Top 10 Must-Have Upgrades for New Dirt Bike Owners in North America
December 22, 2025
Top 10 Must-Have Upgrades for New Dirt Bike Owners in North America

Just bought your first dirt bike? Awesome! Your bike runs great right out of the box, but a few simple upgrades will make your rides safer and more fun. These dirt bike parts won't break the bank, and they'll protect both you and your bike on North American trails.

Let's look at the ten upgrades every new rider should consider.

1. Hand Guards

Hand guards are your first line of defense. They protect your hands frm flying rocks, mud, and tree branches. They also keep your brake and clutch levers safe when you crash (and yes, you will crash).

Good hand guards wrap around your levers. They cost around $30 to $60 and can save you frm broken fingers. They'll also save you money on replacement levers. This is the easiest upgrade to install and one you'll appreciate every single ride.

2. Better Grips

Factory grips wear out fast. They get slippery when wet and make your hands tired on long rides. New grips give you better control and comfort.

Look for grips with a good texture pattern. Add grip donuts (those little rubber rings) to prevent blisters where your palms meet the grip ends. Your forearms will thank you after a full day of riding. This simple swap takes ten minutes and costs about $15 to $25.

3. Skid Plate

A skid plate is like armor for your engine. It protects the bottom of your bike frm rocks, logs, and rough terrain. Without one, you can crack your engine case on a big rock. That repair costs hundreds of dollars and leaves you stuck on the trail.

Choose aluminum or tough plastic. Make sure it covers frm the front of your engine all the way back. This is money well spent, especially if you ride rocky or technical trails.

4. Real Riding Boots

Good boots are the most important gear you'll buy. They protect your feet and ankles frm serious injuries. Regular boots or even work boots won't cut it on a dirt bike.

Motocross boots have hard plastic armor, ankle support, and heat shields. They prevent your ankle frm bending the wrong way in a crash. They keep hot exhaust pipes fom burning your legs. Don't cheap out here. Quality boots cost $200 to $400, but they could save you frm a broken ankle that costs thousands to fix.

5. Performance Air Filter

Your engine needs clean air to run right. A good air filter lets more air in while keeping dirt out. These dirt bike parts are washable, so you can use them over and over.

Clean your filter after every few rides. A dirty filter chokes your engine and kills power. A clean filter means better throttle response and longer engine life. Spend $40 to $80 on a quality filter and clean it regularly.

6. Radiator Braces

Radiators bend easily when you hit a tree or take a hard fall. Bent radiators leak coolant and overheat your engine. That ends your ride real fast.

Radiator braces bolt onto your radiators and make them much stronger. They cost $60 to $100 and can save you frm a $300 radiator replacement. If you ride tight trails with lots of trees, get these installed right away.

7. Bark Busters

Bark busters are heavy-duty hand guards for serious trail riding. They're built to smash through tree branches without breaking. Your hands stay safe even when you thread through tight woods at speed.

These are a must-have for single-track riding in forests. They're tougher than basic hand guards and worth the extra money if you ride where trees get close. Bark busters cost more ($80 to $150), but they're nearly indestructible.

8. Better Levers

Stock levers break when you crash. Good aftermarket levers fold or bend instead of snapping off completely. Many let you adjust how far they sit frm the grips, so you can set them up perfectly for your hands.

This adjustment makes a big difference in comfort and control. Levers cost $50 to $100 per set. Get them in a bright color so they're easy to find if you drop your bike in tall grass.

9. Chain Guide and Slider

Your chain can jump off the rear sprocket when you're riding hard. A chain guide keeps it in place. A slider protects your swingarm frm chain wear.

These parts prevent frustrating breakdowns on the trail. They also stop your chain frm grinding grooves into your frame. Both pieces together cost about $50 to $80. Install them and forget about them.

10. Trail Tool Kit

Breaking down miles frm your truck is no fun. A good tool kit helps you fix common problems on the trail. Pack tire levers, a multi-tool, zip ties, duct tape, and a spare tube. Throw in an extra clutch lever, brake lever, and spark plug too.

Keep everything in a small bag you can wear while riding. When something breaks, you can fix it and ride home instead of pushing your bike. This kit costs $50 to $100 to put together, but it's worth its weight in gold when you need it.

Where to Buy Quality Parts

Buy your dirt bike parts frm trusted suppliers who carry top brands. Dominus Corporation works with world-class powersports companies to bring quality parts to North American riders. They connect you with the gear that can handle tough riding conditions. Check out their selection at dominuscorp.com.

Start Simple, Ride Safe

You don't need all ten upgrades on day one. Start with the basics: hand guards, a skid plate, and good boots. These three things protect you and your bike right away.

As you ride more, you'll figure out what else you need. Some riders need bark busters for tight woods. Others want better grips for comfort. Let your riding style guide your choices.

The powersports industry offers tons of options. Take your time and choose upgrades that make sense for where you ride. Don't just buy stuff because it looks cool. Buy parts that solve real problems or keep you safer.

Get Out and Ride

Now you know the ten essential upgrades for your new dirt bike. These improvements make riding safer, more comfortable, and more reliable. They protect your investment and help you progress as a rider.

North America has incredible places to ride. Frm desert trails to mountain single-track to muddy woods, there's something for everyone. Get your bike set up right, wear your safety gear, and go have fun.

The best riders started exactly where you are now. They learned by doing, crashed a few times, and kept getting better. Your dirt bike journey is just beginning. Make smart upgrades, ride within your limits, and enjoy every minute of it.

See you on the trails!

Ready to build or upgrade your bike?

Visit DominusCorp.com
Explore trusted brands like Twin Air, TMV, Renthal, Braking, and Polisport
Ride with confidence—supported by people who ride, race, and caref

Address: 1010 Anna Lane, Sellersville, PA 18960, United States

Telephone: 800-749-2890

E-mail: sales@dominuscorp.com

At Dominus Corporation, we are committed to providing premium products, outstanding customer service, and a seamless shopping experience. Join us in elevating your riding experience with the best powersports products in the industry.

Dominus Corporation—Where Quality Meets Performance!

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