil)
1 Liter10.0 Milliliter100:1
1 Liter20.0 Milliliter50:1
1 Liter25.0 Milliliter40:1
1 Liter31.25 Milliliter32:1
1 Liter50.0 Milliliter20:1
1 Liter62.5 Milliliter16:1

Table- 2: The USA Standard:

This table will provide you with the USA standard 2-stroke dirt bike fuel ratios:

Volume Of GasVolume Of Oil2-Stroke Fuel Ratios (Gas: Oil)
128 oz. (1 US Gallon)1.3 oz.100:1
128 oz. (1 US Gallon)2.6 oz.50:1
128 oz. (1 US Gallon)3.2 oz.40:1
128 oz. (1 US Gallon)4.0 oz.32:1
128 oz. (1 US Gallon)6.4 oz.20:1
128 oz. (1 US Gallon)8.0 oz.16:1

How To Mix Gas For A 2-Stroke Dirt Bike? (3 Steps)

When you know the exact and most accurate fuel ratios, it’s not too difficult to mix gas for a 2-stroke dirt bike. Just follow these simple steps to do that comfortably:

Require Ingredients:

  • Dirt Bike Gas,
  • Container,
  • Dirt Bike Oil Can,
  • Measuring Cup,
  • Owner’s Manuals,
  • Internet.

Gathers all the required ingredients, and then move into the practical 3 steps to mix gas for your 2-stroke dirt bike:

Step-1: Choose The Gas And Oil:

Purchase best quality dirt bike gas and oil. Then choose the ratio of the accurate fuels according to your owner’s manuals. I use 93 octane premium pump gas for my 2-stroke dirt bike.

Step-2: Premix Ratios:

You get the information about gas and oil ratios in your owner’s manuals. If you lose it, there is nothing to worry about. Just do a quick research on google by searching your specific dirt bike model that requires fuel ratios.

By the way, you can follow my providing fuel ratios chart too.

Step-3: Mix The Oil And Gas:

I wouldn’t recommend mixing gas directly into the tank of your dirt bike. Pour the oil into the gas container according to your 2-stroke dirt bike’s required fuel ratios. In my case, I used a 32:1 fuel ratio for my 2-stroke dirt bike. That means, I need 16 ounces for 4 gallons. 

Anyway, make sure that you use a measuring cup to keep the gas and oil mixing proportion accurate. Then shake the mixture properly to get a better result. And finish your job by fueling up your 2-stroke dirt bike. 

That’s it, now you’re all set for a new dirt bike ride.

6 Things Should Keep In Mind While Mixing Gas And Oil For A Dirt Bike:

Here I want to tell you about such 6 things that you should keep in mind while mixing gas and oil for a dirt bike:

  1. Use a clean container and wear gloves before starting the dirt bike fuel mixing process. 
  1. Don’t store your dirt bike gas or oil for more than 4 weeks.
  1. Use a quality fuel stabilizer to extend the life of your dirt bike fuel mix.
  1. Make sure that you clean the surrounding areas of the gas tank after draining the old gas. Clean these parts again before filling up the gas tank.
  1. Ensure that your fuel ratios are accurate and are supported by your dirt bike model.
  1. Always follow the owner’s manuals guideline. And don’t hesitate to ask for help from an expert if you find the task is too difficult for you.

8 Tips To Maintain Your Gas Dirt Bike:

At the beginning of my article, I promised you that I would share my personal tips with you. Here are my 8 tips that I personally follow to maintain my gas dirt bike, and I’m very sure that it will be helpful for you too:

Tip- 1: Find And Fixed The Leak:

Any leaking of your gas dirt bike can cause serious accidents. That’s why you’ve to be careful and should regularly check the leaks of brakes, coolant/gas chambers, and oil. Take a proper step as soon as possible when you find any leaks in any spots of your gas dirt bike.

As a responsible rider, you should always check leaks in your gas dirt bike before you go on a ride and after you get back from it. Never overlook the leaking issues, especially when you’re the owner of a gas dirt bike.

Tip- 2: Wash And Dry Your Gas Dirt Bike Correctly:

There is no alternative but regular maintenance to increase the lifespan of a gas dirt bike. In the same way, it’s also equally important to do the maintenance in the right way.

That’s why you’ve to be focused on the proper washing and drying of your gas dirt bike. It is ideal for washing your gas dirt bike after each ride because it prevents the dirt and dust layer and keeps the color in good shape for more extended periods. 

During washing, make sure that you cover the sensitive parts of your gas dirt bike engine by using masking tapes or plastic bags. It is because water can seriously damage several parts of the engine. After that, wait until your gas dirt bike dries properly. Avoid checking any hardware issues in that period.

Tip- 3: Change Your Gas Dirt Bike Oil:

I often say that oil is like food for your gas dirt bike. It provides the energy to the engine for running faster. So, it’s very important to change the oil of gas dirt bikes on a regular basis to get the best service.

Use a quality brand gas dirt bike’s oil and change it 8 to 10 hours after your every ride. And also, make sure that you mix the appropriate ratio of gas and oil. 

Tip- 4: Grease Your Dirt Bike Engine:

The engine determines the performance of your gas dirt bike. But when it’s come to the touch of dirt or water, then the performance capability and the quality both go down. That’s why you’ve to grease your dirt bike engine regularly to prevent the entering of dust and water.

Tip- 5: Extra Care To The Air Filter:

Air filters work as a safeguard of your gas dirt bike engine. Dust can’t enter the engine because of the protection of the air filter. As a result, your gas dirt bike’s air filter becomes dirty after a few rides. However, by proper maintenance, you can improve the capabilities and the lifespan of your gas dirt bike’s air filter. 

Tip- 6: Lubricate The Chain:

During the ride, the chain comes in direct contact with the road dust. In consequence, the chain of your gas dirt bike becomes dirty after every ride. And after a few rides, you’ll feel that the chain is not smooth enough to run faster. It is because of the accumulated dirt.

That’s why I suggest you lubricate your gas dirt bike’s chain after every 3-4 rides. And, don’t forget to inspect every area of your gas dirt bike chain thoroughly every time after getting back from a ride.

Tip- 7: Always Checking The Vulnerable Parts:

Basically, a few parts of a gas dirt bike can be vulnerable at any time. Bolts, throttle, cables, tires are the main victim of getting vulnerable. You’ve to be extra careful about these parts. Check them regularly to avoid any type of hap. Proper tightening and lubricant are effective ways to fix the vulnerable parts of your gas dirt bike.

Tip- 8: Consult With A Mechanic:

Literally, it’s not possible to solve all gas dirt bike-related issues by yourself at home. And there are also such types of issues that are not possible to identify by the person who is not a professional mechanic.

It is wise to consult with a professional mechanic at least twice a year in these circumstances. Do that even if everything on your gas dirt bike is alright. And it’s needless to say, visit a professional mechanic without any delay when you find something wrong with your gas dirt bike.

Related Questions:

What Happens If You Put Wrong Gas In A Dirt Bike?

If you put the wrong or inaccurate gas ratio in your dirt bike, it’ll decrease the performance quality. You may face both knocking and pinging issues more frequently during riding. And gradually, it’ll badly damage the engine’s performance of your dirt bike in the long run.

Anyway, if you’re interested to know more about this particular topic, you can read my detailed article on ‘What Happens If You Put Wrong Gas In A Dirt Bike?’

Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Gas Dirt Bike:

In this world, everything has both advantages and disadvantages. Below, I’ve listed some major advantages and disadvantages of a gas dirt bike:

Advantages Of A Gas Dirt Bike:

  • Gas dirt bikes are capable of providing stable power delivery.
  • Gas dirt bike saves your time. Just fuel up the tank with the mixture of gas and oil, then you can go for a ride.
  • You don’t need to spend much money to purchase dirt bike fuels.
  • Gas dirt bikes are easy to control.

Disadvantages Of A Gas Dirt Bike:

  • During starting gas dirt bike creates too much sound. It may be annoying your neighbors.
  • The mixing process of gas and oil can be a messy task for you. 
  • Experts think that gas dirt bikes are primarily liable for polluting the environment. 
  • Many trials did not allow gas dirt bikes to ride.

How Much Does A Gas Dirt Bike Cost?

Well, the price of a gas dirt bike varies from brand to brand and model to model. On average, you need to make a budget of around $8,000 to buy a gas dirt bike.

Final Few Words:

In my article, I uphold all the information you should know about dirt bike gas. I hope after reading my article you don’t have any confusion about this topic.

One more thing, I’ve already written two more articles about dirt bike gas. These articles also might be helpful for you, as I think. However, click here and here to read those two articles. They’ll serve you more information about the dirt bike gas and gas dirt bike.

Md. Saifur Rahman

Dirt bike riding was a fascination for Saifur since he was a child. Later that fascination turned into a passion and his profession. Apparently, it may seem that tips and tricks are useless for bike riding sometimes, but you may find them really useful after reading his blogs. Saifur is a regular rider.

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