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Best 2-Stroke Dirt Bike & MX Oil (2023)

This is the ultimate guide to 2-stroke engine oil for MX and dirt bike riding enthusiasts. We’re highlighting the 6 best oils to choose for your motorcycle.

We feature many 4-stroke bikes and accessories here, but it’s time to look at the forgotten breed of offroad motorcycles. The louder 2-strokes.

Like any bikes, they need oil but it’s entirely different. The main difference with 2-strokes is that you’ll need to mix the engine oil with a small ratio of fuel, ranging between 25:1 and 50:1. The two types are pre-mix and injector safe, with the former being the most popular and requires the mixing by the rider.

One thing to note is the auto-lube application which is found in some engines. You’ll need to look for engine oil that supports auto-lube as not all of them support this.

Most recommended 2-stroke dirt bike engine oils

Based on both industry experience and rider usage, we’ve found these 4 to be the most popular:

1. Maxima Castor 927 2-stroke dirt bike oil

best 2-stroke dirt bike engine oil

If you’re the aggressive MX rider that seeks to win titles while keeping your dirt bike in peak condition, then buy a bottle of this 2-stroke engine oil today.

It’s the best engine oil for numerous reasons – it lasts a long time, it prolongs the life of your engine and components plus reduces the chances of gum formation inside.

Maxima’s 927 Castor engine oil is fully degradable, so you’ll be less embarrassed at the race track when that bottle of oil accidentally tips over, or your sump plug slips out. Still – the bottle itself has a wide base to reduce this from happing in the first place which we love.

Common features:

  • Built for top-performing MX racers
  • The industry leader for many years
  • Easy to pour handle and small spout
  • Often lowers engine temperature
  • Reduces rust and internal corrosion

This is easily found online through various dirt bike stores.

2. Motul 2-Cycle Dirt Bike Oil

best Australian 2-stroke dirt bike engine oil

Motul engine oil has a reputation in the Australian motorcycling industry based on its performance. Born out of a passion for motorcycling with a strong following both locally and internationally, you can certainly depend on this oil to look after your pride and joy.

This blend is different than many others on the market today. The smokeless burn and low ash is based on their synthetic blend. Please keep in mind that this oil may not be available in your country.

Benefits:

  • Strong industry reputation in Australia
  • Less likely to clog your engine filters
  • Helpful double-handle design to make refills easier
  • Slightly greater engine performance

Walk around any race track on the weekend and you’re bound to see a bottle on someone’s dirt bike trailer.

3. Bel-Ray SL2 2-Stroke MX engine oil (Semi-Synthetic)

Bel-Ray SL2 2-Stroke MX engine oil

Coming in at #3 is another semi-synthetic engine oil. Bel-Ray has been manufacturing oils for decades (in fact, since 1970) so it’s fair to say they have refined their processes over this time.

What you’ll find here is a very high-quality 2-stroke engine oil that works for all types of 2-stroke engines. Whether you’re just trail riding or entering competitions, you’ll find your engine to be cooler while taking yourself to the rev limits.

Unfortunately, the biggest let-down of this oil (and a key reason we haven’t put it higher in the list) is the container design. There is no handle and the spout is oversize, meaning you’re likely to spill some on your engine case. An engine oil funnel could solve this problem.

Benefits:

  • Available around the world
  • Used for autolube and pre-mix applications
  • Supports all common mixing ratios
  • Often used for more than one season
  • Very affordable pricing
  • Strong industry reputation

You’ll find this oil commonly in dealerships as well as racing circles and online stores. If Maxima and Lucas isn’t your type, then Bel-Ray has you covered.

4. Castrol Power 1 TTS Racing 2 Stroke Engine Oil

For extreme racing conditions, it’s hard to look past this high-performance engine oil from Castrol. The lubrication is excellent and caters to other vehicles like go-karts and ATVs.

Lowered exhaust smoke means that your competitors will be more than happy to follow you over whoop sections.

Benefits:

  • Up to 50:1 fuel/oil ratio
  • Industry reputation globally
  • Premium price means premium quality

5. Motorex 2-stroke engine oil

Wanting a gift for the 2-stroke dirt bike enthusiast? Then check out this awesome dirt bike oil with funnel included.

Made in Switzerland, Motorex has been serving the offroad industry for years in the toughest of conditions.

Benefits:

  • Made for factory teams
  • Design for harsh environments
  • Helpful spout included with bottle
  • Fully synthetic use

Yes, you will pay more for the Motorex brand but it’s definitely worth the investment.

6. Honda HP2 2-stroke dirt bike engine oil

Like to ride hard? Then Honda has you covered. Their dirt bike oil design hasn’t changed much in the last 30 years, but that hasn’t stopped them from building a strong reputation.

You don’t need to own a Honda dirt bike to use the HP2 2-stroke engine oil. Yamaha, KTM and Suzuki riders regularly use Honda 2-stroke engine oil on track days around the country.

Honda has created one of the most clean-burning 2-stroke engine oils in the marketplace while being 100% synthetic. You can expect higher torque while having a cooler engine temperature.

Benefits:

  • Small bottle design – perfect for toolboxes
  • Very clean burning and environmentally friendly
  • Industry reputation of a world-renounced motorcycle manufacturer
  • Works for all leading 2-stroke dirt bike models
  • Available internationally including the UK

While we don’t believe this is the best, the smaller bottle is perfect for the weekend warrior who doesn’t consume much.

Change and ride

Changing your 2-stroke engine oil is a relatively easy process with a small amount of unleaded petrol required.

Once changed, you can expect quite a number of rides (3 to 10) before you need to change again.

Always purchase a bottle of 2-stroke engine oil based on your riding frequency.

Ride often? Go for a big bottle? Only ride twice per month? A smaller bottle will do just fine.

Once a bottle is opened, the shelf life is significantly reduced. There is little value in purchasing oil that isn’t being used.

It’s also important to remember that different oil varieties exist, all at different price-points.

Ignore oil that is too cheap as this will cost you later with a shortened life-span of your dirt bike.

Always consult your manufacturer manual for recommendations. If you can’t find your workshop manual, then Haynes has most dirt bike models available digitally.

Remember to change your oil often and ensure you’re mixing at the right ratio. A measuring container will come in very handle for this purpose.

Best of all – see you out there on the tracks!

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LPR Electric 16″ MX Bike Review (We Bought One!)

The Frontaer team recently purchased an LPR 16″ electric dirt bike. Here’s our review after 3 months of testing this little Aussie eBike.

Little Pro Rider Bike Review

Frontaer is an adventure and MX dirt bike brand headed me by – Josh. I felt it was necessary to share my 100% unbiased LPR experiences online.

Growing up, I never had the chance to ride dirt bikes but I really wanted to give my son the opportunity. After all, he was pedalling at 4 years old perfectly.

From throttle control to cornering and learning how to have a proper attack stance, these are skills that I wanted to ingrain from a young age.

Previous to the LPR, I was looking at a Yamaha PW50 but the weight of the dirt bike, the noise and especially the price were very off-putting.

My constant research online led us to the LPR right here in Australia and without any reviews, I was still sold on the idea. Yet I had never heard of them before. 🤔

It seemed light, quiet and much more affordable too. But would it really be as good as their website claimed? Well, I just had to find out first-hand.

Ordering online

I ordered this electric bicycle via MotoHub in Castle Hill online, not directly. We live in the Gold Coast and at the time they were offering free shipping.

Unfortunately, after ordering I got a phone call that all units were out of stock for at least 4 weeks. Bummer. 😔 They were waiting on another shipment. A little frustrating but I was offered a refund or I could wait. I certainly could wait, especially as my son was eager for his new ‘dirt’ bike.

These bikes do come from China but are put together and checked over locally before being made ready for sale. Essentially, you’d never guess that they came from China in the first place. The components are really first-grade. Update: The LPR team have advised that their frames are made locally but the rest comes from overseas just like all the other electric bicycle companies.

I’d recommend that you order these online if you don’t live in Sydney, but do call ’em first to make sure that they have stock. These bikes are hugely popular right now I hear. The LPR balance bike is also a popular model with several online reviews.

Delivery of the LPR eBike

The box for the LPR is huge so you’ll need to be home to receive it. Also, it can only be shipped by road due to the 500w battery not meeting air safety requirements, so those in Perth and Darwin will be waiting a while.

Unboxing and putting it together only takes about 20 minutes. You’ll need to plug in 2 leads for the battery and fit the handlebars essentially. Both of these steps are super simple and the instruction manual is included.

16" LPR Electric Bike Australia
This is the LPR as-is on the day it arrived (after unboxing and fitting a few things together)

I had my son help me through this entire process so he had a sense of ownership. Charging then takes a few hours for the first time.

12″ LPR vs 16″ LPR

For a 5-year old, they are on the crux of a 12″ and 16″ LPR. Being the savvy parent that I am, I chose the 16″ to let him grow into it. This was a mistake and him sitting on the bike once unboxed made me realize that he’s really tip-toeing on a lean. Note: My son is shorter than 80% of kids his age so I can’t blame LPR on this one.

To hack this issue, I dropped the seat height to the lowest and tilted the seat forward. This gained us an extra inch or so but he still wasn’t flat-footed. Today he is.

Regardless, he was keen to ride with some hiking boots on so we hit the local trails. ✌️

Riding the LPR electric bike

Let me paraphrase this by saying that I personally haven’t ridden the LPR electric bike before – only my son. And only on flat or slightly hilly terrain.

The frame has a weight limit of 40kgs and given the price, I wasn’t prepared to test this.

Riding the LPR electric bike
My son uses the LPR 16″ mostly on the dirt, gravel and mild sand tracks.

So my review of the LPR Electric Bike is based on:

  • My son’s feedback from riding for the last 3 months
  • Myself observing his riding ability grow over this time
  • Observing the build quality and overall customer experience

Please note that I have no relationship with this brand nor do I partake in paid online reviews. I previously contacted them on Facebook only to ask who I should order a unit from since they were out of stock.

Getting started with the bike

For the first-time rider, I highly recommend setting the speed to the slowest. The bike comes with a fitted cap which stops kids from adjusting the power output.

After 3 rides my son is now at the highest power setting which I allow him to adjust himself. We’ve removed the protector cap so he’s allowed to make his own decisions.

The main issue that isn’t so obvious is the throttle. It’s not a progressive throttle like a typical MX bike. It’s either go forward or don’t go forward. As in, it doesn’t matter how much your child twists their wrists – the power output is the same. The power setting simply limits the top speed.

Power settings

There are no planted power settings but just a dial that you can adjust from super slow to super fast. Essentially it’s just a speed limiter. We’ve informally created our own family rules so my son doesn’t inadvertently put the power up higher than his confidence level.

Essentially:

  • Pavement = Low speeds (Walking pace)
  • Fire trails = Low to medium speeds (Running pace)
  • Grass riding = Go for your life (Can I even keep up…?)

Even at the lowest speed, there is a ‘kick’ from the high torque that your child will experience, unlike the slower power progression of petrol dirt bikes. It took my son a few rides before he got used to this and prepared for it. At the highest speed, the amount of ‘kick’ is actually the same, though the acceleration is faster. From looking at other eBikes, this appears to be a common issue, especially with electric motorcycles. Manufacturers just haven’t figured out how to better ease-on the power.

Going beyond just riding

Early years MX skills are definitely where this bike shines, all without the heat, weight, maintenance and upfront cost of children’s dirt bikes.

Over time most kids will develop some skills and tricks to show off to the world, just like my son has:

LPR electric bike
Riding on the grass just became both possible, way more fun and so much safer!

Note the normal bicycle helmet. He usually wears a full face BMX helmet paired with gloves and normal shoes. This is enough and I don’t think boots and proper MX gear is necessary for him as he’s on the grass. However, if you’re doing fast speeds anywhere else, then it would pay to have the extra gear.

Overall thoughts

After 3 months of ownership and using it at least once per week on school ovals and fire trails, I can conclude that it’s a very good eBike for under $1,500.

LPR has built a machine that’s capable of doing exactly what it claimed to do. I’m surprised that I haven’t yet seen another one out there yet.

Based on my experiences, I decided to break down these points even further:

Quietness

Remarkable. You’ll barely hear it. Very few pedestrians (less than 10%) actually realize that it’s an electric bike, so despite being a 500w motor, the police aren’t the type to even take notice.

Suspension

Very good quality. Given my son is smaller than your average 5-year-old, the suspension is hardly usable. Would’ve loved to have seen adjustable forks to counter this problem.

Build quality

Very high. Everything feels as though it was built professionally without any corners cut. From the folding pegs to the brakes and throttle. Even the tyres are proper 15mm think mountain bike tread which is designed to grip.

Battery life

90 minutes approximately. The only gripe here is that the battery indicator shows full for a very long period, then drops significantly to empty in 10 mins. Instead, we just estimate how much is left and plan our rides accordingly. Unlike other eBikes, the LPR doesn’t have a quick-change battery setup.

Top speed

I haven’t hit it with a speed gun but he’d be nearly 40km/h. I only advise using the top speeds on grass which the bike does very well on.

Weight

Very light and the bulk of the weight actually sits in the rear tyre which is where the electric motor is mounted. Certainly, most kids can lift it for a few seconds.

User manual

Very in-depth. As a product creator, I hate when others skip corners. The owners of LPR bikes certainly are here for the long haul with everything explain very well with the user manual.

Offroad ability

Excellent. We ride 90% offroad on fire trails, grass and occasionally sandy tracks. Just stay away from mud and water as this can impact the motor and battery I believe.

Hill climbing

Very good. As I observe my son, I always expect the power to drop out halfway up as a dirt bike would do, but no. It just keeps charging up like a tractor in the mud. That said – these grassy hills aren’t too technical, but enough that he wouldn’t dare pedal up them.

In summary

Apart from the not-so-accurate battery indicator, this electric bike is excellent value for money than compared to Yamaha’s PeeWee 50. In fact, any comparable offering from KTM and Honda. For children 9 and above, I’d be leaning towards the Kuberg electric bike range or simply fitting an eBike motor to a normal mountain bike.

Overall thoughts on the LPR balance and electric bike

For kids 5 to 8, the LPR appears to be the perfect fit. With much less noise, you can pretty much ride it anywhere without anyone even noticing. Heck if anything, you’re bound to get some compliments. And many compliments is exactly what I’ll give the LPR 16″, while I imagine the smaller 12″ model is much the same.

Needless to say, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the 16″ LPR electric bikes to anyone based on actual use and experience. For building MX and trail riding skills at a young age, it’s hard to go past the value.

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Dirt Bikes for Women: Top 10 Beginner-Friendly Models

Today we’ll share the best beginner dirt bikes for female riders, because why should men have all the fun? Some of the top MX riders are women!

The sport has come along way since the 1960’s where it was a male-dominated industry. Today women make up 20% of all riders out there.

Many females who are starting out in the sport are confused since many of the guides are written for men. So we decided to write up this helpful article.

Best ladies dirt bikes of 2020

Best ladies dirt bikes of 2020

From our research, the best dirt bikes for ladies in 2020 are:

  1. Yamaha TTR230
  2. Honda CRF230F
  3. Kawasaki KLX140L
  4. Suzuki DR-Z125L
  5. Honda CRF150R

These bikes are relatively easy to sit on and initially handle, have a smooth powerband and have strong reliability, paired with a low-entry cost.

However, some ladies are tall and some of them are short. Of these dirt bikes listed, not all of them have low seats. So let’s look at some teenage-orientated dirt bike models that will still suit short women.

Best low seat dirt bikes of 2020

If you’re vertically challenged, then these dirt bikes with lowered seat heights and teenagers will be just the ride you need:

  1. Yamaha YZ85
  2. Kawasaki HX85
  3. Suzuki RM85
  4. KTM 85 SX
  5. Husqvarna TC 85

Just keep in mind that the Husqvarna model will require lowering the seat as it is 33 inches at stock but the rest are totally OK to begin with.

Buying guide

Before we jump in to show you the dirt bikes for women on the market, we wanted to cover a few things about buying your 1st dirt bike.

Low seat dirt bike for women

While we are experienced, many ladies just aren’t sure what to choose and why, so let’s begin to look at some factors to consider.

  • Reliability. Look for brands that have been around for a long time, paired with models that didn’t just come out yesterday.
  • Seat height. You’ll want to measure yourself and your seat height. Dirt bike boots will give you an additional 15mm of standing height usually.
  • Adjustability. With some models, you can adjust the suspension to get the seat height lower. You can also limit the powerband and torque.
  • Colors. Each brand has its own set of colors. It’s blue for Yamaha, red for Honda, orange for KTM, white for Husqvarna and yellow for Suzuki
  • Road-registerable. Just remember where you want to ride might have restrictions for unregistered dirt bikes, so look for bikes that can be registered.
  • Power. Some of these dirt bikes are powerful motocross machines while others are tamer for fire trails and open country riding.
  • Engine type. There are 3 types of engines: 2-stroke (unpopular and loud), 4-stroke (very popular) and electric (gaining popularity)
  • Modifications. If you’re buying a used ladies dirt bike, then check for any modifications made and if they are actually compliant.
  • Seat comfort. Dirt bike seats are generally uncomfortable to sit on for long periods, so budget for an upgraded sheepskin seat.
  • Handlebar position. The ergonomics of riding is important so you’ll want to see if you can adjust your handlebars so they sit closer in.
  • eStart. You’re going to stall the bike a few times when you’re learning. Using a Kickstarter is hard, so look for models with electric start.
  • Fuel range. As most ladies dirt bikes are in smaller frames, you often can’t upgrade the fuel tank for long rides. But some like the TTR230 can.

While that’s a long list, it’s evident that we know a thing or two about bike selection. Many dealers can explain these concepts in their stores.

Yamaha TTR230

While often disregarded as merely a farm bike, the TTR230 is simply the best female dirt bike around. We’ve chosen it #1 for its reliability and beginner-friendly nature. The power-band is very tame but there is enough power on hand to pop a wheelie if you really have to.

The best part is that you can register this bike in some states. This means you don’t have to purchase an additional bike trailer at all, making it easier to get to and from the local trails. Many dealers would recommend the TTR230 as the best dirt bike for women and we’d easily agree.

Honda CRF 230F

If you’re looking for the red version of the TTR230, then it’s the Honda CRF 230F. Essentially Honda made this as the contender to Yamaha’s answer to female riders, and now Honda have sold more units. After all – it’s red and not blue.

The CRF230F is slightly more dirt-orientated and you are less likely to see it on farms. But don’t let that fool you as it’s still just as reliable and functional for the beginner looking to hit up some local tracks. This model consistently wins the top spot on the best dirt bikes for women awards internationally but is let down by the lack of registration ability.

Kawasaki KLX140L

This is a late teenager bike that we’ve included here. We love the KLX140L because, even though it’s very much an MX bike, it has electric start.

When you’re learning to ride, you’re going to stall. It always takes a couple of months to learn proper clutch and throttle control. The eStart button is simply going to make your life so much easier!

Suzuki DR-Z125L

Essentially a farm bike, the DR-Z125L is a great ladies dirt bike that will go forever. It’s not uncommon to see these models exceeding 30,000 miles on the clock on ranches.

Suzuki also sells the same model in a 230, 150 and 140 variant. So if the 125 isn’t going to be enough power for you, then consider spending the little extra for more.

Honda CRF150R

Another late teenager-style dirt bike that is still ideal for women, the CRF150R is very potent. If you’re looking for more of a ‘pick me up’ to jump hills and do wheelies all day long, then this is the bike for you. This is definitely a great MX bike for women of all ages, but you need to be eager for power.

Yamaha YZ85

We’re now on to the 2-stroke kid dirt bikes and the YZ85 gets our pick. If you’re under 5 feet tall, then this is the dirt bike you’ll want for thrills on a budget.

Kawasaki HX85

Kawasaki’s copy of the YZ85 is green and has very minor differences. We personally prefer the Yamaha though this green-machine sells hundreds of models each year!

Suzuki RM85

Needing something tamer? This is a farm bike (Suzuki is famous for farm bikes in the dirt riding space) so you won’t get much raw power, but the reliability is certainly there.

KTM 85 SX

Are you ready to race? Then the KTM is the brand for you. Literally – pick any bike because they all go fast! But the 85 SX is the perfect powerful dirt bike for short ladies.

Husqvarna TC 85

If all that orange makes you stand out like a construction worker, then consider the cleaner TC 85 from Husqvarna. The only challenge is parts availability is limited.

In summary: The best dirt bike is one fitted for you

When choosing the right dirt bike for your offroad adventures, look for one that fits you well. In other words, there is enough power while being easy to get on.

Don’t let the high seat heights put you off. Here’s some inspiration for you: famous dirt racer Ricky Carmichael is a short rider compared to many others, but has won his fair-share of MX races over the years.

So it’s not your height but your desire to ride and practice consistently. Whether you’re riding MX or just trail riding with some friends on weekends, there is little holding you back from entering and enjoying this sport.

We hope that this dirt bikes for women guide has helped you get a fair idea of what to start looking for.

Our recommendation is to visit your local dirt bike dealership and jump on a few bikes. Explain the type of riding you’ll be doing and the salesperson will point you in the right direction very soon. Likewise jump on a few local riding groups and see what others are riding out there on the MX tracks and adventure trails.

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Extend Your Range with 9 Types of Extra Motorcycle Fuel Tanks

For many adventure riders, the stock-standard fuel tanks found on many motorcycles just don’t provide enough range. They come with five to seven-gallon tanks which are perfect for weekend warriors, but what about multi-day trips?

That’s when you’ve got two options:

  • Replace your existing stock fuel tank with an aftermarket tank with greater capacity
  • Keep your existing tank but carry additional fuel when needed in an auxiliary fuel tank

For some riders, replacing the fuel tank makes perfect sense. They foresee many adventures where a bigger tank is justified.

For other riders, their fuel requirements are significantly less. Often they will fare just fine with carrying a small fuel tank.

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Adventure motorcycling with extra fuel

Let’s forgo buying an ordinary jerry can from the hardware store to carry extra fuel on your adventure motorcycle. These often spill quite easily on bumpy roads.

After all, you’ve got an expensive motorcycle paired with luggage that you want to protect. Did you know there are numerous better options available?

Manufacturers have come a very long way over the last 10 years. Instead of strapping a jerry can to your panniers, you have various options available.

Let’s take a look:

Safari Tanks

By far the most popular and well-known tanks on the market. Safari Tanks have custom bigger fuel tanks available for most types of adventure motorcycles and even dirt bikes.

Safari Tanks Australia extra fuel
Photo courtesy of https://safaritanks.com.au/home/

Would we recommend them? Absolutely – that’s why they’re #1 on this list. If you can afford to, we recommend that you upgrade to a bigger fuel tank. This avoids the hassles with topping up fuel while out on the trail as it can often be messy.

The biggest hassle with Safari tanks, and in fact all of these tank companies, is replacing the tank itself. The new tank is bigger and often not as flush or ‘sporty’ as the old tank. But what you lose in aesthetics you make up with a safer tank that can withstand a lot of crashes, while of course giving you a much bigger range.

Some of their tanks come with baffles. This reduces the sideways movement of the fuel in cornering, leading to more stability for you as the rider.

Desert Fox Fuel Cells

The Desert Fox Fuel Cells are an Australian innovation that combines the toughness of the military with the flexibility that overland riders need. Available in 3L, 6L and the massive 12L sizes, they are ideal for storing above hard-luggage cases. A 20L version (Xtreme fuel cell) is available for 4×4 enthusiasts doing group tours.

We really like these motorcycle fuel storage bags. With a range of D rings and daisy chains, you’ll find the right combination of tie-downs to suit your adventure motorcycle. You can even roll these up when they’re not being used.

Some riders have reportedly used these for water storage too, but be warned! You can’t use these for water storage after they have had fuel through them. It’s just too dangerous for your health.

Adventure Moto Fuel Bladders

Imagine a CamelBak turned into a fuel bladder for motorcycles and you’ve got the Adventure Moto Fuel Bags. These bladders are much stronger than any hydration pack obviously while also being flexible even when half full. You can find these online and in some dirt bike shops.

Adventure Moto Fuel Bladders - Extra Motorcycle Fuel Tanks

A challenge is actually refuelling the bags and later transferring that fuel into your motorcycle. It certainly takes some practice. Also, while these bags are strong, they are susceptible to punctures. Available in 5L and 8L varieties and built specifically for Australian conditions.

These come with a spout paired with its own storage pouch. The child-proof cap stops it unscrewing when riding so it doesn’t leak fuel on to all of your gear and hot engine parts.

MSR / Primus / SOTO Fuel Bottles

Lacking the confidence of having a soft petrol bladder on your motorcycle? Then it’s time to use something much harder like these aluminium bottles. These are ideal if you’re only going to store much smaller amounts of fuel as they typically come in 700ml to 1.5L varieties.

What we really like about these bottles is using them to store engine oil. Let’s say you’re doing a 4-week expedition in some far-flung country. Finding high-quality engine oil is going to be very challenging. Many adventure riders opt to store engine oil in one of these bottles which choosing a soft bat for their petrol.

Giant Loop Gas Bag

Let’s switch back to soft storage options for a moment with the Gas Bag™️ by Giant Loop Moto. These are very popular despite their very high price. And the price is high for a reason – build quality. Made in the USA with each fuel bladder being individually tested in their Oregon factory before being dispatched internationally

Giant Loop Gas Bag soft fuel bladder

Available in 3 gallons and 5-gallon varieties, you’ll find these bags to be almost indestructible. After all, they built these for racers in mind who demand the best.

 Extra Motorcycle Fuel Tanks

Are they worth the price? If you’re needing a very high-quality soft fuel bladder for your dirt bike, then absolutely. It’s the type of gear that will last for years.

Rotopax

You might have heard of Rotopax before. They have been creating fuel tanks for adventure riders for many years now. These are jerry cans for motorcycles that strap on to the panniers.

Just like the Giant soft bags above, these are made in the United States with each unit being pressure-tested before dispatch. Some riders purchase 2 units; one for fuel (red tank) and one for water (white tank) which should never be mixed.

If doing excessive miles is something that you envision, then a set of these will be perfect. You can loop them through your panniers or connect them directly to hard luggage. They also manufacture these as empty storage containers for emergency situations.

Acerbis Rear and Handlebar Fuel Tanks

Acerbis makes a range of fuel tanks and the two that have our attention are their handlebar tank and rear fuel tank. While they’re certainly unattractive in white, your fuel will stay cooler and be much less likely to explode during summer riding adventures.

Using handlebar tanks when riding dirt bikes or adventure motorcycles isn’t that popular. This is why you won’t see that many riders with them. The reason is that the additional weight sitting up high affects your stability and also puts extra strain on your front suspension.

Nomad Tanks

Another Australian startup is the Nomad Tanks company. They have multiple rear tanks available for a range of offroad adventure motorcycles. The best part – these fuel tanks are made in Australia, not China.

2nd fuel tank on dirt bike

For many dirt bikes, the space at the rear below the fender goes completely unused. These is where Nomad Tanks have innovated to serve this space with a tank that appears mostly flush with the bike itself.

SW-Motech Fuel Canister Kit

If you’re the type of rider who loves hard cases, then you’re going to love this. When you’re buying this motorcycle auxiliary fuel holder, you should also purchase the Alu-Box universal mount which they sell separately.

This way you can mount it securely to your hard cases on whichever side you choose.

Included in the basic system is:

SW-Motech Fuel Canister Kit
  • The silver holding plate that you can see on the rear
  • Two black straps which are very strong for highway riding
  • 2-litre fuel bottle with a leak-proof cap
  • Filling pipe to secure it to your hard luggage.

For many riders, 2 litres is enough fuel to get them to the nearest gas station on their trip. This is why this has become very popular with adventure riders who just need that little bit extra and don’t necessarily want to change their main fuel tank.

Liquid Containment

For more of a bare-bones approach, Liquid Containment has created several touring fuel bladders for adventure riders globally. These are tough…seriously tough!

The great thing about these bags is that they roll up super thin. This means you could store these in the smallest of areas.

Naz Bags

Another recent Australian start-up is the Naz Bags company who have created fuel bladder bags from 18oz ripstop canvas. Note that these aren’t fuel storage but a way to protect your soft fuel bladders from damage when crashing.

You can get these in 4 sizes: 12, 10, 5.5 and 4 litres. If in doubt, always get a larger size.

Safety issues

While there are some obvious upsides towards taking additional fuel when riding a motorbike, there are hazards too.

Let’s take into account some safety issues with carrying any additional adventure, trail or dirt bike fuel.

  • Limit yourself from the fuel. It’s very flammable and not something that you should have connected on your body at any time. That includes inside backpacks, vests or jackets. Don’t be a fool as it’s just not worth it.
  • Don’t mix it up. Some people use one canister for oil storage (especially long-distance adventure riders) and another canister for fuel storage. Mark these properly so you don’t mix them up in the middle of nowhere.
  • Refill your bike from your canister first. There is a temptation to just keep filling up your adventure bike endlessly without touching your auxiliary fuel tank, storage bag or canister. If you keep doing this, then your fuel will eventually go bad and chances are that you’ll draw from it when it’s too late.
  • Avoid cheap solutions. Yes – every dirt bike tank option provided in this list isn’t cheap. Don’t follow the guys that recommend Gatorade bottles as these are simply too dangerous and the plastic isn’t designed to carry fuel. In fact, the plastic may seep its way into your fuel mixture causing damage to your engine.
  • Protect your fuel tanks. Remember that these could cause a fire when crashing so do your best to protect them from sideways impacts. If you get a puncture to your main fuel tank, then that could spell the end of your adventure until help arrives.

Use your saddlebags for fuel, but only as a last resort. Don’t’ store anything in there alongside it which is critical to your adventures such as your tent, sleeping bag and pillow.

Closing thoughts

Upgrading your fuel tank is often the best solution. You’ll have more storage when you need it and won’t need to worry about top-ups in the field.

However, this isn’t a solution for everyone. These soft fuel storage bags and hard mini-tanks for motorcycles can give you that extra range that you need, without expensive upgrades.

Most importantly, here at Frontaer – we recommend that you just play it safe out there with whichever option you choose.

Continue Reading More Guides by Frontaer

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12 Best Dirt Bike and MX Riding Boots For Serious Riders (2023)

Dirt bike riders need to protect themselves and a good pair of dirt bike riding boots are just the solution. But what do you choose when there are so many options available?

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Today we’re going to look at the 12 different dirt bike riding boots available and the best things that beginners should be looking for. Frontaer has created this list exclusively for enduro, motocross, supercross and recreational dirt bike riders.

Best MX, Trail and Dirt Bike Riding Boots

For those short on time, we have already done the research for you as passionate offroad enthusiasts. We’ve established these boots as the best for beginner and intermediate riders:

  1. Alpinestars Tech 7’s
  2. O’Neal Logo Rider
  3. Fox Racing Comp Boot
  4. Sidi Crossfire 3 Boots
  5. TCX Comp Evo
  6. Fly Racing 2020 Maverick
  7. Gaerne SG-12 Motocross Boots
  8. Fox Racing Instinct
  9. Leatt GPX 5.5 FlexLock
  10. Sidi ATOJO SRS
  11. O’Neal Sierra Pro
  12. Alpinestars Tech 10’s
Best MX, Trail and Dirt Bike Riding Boots

Unlike other guides that suggest the same brand multiple times in their top 10 list, we’ve taken a different approach.

We’ve picked best-selling 1-2 motocross boots from each main brand that we think is best based on purchasing volumes and rider feedback. Nothing ordinary here.

Note that this guide isn’t for adventure riders. If you’re into dual-sport adventures, then read this guide instead given that there is a clear and distinct difference between motocross and adventure motorcycle boots. This mainly surrounds their built quality and materials, paired with weight, flexibility and cost.

Dirt bike Boots Buying Guide

Before we break down this list, let’s look at the features you’ll want to get into first. Because boots aren’t just pretty; they are created to serve very specific purposes.

Foot and Ankle Protection

It’s a bit deal to be protected when riding both on the trails and on MX tracks. Look for boots which have Thermoplastic Polyurethane (abbreviated as TPU) or even Thermoplastic Rubbers (TPR) as these are essentially a very tough plastic shell that can survive a big crash.

Such protection needs to extend to your toes, heels, under your feet and certainly your shins. But they should do all of this without being too heavy or leaving you with bruises.

Dirt Riding Support

While it’s great to have a boot, you’ll also want to enjoy wearing them too. Any decent set of dirt bike riding boots should have support for your ankle and foot with soft foam. The last thing you want after a long ride is to have red marks and little desire to wear such boots again which is typical of cheap Chinese-made boots.

The right set of boots will have some flex to them which is natural. This helps you change gears and reach for the brakes but also provide enough support.

Often it’s the buckles providing great support. You should be able to adjust these quite easily with even pressure from top to bottom.

Pricing

We stray away from super cheap dirt bike boots. Even those in the mid-range do have their flaws. Just like helmets, this is one bit of gear that you’ll have to pay up for, unfortunately.

Instead of paying hundreds for new boots that are only going to get dirty in the first five minutes, we recommend that you jump on Craigslist. There are bound to be riders who have had a few rides and decided that the sport wasn’t for them. They might even be selling their MX bike for cheap as well.

In this guide, we’ve covered boots that retail for under $200, as well as much higher than that price point….well beyond $400!

The 12 Best Dirt Bike Boots of 2020

Let’s jump into this big list:

1. Alpinestars Tech 7

Pros wear this boot, but so do beginners as well. While you’ll certainly spend up for these, there is a distinct reason they are #1 on the list – the quality.

When you’re learning to ride or perhaps you already have some dirt riding experience, you don’t want super cheap. Such boots don’t last enough miles.

The Alpinestars Tech 7 boots, however, are in a completely different class of their own. And if the only reviews are anything to go by, they certainly stack up!

Here at Frontaer, we love the entire Alpinestars range, most of which aren’t made in China. The main downside is the color as they get dirty quite easily.

In recent times, Alpinestars have come out with a Tech 7 Enduro version which we highly recommend.

2. O’Neal Logo Rider

While the Tech 7’s are a blast, not everyone can afford them. If you’re looking for a new pair of affordable dirt bike riding boots that still look great and function well, then the O’Neal Rider boots are our best pick.

These are very much entry-level so you can’t expect the same level of comfort and features as other more expensive boots, but you’ll get at least one season out of these. The sole is made from Goodyear and they have a synthetic leather heat shield to stop engine burns.

3. Fox Comp Boot

Riding between the Alpinestars and the O’neal’s, we have the Fox Comp Boot. This is their #1 bestselling boot in the United States and it’s evident why.

The black color goes with just about any motorcycle. So if you’re riding a KTM, Yamaha, Honda or even a GasGas, you won’t feel like being left out. Then again, it’s also available in blue, white and red so you can color-match if required.

What we really like is the internal lace system which provides the rider with a custom fit around their ankle. Pair that with the TPU plating which covers much of the boot, you’ll have a quality set of riding boots that don’t quite break the bank.

4. Sidi Crossfire 3 Boots

Sidi has a range of Crossfire boots which differ based on the type of riding that you’re doing. Their older Crossfire 2 TA and SRS boots received much praise in the MX riding communities around the world so this new breed of boots is no different.

Mostly available in black, these boots will last more than one season given the higher price-point. Not only that, but you can get replacement soles which fit boots up to 15 years old. Clearly, this isn’t a company that hopes to get you replacing their boots every year, but instead, serve you for the long term.

5. TCX Comp Evo

TCX is certainly the smaller player on the market, but their boots work just as well for dirt riding. They do serve the adventure rider as well as the track racer too.

These boots aren’t our most recommended option by any stretch, but their boots certainly are affordable and bridge the gap between MX and adventure riding.

6. Fly Racing 2020 Maverick

We’ve left one of the best MX boots on the market until last – the Fly Racing Mavericks! These boots are perfect for entry-level riders wanting quality paired with style.

They certainly aren’t as popular, but at this price-point, how could you disagree? Ideal as an entry-level or beginner rider who’s looking for genuine value out there.

Fly Racing does regular updates of their products based on science and rider feedback. What we like about these boots are their super simple design.

7. Gaerne SG-12 Men’s Motocross Boots

Frontaer really loves the pivot system built into the GaerneFirst and this is exclusive to their brand. When you’re walking or riding, you just feel more secure yet more flexible. This is designed to provide support and protection through their unique injection moulded design.

The grip is excellent while the front is quite strong with the shin plate, which allows them to take a beating over months or years. If you’re looking for riding boots that will last a long time, then this is it.

8. Fox Racing Instinct

If you’re competing in motocross competitions, then you’l want something that has legendary status. Fox has really done it with this high-end motocross boot that’s lightweight yet seriously geared for podium wins.

The Instinct isn’t new to riders globally and with 8+ years of production, you know that you’re receiving a quality bit of kit here. Some of the best-known riders such as Chad Reed choose these boots for their racing pedigree.

The only drawback is that they aren’t budget-friendly. Expect to pay a fortune for these, but a worthy investment if you’re a serious competitor in amatuer or pro tournaments.

9. Leatt GPX 5.5 FlexLock

Leatt has legendary status for their innovative range of neckbraces, but they’re also strong in their dirt bike boot range. Our pick of their bunch is the 5.5 FlexLock which combines excellent design with world-class looks.

Much like anything with the Leatt name, this didn’t just pop out of nowhere. With 3 years of field testing with pro athletes, it was released to the mainstream market recently and with much praise. This is a great alternative if you’re not keen enough for the Fox Racing Instinct above.

10. Sidi Atojo SRS

This is Sidi’s 2nd apperance on this list and for good reason. We wanted to bring a less motocross-orientated boot to this roundup, and instead show one that will be a hit with trail and enduro riders, and even some of the ADV crowd.

Again, this one isn’t cheap. Much design and development went into creating this rock-solid boot that’s designed for action on 2 wheels. We love the detail and craftsmanship, provided your wallet can afford it.

11. O’Neal Sierra Pro

Yeah, we know what you’re thinking: “But these are so ugly” but we’ll remind you to hold your protests for now. As fellow riders, let’s think about this: When you’re out there riding on the motocross track or going through river crossings, your boots can get seriously muddy and they’re tough to clean up properly. This is why these are a great solution.

The Sierra Pro boots are inspired by the adventure riding fraternity who don’t want the bling-bling from the motocross world. These boots are the perfect blend of weekend trail riding paired with some potential to compete in enduro and motocross racing. The upper is made with full grain leather as opposed to plastics which you’ll otherwise find on this list with many other boots.

12. Alpinestars Tech 10

Alpinestars led us into this list, and they’ll lead us on the closeout too! This time with their Tech 10 range which is seriously badass. If you’re looking for an upgrade from the Tech 7’s, then these are the best choice out there.

You’re looking at one of the most popular dirt bike boots around the world. Tens of thousands of units sold and many happy 4-stroke enthusiasts. Trust us – we don’t need to sell you on the features, given how many positive reviews exist of this boot.

In summary

While you can certainly buy dirt bike boots online, we recommend that you head into a store and try a few on. Sizing is important especially for a first-time rider or beginner to the offroading world.

Choosing the right set of boots based on your riding conditions is important. Some are better suited to MX conditions which others are better suited to fire trails or cold winter riding.

Avoid any of the cheaper boots on the marketplace and opt for those that deliver the best value for money and you’ll be riding for years to come.

Continue Reading More Guides by Frontaer

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