Dirt bikes can travel in sandy conditions, but it’s best if they have a rear paddle tire fitted. The type that can propel you hard.
Frontaer has done the research as we like riding our dirt bikes in sand. It’s seriously run…provided you can keep that right hand twisted and not let off when the front gets a little woobly.
Best Dirt Bike Rear Paddle Tires
You only need a tire for the rear given that the front is pretty well light when you’re riding. Your knees actually steer the bike while your hands keep your controls in check.
Let’s jump straight into business here. These are the best rear paddle tires for dirt bikes:
1. Sedona Dunatik
The Dunatik is a serious offroad weapon for your dirt bike. It’s light yet aggressive at the same time, and design to really dig down into the sand with the paddles, yet allow your dirt bike to float enough on the surface. Getting bogged down will be a thing of the past, even in the sandiest of riding areas.
2. Maxxis Cheng Shin Surge P Tire
We’ve always been a real big advocate of Maxxis here at Frontaer. They are a brand that has brought quality to the offroad with for years, and it’s no different with the Surge P. This tyre is well known among the hardiest of dirt bike riders for its ability to allow you to glide effortlessly across the sand.
3. CST Cheng Shin Surge P Tire
This CST happens to be almost identical to the Maxxis tire above. Why is it different? Well, these brands run OEM so one sells to the other under a different name. With both brands, you’ll get 8 paddle scoops to blast you across at high speeds without needing to sink down so much or even lean back to find some traction. The compound used in these tires is less likely to chunk away when exposed to gnarly rocks either.
4. Vee Rubber Paddle Radial Tire
Vee Rubber isn’t as well known in the offroad motorcycling world, and their reviews are minimal. That said – they do provide a good tire which is more affordable and is designed to last a few seasons out there in the soft stuff. We’re waiting for Vee Rubber to get back into stock at this time of writing.
The last on our list isn’t quite a paddle tire but one worthy of consideration. Kenda has brought this tire to the market which has some seriously chunky knobs where it can be ridden on the sand and the hard stuff too. With paddle tires, you’re likely to chunk your tire and wear it out within a few miles but this tire lets you keep riding and riding. It doesn’t perform as well on the sand, nor the road, but when you’re trying to get a tire that at least gets you through both terrains, then this is the one you’ll want.
Getting started
There you have it out fellow dirt bike riders! Some very good options for heading out there and exploring the sand dunes.
Just remember some safety considerations:
Always have a spotter at the top of sand dunes. Let’s admit it: You don’t want to be a dork with a sand flag on your dirt bike.
Keep that power on. Even with a rear paddle tire, your dirt bike needs your constant power to keep you ploughing through the sand. You’ll need to lean back as well.
Avoid steering too much. Instead of steering, you should be leaning while letting the front tyre go where it wants to. You’re unlikely to crash, but even if you do….well it’s just sand!
Consider your mileage. Riding through sand really chews up the gas pretty quickly, so don’t ride out too far. Ensure you have a few litres on reserve and remember that the life expectancy of your dirt bike paddle tire is only around 2,000 miles at best.
If you’re buying a new dirt bike helmet for motocross, enduro or recreational trail riding, look for the best quality and comfort. This is especially true if dirt bike riding is something you’ll be doing quite often.
Chances are that you’re a little confused as to what to buy. The prices on these helmets range from budget-friendly to super expensive, though pricing maybe isn’t your biggest concern.
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Perhaps you’ve had a significant impact and are worried about the structural integrity. Likewise, maybe you’re looking for a dirt bike which is more comfortable and ergonomic given how much technology keeps evolving.
Either way, we’ve got you covered. Frontaer has looked at the very best dirt bike helmets available in the market for amateur and professional riders. Whether you live in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa, we’ve found the most comfortable options around.
Best Dirt Bike Helmets – Industry Roundup
We’ve looked for the best options available in 2022. These helmets are ideal for adults, both for male and female riders alike.
The Supertech M10 by Alpinestars is an extraordinary offroad motocross helmet. If you look closely at numerous podium winners, you’ll see them sporting this particular head protector.
It comes with 2 visors with one being regular peak and the other being super high. You’ll find a variety of sizes paired with emergency release cheek pads.
For a seriously good looking bit of gear, it’s hard to go past the Shoei VFX-EVO Helmet. It probably doesn’t surprise you that Shoei is on the list. After all, they have been making some of the best road-based motorcycle helmets for years.
The VFX-EVO isn’t as popular due to its high price compared to many on htis list. However, it’s still worth the inclusion if you’re looking for sheer comfort paired with some technology from the industry leaders in head protection.
You’ll notice that we will mention O’Neal multiple times on this list. Why? Because in the world of motocross, they are well known for their incredible designs that combine functionality with superior protection.
O’Neal are dirt bike helmets which are born to race. There is a lot of airflow paired with their lightweight nature and ergonomic fitment. This makes this one of the most popular within the 2022 lineup.
Fox makes the most popular dirt bike helmets around town, with their V1 series being very well known. Chances are that you’ve seen riders sporting this one before but haven’t realized it.
The V1 is the right blend between affordability, ventilation and style. They have jersey-matching colors paired with styles for men, women and even kids. If you’re looking for the industry standard, then this is it!
For the motocross champion who wants a helmet which has a shorter chin guard, the LS2 helmet is one of the best picks of the bunch. It not only meets DOT approval but also meets the requirements set out by the California Air Resources Board.
While you can use this one if you’re out riding casually on the road, its design is best for those headed for the weekend race track. It’s quite possibly the lightest dirt bike helmet in the market today paired with some excellent front, top and rear ventilation.
Most people haven’t heard of Airoh but it’s one of the best enduro racing helmets that money can buy. If you’re looking for sheer quality and hydration built-in for serious miles in offroad racing, then you can’t go past this one.
Be warned! These helmets aren’t cheap. If you’re not racing competitively then you’ll be absolutely shocked at the prices here. Then again, how much is your head worth?
We really liked the road-based style that has been adopted for the Kinetic Helmet by Fly Racing. It’s certainly more rounded and has less of the storm-trooper look to itself.
It’s certainly one of the listest helmets on this list as they have removed unnecessary weight from the front. Unfortunately, the ventilation isn’t as strong on this one so it isn’t so suited for summer riding.
Let’s admit it: Not all of us are born with silver spoons and sometimes we’re just not that flush with the moolah. If we want to protect ourselves, sometimes we just gotta look in the bargain department. As such, the ILM Adult dirt bike helmet is currently one of the cheapest available int he market.
It’s used not just by dirt bike riders but ATV and downhill mountain bikers too. Being made by ABS plastic, it’s made to be lightweight while being durable enough, all the while meeting DOT standards. The removable visor is basic yet functional.
Senhill’s motocross helmets are also quite affordable paired with good design elements. What makes them sensational is that they include basic gloves and goggles which match the visor opening perfectly too. If you’re just getting started, then this is the way to go.
What’s remarkable is their cool designs. Very much a conversation starter on the dirt bike trails each morning. The reviews on these are quite remarkable despite the fact that they’re made in China. Some of their options also come with matching neckwarmers. The new brand GLX also has a similar offer with good reviews online.
New on the scene are AHR helmets which are similar to the GLX that we mentioned just above. These are fully compliant and meet DOT safety standards for riders of any offroad weapon. The reviews of the AHR helmets online are quite remarkable.
The airflow system is very basic and the buckle could do with a better quality band, but this helmet certainly serves the budget folks. The liners are removable and washable which is helpful, especially as you’ll be riding often with the money you save from buying this one.
Let’s say you had it in your budget to spend a little more than the 2 options we just gave above, but you don’t want to spend a fortune. Well, the Westt Cross Dirt Bike Helmet is a good middle ground into the market.
What’s remarkable is that this one has its own visor built into the front. You simply pull it down instead of strapping it on. This means that you can get instant airflow relief when you’re riding at full speed.
Yema is a newer brand into the world of dirt bike riding, but one that is simply keeping things basic. You won’t see any fluroscent designs here as they focus on keeping things simple. This is one helmet that you can wear any offroad motorcycle, including dualsport and adventure motorbikes.
There are multiple air vents paired with its aerodynamic design to keep you cool on the warmer days. The design is basic and is from their development of road-based helmets. Indeed, it wouldn’t surprise us to see someone riding an Indian while wearing one of these bad boys.
ILM is another one of those Chinese dirt bike helmets which offers great protection without the price. There are two types of helmets that they offer, with one being with a built-in visor and the other without, yet it has MX-inspired looks.
Both models suit a variety of head sizes and the liners are removable. Buying spare liners and visors is a little tricky and so most riders simply replace the whole helmet entirely.
To break up the monotony of strange-looking dirt bike helmets, let us show you the O’Neal Sierra II. This one is a little more pricey but offers genuine value with superior craftsmanship and with a full face protector shield and visor.
You’ll find the design not just suitable to motocross and trail bike riding, but also dual-sport and ADV exploration. It’s just so capable of being worn in different conditions, though the black version would get quite hot in summer.
Who has heard of Raider? Not us, until we looked at one of their helmets recently for an analysis. We found the designs not to be too captivating for our liking, though the comfort levels far exceeded expectations.
These helmets are more-so used by those in the ATV/UTV sector and it’s ideal for hunters and ranch managers for the type of helmet you can simply slip on and ride at slow speed. It’s perfect as a no-frills helmet that gets the job done!
Earlier on this industry roundup, we mentioned the O’Neal 2 Series which is very popular with enduro, supercross and motocross riders. Well, the 3 Series is almost as popular too with some very striking designs.
These helmets have serious length at the front as a preventative measure against front impacts. Their rear ventilation is very good and you’ll see a strong recession line to stop the helmet strap from sliding up and down. Clearly O’Neal really thought of everything here.
You’re probably living under a rock on the side of the Appalachian Mountains if you haven’t heard of Troy Lee before. He’s been very influential in the world of competitive offroad racing for many years now, and has designed some pretty epic gear to protect riders. His S34 helmet is one such feature.
What we really love, apart from the cool Yamaha-inspired graphics that will suit the WR250R/450R riders just fine, is the use of Polyacrylate. This is more premium than using ABS plastic which means the helmet will fend better in a crash, while the cheek pads can be removed by EMS first-responders.
When you’re dreaming of being an extra in Star Wars, look no further than the 509 Tactical Range. Their Storm Chaser series is very popular and the highest-rated dirt bike helmet that we’ve seen yet.
These are best for when you’re riding your dirt bike in the snow. The ventilation is good but also is the liner which stops the windchill. These are compatible with 509 visors (sold separately) which we highly recommend. Consider the 509 Altitude series if you’re just riding in cold conditions or the Delta R4 Ignite.
While it may have a strange name, buyers are lining up to buy the MotorFansClub helmet. It’s cheap but that doesn’t make it bad especially since it meets DOT approval. These are made in China.
You’ll find a removable and washable padded liner paired with good ventilation from both the front and top. This helmet is best for the casual rider as it isn’t the most comfortable to wear for days and days.
Yes! The 3rd O’Neal on this list and it’s their premium helmet in their 2022 lineup. The 5SRS is one that is built with Polycarbonate paired with ABS in the shell. The construction was based off input from dirt bike riders nationally to develop a helmet that kept riders cool while fully protected.
These helmets meet many standards including DOT, ECE 22-05 (for Europe) as well as Australian Standards and New Zealand Safety Standards. For a rock-solid dirt bike helmet, this is the one we’d simply recommend and the price is quite reasonable.
Vega Helmets just simply look very cool! They’re perfect if you’re a beginner or more experienced behind the handlebars, and the intake ventilation channels will keep you pretty cool out there while blasting along.
The D-Ring under the chinstrap is padded which means there is less chafe and digging into the skin when riding aggressively. Pair this with its lightweight construction and you’ve got a helmet that’s designed to go many miles.
One of the biggest issues with dirt bike helmets is the lack of viewability. You’ve essentially got some blindspots there and if you’re needing a helmet that is wide open, then you’ll need to consider this beast from Bell.
With these helmets, the goggles are overlayed on to the eye opening and without a strap. This means you’ll have a wider portal in which to see the track infront, while being very much protected from head trauma if you come off at high speeds.
HJC isn’t a new brand and they have actually been in the business of motorcycle helmets for almost 50 years now, but they’r ejust not as well known in the motocross and dirt bike riding communities. Their helmets are certainly functional and worth of a mention on this list.
The opening is quite side which means you can see more of the track in front of you, paired with some good ventilation at the front. What you can’t see is the technology inside the helmet designed to remove excess heat and humidity through the rear portal allowing you to ride dry all day long.
While the Trekker can be used by dirt bike riders exploring their local trails, it’s best used by those in the ADV communities of the world. This helmet just looks better on those wearing an adventure riding jacket paired with a big-bore 4-stroke begging to be ridden.
These helmets are made from a polymer shell and an EPS liner which you can remove to wash. The design allows for great visibility and the feedback from the dual-sport riders who have used these for thousands of miles is very good. Certainly one of the better picks if you’re going camping with your dirt bike.
The last on our list is an Arai. Now, Arai typically wouldn’t be at the bottom of any list, but unfortunately, their helmets just aren’t that popular in the offroad world at all. Many people pass on them in leiu of other brands.
That said – consider the VX-Pro4 helmet as it has some features which are worth the price. We’re looking at lightweight paired with a short snout and ergonomically designed padding. Unfortunately, still outside the budget of most riders.
Dirt Bike Helmet Buying Guide
When buying any type of helmet to wear when riding your dirt bike, it’s important that you think about some of the features that many people overlook.
This is why Frontaer has created this buying guide for beginners who haven’t bought a helmet for offroad riding before. We wanted to make sure you had the advice necessary to find the right helmet for your weekend adventures.
Consider these elements on your checklist when shopping for a new dirt bike helmet:
Airflow
Getting the right airflow is very important because otherwise you’ll have a hot head pretty quickly and begin sweating it out. This is why we generally shy away from Chinese-made helmets as they use inferior materials.
Look for dirt bike helmets with strong ventilation built into their design. There should be heaps of openings at the chin area as well as at the fore head and on the underside too. Sometimes you’ll find ventilation ports at the rear too which allows hot air to escape more easily.
Weight
Bouncing around all day on gnarly terrain is very tiring. This is why a lightweight dirt bike helmet is going to be at the top of your priority list. After all, most people have today a forward head posture due to excessive texting and won’t be able to handle a heavy helmet all day.
The lighter you can find, then generally speaking, the better the helmet will be for wearing all day long. That said – don’t go for something super light as they have less padding and often less features too.
Visibility
When you first put a dirt bike helmet on your head, you’ll instantly notice just how much less visibility you can have. This is completely normal and a design function to prevent injuries from the front of your face.
If you are racing or riding in areas where you need full visibility, then keep this in mind. You’ll want to make sure that the helmet has a wide opening so you won’t have as many blind spots.
Goggle Fitment
Tying in well with visibility is the goggle fitment. You’ll want to buy some goggles that will fit the visual opening of your helmet. If they don’t fit properly, then there will either be a gap or the goggles will sit too far out. Likewise, you’ll want to make sure there is a non-slip section at the rear of the helmet which will stop the strap for slipping at high speeds, otherwise, the goggles will lose tension and slip off.
Also, when you do have goggles on, then your visibility will be even less than just the helmet itself due to the 3mm to 8mm of thickness surrounding the goggle liner. Essentially, it’s the viewability of the goggles themselves that really give you an indication of just how much you’ll be able to see. Just remember that you’ll just need to be moving your helmet around often to see everything especially with a tinted visor.
Safety Rating
We’ve seen a rising trend of some helmets coming to the market which aren’t ADR approved or have a DOT Rating. Motorcycle ratings are very important and DOT is the most basic and well known, while Europe has an ECE rating which is more complex.
You may have heard of the Snell Rating, which is the work of the Snell Foundation. This is for competitive motocross and enduro racing helmets and some helmets on this list don’t meet this rating, though serve just fine for recreational riding.
Replacement Pads
It’s wise to check if the manufacturer has replacement pads available to buy. As you sweat it out in the helmet for hours on end, you’ll really start to make them smell. Trust us – nothing is more discouraging than putting on a smelly dirt bike helmet in the morning before a big ride!
By purchasing some replacement pads, you can take out one pair and handwash them with some soap while you have a refresh set in your helmet. Your helmet also should be able to be washed internally to remove any dust and mold.
Replacement Visors
There is a saying that goes “If you haven’t broken a visor yet, then you’re still an amateur dirt bike rider”. Essentially, everyone breaks one visor at some stage during the journey, and often more than one visor. They are simply made with cheap plastic and, being lightweight, don’t serve to protect the rider from injury. In fact, they are designed to break on impact so they don’t cause neck or bad injuries for the rider.
Whichever helmet you choose to buy should have replacement visors available to purchase aftermarket. Otherwise, you can expect to be replacing the whole helmet which is economically quite frustrating to do often. That said, there isn’t anything wrong with riding without a helmet given that they are used for deflecting the morning and afternoon sun, as well as the rain.
GoPro Mount
Of course, you’re going to want to snap up that footage of you blasting along at full throttle. This is why you’ll want to make sure you can mount a GoPro to the top of your dirt bike helmet. Luckily, most manufacturers have this fitted as standard. Sometimes you’ll need to buy a separate attachment as an additional outlay.
The mounts can either be vertically fitted or side fitted. If you’re riding on the road, then it may be illegal to have a camera fitted to your dirt bike helmet, so do check your local laws and regulations.
Bluetooth Compatability
It’s not as common to find dirt bike helmets which have Bluetooth built-in given how loud dirt bike engines are. If you’re a beginner, then you’ll want to listen to the engine and not music because the engine will give you feedback as to when it’s time to change gears. Add in the complex nature of trying to dodge an upcoming gnarly section and you’ll soon realize that this novelty isn’t really needed.
But let’s say you still wanted to listen to music through your helmet when riding. Well, most riders simply get some wired or wireless AirPods to stream on-demand, with their phone stored safely in their backpack when riding. Even so, nothing beats the hum of a 4-stroke or 2-stroke engine, whether at idling or at full throttle!
Color and Style
The design is our last consideration of any helmet, but for most riders, it’s their first consideration. How your helmet looks out there on the tracks and trails isn’t really that important. It doesn’t need to suit what you’re wearing, but you do want something that looks reasonably fresh and matching.
One pro-tip we can give you is to go for lighter colors. If you get a black helmet, then it becomes seriously hot when riding in summer. All that heat generates fatigue and you’ll be wanting to head back to the trailhead pretty soon.
Final Thoughts
There we have it! The Epic guide from Frontaer to help you buy your first dirt bike helmet. Coming up with this guide wasn’t easy but we hope that you’re ablt to find one that not just looks great, but fits snugly and keeps you safe out there for years to come!
Buying a backpack for riding through the backcountry with your dirt bike is a challenging task. Then we need hydration bladders too.
Yes, finding the right bag is challenging. Most manufacturers make hydration packs which are good, but you need a model that is specifically tailored to whizzing down the trails at 70 miles per hour or more.
The type that allows your back to stay dry and sweat-free, but also be dynamic enough to move around as you shift your weight on the pegs. Let’s not forget the storage space you need for the first aid kit, spare tubes, snacks and tools. This adds some real complexity to finding the right balance between being light and having enough storage.
Best Dirt Bike Backpack with Water Bladders
We’re avid offroad enthusiasts here at Frontaer and have dug around do the research for you. We didn’t simply want to show you a list of options from those who go hiking in the woods. That doesn’t apply to us because our needs are very different.
Our situation changes as does our environment on the trails. Whether we’re out for a few hours on the trails, racing in a motocross championship series or multi-day adventures with camping, we need the type of backpack that’s going to last and last for years. Most importantly, one that provides us with ample hydration with a built-in bladder system.
These are the most popular dirt bike backpacks of 2022 with hydration packs:
The CamelBak Mule has a cult-like reputation among anyone who ventures outdoors. It certainly makes for a great backpack to explore on 2-wheels with plenty of storage and a large hydration pack. We’re talking 3 litres here which is more than enough for exploring, even if you’re riding out in the Californian desert.
It has a waist clip designed to stop the backpack from moving around at high speeds, yet with mesh on the back to allow you to breathe. This is exactly what we need – ventilation! Not only is their ventilation at the back but on the straps too. Most other manufacturers forget about this.
What we really love here at Frontaer is sustainability. It’s been used with some recycled materials which keep us smiling. And the phone pouch is very good as it keeps your phone dry when the hydration pack lets out some moisture if you’ve left it in the fridge overnight.
Let’s say that you’re in a region where the weather is a bit milder and you don’t quite need so much in the way of water capacity in the rear., then we’d go with the 2L Zac Speed Comp 2. This is a popular hydration backpack for enduro riders around the world who compete at the highest levels.
It’s much lighter than the CamelBak options because there is less storage space and the focus is on simplicity. There is even a race harness which gives you an indication as to what this is targetted towards.
The back panel isn’t just meshed and they’ve gone with moulded EVA to have less of a form-fitting approach, which means less sweat running down your back. While the CamelBak has a small waist belt, the Zac Speed team took it to the top with their model having an elastic version which is thicker and keeps the hydration backpack more stable at high speeds.
The Ogio Dakar 3L is a seriously tough model that’s designed to be more rugged yet sporty. It’s not uncommon to see rod-based motorcyclists using this on their daily commute to and from work. The bag itself seriously looks cool and would suit the dual-sport enthusiast as much as the dirt bike rider.
It has some great storage with insulated cooler fabric which keeps the water cooler for longer. After all, who really wants to be drinking warm tap water on a hot summer’s day? We typically throw our hydration bladders in the freezer on the night before riding so they thaw out when riding.
What stands out with the Ogio Dakar is the EVA arm on the back. This gives you some protection if you’re carrying expensive gear like a camera or a tablet when camping for the night or doing a long enduro ride. The build quality is strong and this backpack looks as great out there on the trails as it does riding around the city centre.
The Lobo is another great contender from CamelBak and represents the 2nd entrance from CamelBak on thie list. Their global reputation is very high and there are many reviews which praise their longevity while addressing the needs of adventure-seekers globally.
What’s great about this hydration backpack is that it isn’t just for dirt bike riders. If you’re cycling or hiking, then this bag will do the job very well which means you don’t need to buy seperate backpacks. The world doesn’t need more ‘stuff’ after all.
This one rides down lower and you may feel it sitting a bit too low, especially if you tend to sit down when riding as opposed to standing. It’s mostly the vertically-challenged riders among us that will find this an issue. With an integrated tool roll, several pockets for snacks and tubes, you’ve got yourself here a bag that you’ll be proud to wear in multiple situations.
Frontaer never forgets about the adventure riders on their dual-sport motorcycles. After all, we’re a brand heading in that direction given how respectful and serious these riders are about quality. Nelson-Rigg has it sorted with their hydro backpack for riders seeing the world off the beaten path.
Now, this is significantly bigger than what most riders are going to need out there on the trails. Yet the build quality on this is quite superior and this is reflected in the price. We’re looking at water-resistant backpack that has multiple storage options and 2 litres of water available, with 9L of storage for food, the camera or even a small iPad.
You’ll get the typical features of a padded back panel and airflow system. In addition, it’s very well padded with the straps having 3 spots of adjustibility. The zippers themselves are designed to take a bit of a load too so don’t be too worried about stuffing a few things in here.
Kriega is one of our favorite brands in the adventure riding space and they’ve earned their respect and reputation among the dual-sport crowd for sheer quality. In recent years, they’ve also been pushing towards the motocross world with their well thought out products which simply aren’t copycats.
Their Hydro 3 is the lightest backpack for dirt bike riders and is designed to feel like it’s not even there. It looks quite small but there is still 3 litres of water available to riders and most people only fill this up half way when heading out.
The waist strap keeps thing quite secure and the harness system feels like you’re craddled together well. No tool pocket on this hydration pack but it’s designed for the minimalist who just needs some water out there on the trails. Most riders will use a fender bag to store their tools.
If the Nelson-Rigg hydro backpack didn’t excite you above, then we’re finishing this list off with the Zac Speed Dakar Configr8. Yes, similar name to the Ogio above but certainly different in its design characteristics. This is a much larger version that’s also black. This is awesome because we know that white backpacks stay clean for about 3.2 seconds out there on the tracks.
The storage within this bag is massive and they’ve built an entirely seperate tool section. You’ll find several storage areas and pockets available with 22.5 litres of capacity. If you wanted to stow a small tent in your backpack when riding, then this is the backpack you’d want to use.
The 3L hydration system will keep you topped up for a couple of days of riding, and you can always stow an extra water bottle in the backpack too. In terms of construction, it has a shoulder harness and waste belt system which are both removable with multiple adjustments, paired with back padding with superior airflow. This bad boy ain’t cheap but for the price you’re paying, it represents great value!
There we have it! Some seriously good backpacks for those who love to journey around with their dirt bikes on the deserts and national forests. Frontaer has hand-picked these for the sheer versatility, breathability and lightweight nature that these bags bring.
We’ve also looked at the build quality and customer reviews, as well as industry reputation. You’ll notice that we picked well-known brands that have a reputation for delivering seriously good quality. No Chinese brands here that you’d typically find on Amazon and eBay. We know you wanted the best for your riding experiences and we delivered.
Now pick one and get out there! The trails are just begging to explored with your 4-stroke humming along. Throw on a backpack with the tubes, levers, some snacks and some chilled water, and you’ll have an epic ride.
Carting a chainsaw around on a dirt bike is a great way to clear local trails and leave them open for all riders.
To mount a chainsaw to a dirt bike, you’ll need to either mount them to the handlebars or the sides. KTM has a mount that can securely mount your chainsaw safely with different sizes available.
This would be the best way to mount your chainsaw securely. Other alternatives include strapping your chainsaw to your backpack (not recommended but free) or using a pannier bag from Amazon.
Some people have also used a bungee cord system strapped to their dirt bike, or even a few ratchet straps. While this is a good and affordable way to get the job done, it just isn’t safe nor is it actually fast to remove your chainsaw.
Mounting a Chainsaw
To mount a chainsaw properly, you’ll need to buy a mount. While KTM has a chainsaw mount, you may wish to find a cheaper alternative.
So get this chainsaw of yours mounted to your dirt bike, you would:
Find out which size your chainsaw blade is
Order the appropiate chainsaw mount
Fit it to your dirt bike using the instructions
Keep an eye on the mounting bolts regularly
It’s really quite simple yet most people overcomplicate this process. It isn’t hard to mount a chainsaw but not something you’d want to do often. This is mostly something used by those who work on farms as opposed to those who go trail bike riding in the woods.
Issues and Considerations
Just remember that you’re mounting some additional weight up high. Add in the weight a small chainsaw (10lbs) plus the weight of the mount (5lbs) and you’ll certainly be feeling this around each bend.
It’s also hazardous when you’re about to crash as you can certainly damage your chainsaw. This won’t be a pretty ending and chainsaw fuel tanks aren’t designed to withstand impacts unlike a dirt bike fuel tank. To combat this issue, we can recommend an electric chainsaw instead.
Also, your riding confidence will be knocked down as well as this chainsaw is in the back of your mind at every twist and turn. Thus, you’re just not able to experience the trails as you would without the chainsaw.
The best alternative
Honestly – most people don’t have actual fun when riding around with a chainsaw strapped to their dirt bike. It’s just somewhat awkward.
And look – we get it. You need something to help you clear the tracks for that occasionally tree. Our recommendation is a handsaw or axe which you keep in your backpack at all times.
This is also something you can use to chop wood around the campfire at night time, so it certainly comes in handy. These are super easy to mount and you can use a ratchet strap or simply throw one in your backpack with a towel covering the blades.
If you do need to do some track clearing, then bringing an ATV is far more capable for the job. This way you’ve got plenty of space on that front rack to mount a really big chainsaw if you needed to. You could even hire an ATV for a day of track clearing and do away with all the stress of handing a chainsaw on a dirt bike.
Going forward
We’re big believers in safety here at Frontaer. Sure – have all the fun in the world, but consider safety as priority in your setup. We just don’t think that chainsaws and dirt bikes are a good mix.
There are numerous other ways to get this job done safely. That said, if it’s your last resort, then a KTM chainsaw mount will do the job just fine.
There are two well-known adventure motorcycle fuel jerry cans, with much debate on the difference between Fuelpax and Rotopax.
Well, it’s time to settle that debate today and look at the true differences here.
Rotopax is a superior product to Fuelpax due to thicker construction and a roto-moulded design. Compare this to Fuelpax which is simply blow moulded and it’s clear that the former will last for longer and is more likely to remain puncture-free in the event of an accident. Another key difference is the warranty length, with Rotopax offering 10 years while Fuelpax offers 5.
It’s clear that there is a clear winner and one follow up in the competition to manufacture the world’s most reliable adventure fuel can.
Rotopax vs Fuelpax
When you’re buying a product that is expected to last many years and take you around the state, around the country or even around the world, it’s wise to do your research. There is a good debate going on as to what is the better of these two auxiliary fuel tanks.
In our experience, you’re simply better off with a premium fuel tank in most cases. Avoid the cheap Chinese junk that you’ll find on eBay and the like, and invest in a good quality piece of gear.
And for that reason alone, both Rotopax and Fuelpax won’t really let you down out there on the trails. These are both quality products, and even if you buy the more inferior of the two, it will still hold up very well on bumpy roads. Plus – you’ll be paying slightly less (generally 30% cheaper) for what is still an excellent product.
Fuel Can Comparison Table
When you compare these two products, there are simply these factors to consider:
Wall thickness. Rotopax has created a thicker wall to greatly reduce the risk of punctures when crashing on the gravel roads at high speeds.
Pricing. Fuelpax is a cheaper product but it does the job very well. If you’re on a budget, go with the Fuelpax as you still won’t be disappointed.
Warranty. Most of the cheaper fuel cans you see online aren’t going to last more than a few years and thus they give short warranties. Luckily, Fuelpax and Rotopax give reasonable warranties of 5 and 10 years respectively. We’d argue that very few customers would genuinely need to take them up on these offers.
Accessories. Each has separate sprouts which come in handy especially if you won’t want to use the no-spill spouts or even get a quick flow attachment.
Sizing. Are they available in a range of sizes for various motorcycle panniers, saddlebags and hard luggage setups? Yep, in both gallons and litres.
Mounts. Can you mount these? Certainly! (It’s why they made ’em).
Stackable. Can you stack each model on top of each other? You certainly can!
Leak-Proof. Probably the most important consideration, right? In this case – both are certainly going to keep your panniers and side of your motorcycle dry, even on the roughest of roads.
Made in USA. This is very important to protect local industries, with both being manufactured in North America.
Either way – you’ll find both offering some great features and benefits for all types of adventure riders.
In Summary
Avoid the cheap stuff you find online and use only a genuine product that can go the distance. Both Rotopax and Fuelpax have carved out a niche in the industry to almost exclusively serve adventure riders globally.
You’ll find them in stores across North America, as well as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and even South Africa. If you can afford it – go for the Rotopax – otherwise the Fuelpax will serve just fine.
