When riding dirt bikes becomes more than just a fun hobby to you, investing in some key dirt bike performance parts will help take you to that next level. Whether you’re looking to boost your speed and power for racing or make your bike more durable and safe in the event of a crash, there are many aftermarket dirt bike parts out there that will help you achieve your goals.

To help narrow down your options, we’ll highlight some of the most popular high-performance dirt bike parts and then get more specific about which mods are best for different dirt bike manufacturers.

Getting Started with Dirt Bike Performance Parts: OEM vs Aftermarket

Before we dive into the most popular bike mods, let’s get clear on the language used to distinguish different types of dirt bike performance parts. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) dirt bike parts are those made by the manufacturer of your dirt bike while aftermarket dirt bike parts are manufactured by third-party companies. Some bike manufacturers, such as Yamaha, offer their own OEM performance parts, while others do not. Many riders argue that OEM dirt bike performance parts are better and safer than aftermarket dirt bike performance parts, but they also tend to be more expensive.

10 High Performance Dirt Bike Parts for Motocross

Now, let’s take a look at some of the most common dirt bike part upgrades to maximize dirt bike performance:

1. Tires

Before you spend a fortune upgrading mechanical bike parts, make sure that you have the right type of tires for your riding style and terrain. For motocross racing, you’ll probably want to invest in motocross tires that are specifically designed for closed dirt courses with jumps and other obstacles. When you have tires with the right type of tread pattern, you’ll experience better traction– which means better acceleration, cornering, and braking. For maximum performance, you also need to make sure your tires are fresh.

2. Clutch

This is a common aftermarket upgrade, as most manufacturer clutches aren’t designed for racing. Upgrading your clutch to a more race-ready style will improve your ground power, which means better acceleration, pickup, and control. Overall, you’ll notice better speed and performance from your engine. This is a costly upgrade, but it can give you that extra boost you need to beat your opponents across the finish line.

3. Exhaust System

If you’re after better motocross performance and don’t mind spending some money, this is another popular upgrade to consider. Although OEM exhaust systems work just fine for more casual riders, full exhaust system upgrades offer several notable advantages for racers. First and foremost, a full upgrade can reduce weight significantly– by up to several pounds. Full system upgrades can also improve performance, reduce sound, and improve safety through reduced risk of fires.

4. Premium Air Filter

More airflow means better performance, so you may want to upgrade to a premium air filter. Premium filters have multiple layers to filter out larger and smaller particles of dust, dirt, and debris. Some are even reusable and washable to help you save money and minimize waste.

5. Wheels

Upgrading your wheels can improve performance for motocross racing by reducing your overall bike weight and improving your wheel strength. On top of these practical reasons, a fresh set of wheels can provide you with some serious style points. There are endless color combinations for wheel spokes, spoke nipples, rims, and hubs. Whether winning or losing, you’ll be turning heads on the track!

6. Chain & Sprocket

Aftermarket chain and sprocket combos provide performance gains and extreme durability. When upgrading your chain and sprocket, it’s important to pay attention to the sprocket ratio and keep your specific performance goals in mind. If you’re looking for faster acceleration, look for a smaller front sprocket (countershaft) or a larger rear sprocket. On the other hand, if you’re after a higher top speed, look for a larger front sprocket or a smaller rear sprocket.

7. Plastic Body Parts

Not all plastic dirt bike body parts are created equal. Some are much more lightweight and aerodynamic than others, specifically designed for motocross performance. Rather than having to buy a bunch of individual plastic parts, you can buy a full plastic kit with everything you need.

8. Radiator Combo

Aftermarket dirt bike radiators provide more coolant volume and surface area, which means they dissipate heat more efficiently and prevent overheating. A high-end dirt bike radiator combo will not only prevent overheating but also be much more durable and better withstand crashes and spillovers compared to stock radiators.

9. Power Assistance

If you’re looking for performance parts to maximize speed, you may want to consider investing in power assistance. The power ECU (Engine Control Unit) and GPA (Get Power Assistance) switch allow you to adjust your engine power to match your riding style and track conditions and come highly rated, but with a price tag to match.

10. New Brakes

Some bikes come with better brake systems than others and could benefit from an upgrade. In other cases, the brake system is simply worn out and in need of replacement. A new brake system can improve your performance and provide you with better control, better handling, and enhanced braking power. All in all, though it seems counterintuitive, better brakes can lead to better speed.

Performance Dirt Bike Parts: Which Are Worth the Investment?

To determine which aftermarket dirt bike parts are worth the investment, you really need to consider the make and model of your bike and what OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts you have to work with initially. For example, most people agree that KTM, Husqvarna, and Honda bikes typically come with a solid OEM brake package to begin with– so they probably won't benefit from a brake upgrade as much as other makes and models. This means you’ll probably need to do a bit more research into the best aftermarket parts and upgrades for your specific bike.

Our Favorite Honda Dirt Bike Performance Parts

Honda dirt bikes are considered some of the best-performing bikes out there, but a few key upgrades can still give you a competitive edge. Depending on your Honda dirt bike model and year, you may want to upgrade your carburetor. Some older Honda dirt bikes came with a 15mm carb, while newer ones usually have fuel-injected systems. If your Honda dirt bike still has a stock 15mm carburetor, you can get noticeable power gains by upgrading to an 18-20mm one. This is an affordable aftermarket part that can make a big difference in your ride. Upgrading your exhaust system is another popular way to amp up your Honda dirt bike performance.

Our Favorite Yamaha Dirt Bike Performance Parts

Yamaha has an in-house performance brand called Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing or GYTR, which offers a full line of high-performance parts developed and tested by Yamaha engineers. According to Dirt Rider, these GYTR parts are popular among dirt bike race teams around the world, especially for 250F and 450 motocross bikes. Some popular Yamaha dirt bike performance parts for motocross racing include the ported cylinder head assembly, the GYTR performance camshaft kit, and the high-compression piston, just to name a few. These are more expensive upgrades but have been shown to dramatically improve performance.

Dirt Bike Performance Parts with ZMPerformance

For even more specific dirt bike performance part ideas, check out all of the dirt bike performance parts and accessories on our website and filter the results by your bike make, year, and model.

We’re here to help you get the most out of your dirt bike, so free to contact us with any questions!