Tips for Riding on the Bonneville Salt Flats

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Covering over 30,000 acres of desert splendor, the Bonneville Salt Flats in northwestern Utah offer motorcyclists an incredibly unique experience. Anyone can visit and ride in the world famous location where land speed records are made and broken, but there are many particular considerations required to ensure everyone’s safety and allow for the area to be enjoyed for years to come.

The climate and fine salt crystal terrain present a number of inherent obstacles. The salt can vary in depth from just a few inches to nearly five-feet deep in some areas, while the temperature ranges from over 100-degress F in the summer to as low as 33 F in the cooler months.

Know Before You Go

The Bonneville Salt Flats are located in Wendover, Utah, about 110 miles from Salt Lake City. Driving and riding on the flats is permitted, depending on the season and conditions. Precipitation plays a huge role in where and when the area can be accessed. The closest accommodations and located in Wendover, including a selection of hotels and motels.

The area has also been designated as an area of Critical Environmental Concern. Various human and ecological factors are contributing to the flats shrinking at such a rate that some experts believe will cause it to disappear within this century, so ensure you do not contribute to its erosion.

Appearing on the National Register of Historic Places, the Bonneville Salt Flats are managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Their website provides valuable information about access, weather, restrictions, safety, and events.

The area is used for everything from photography to archery competitions. Late summer and early fall is of particular interest to car and motorcycle enthusiasts, as that is when the land speed events are typically held:

Steps on How to Participate

If you are interested in taking part in one of these events yourself, you’ll need to register with one of the main sanctioning bodies who organize annual events and oversee the rules for different vehicle types. Their websites provide a wealth of information on how to attend and participate:

Choose a Class and Register

Identify the class you wish to compete in based on vehicle type, engine displacement, fuel type, etc. Each association publishes a detailed rulebook covering vehicle construction, safety standards, and performance categories. Ensure that you and your vehicle meet all of the technical and safety requirements for the class you choose to compete in. There are beginner-friendly options all the way up to record attempts which are recorded as an average of two passes in opposite directions.

Orientation and Tech Inspection

If it’s your first time, you’ll need to attend an orientation session to learn procedures and safety guidelines. All bikes must pass the technical inspection which will ensure your vehicle is fit and complies with the rules of its class.

Bike Preparation Checklist

Your bike should be in good working order anytime you ride, but particularly when you will be pushing its limits beyond normal wear and tear. This particular environment can be particularly punishing on both rider and machine, so prior preparation is required to ensure your runs go smoothly and your motorcycle is good to go for your next ride.

Wheels and Tires

Check your tire pressure, adjusting based on the temperature and conditions
Inspect treads for depth, as well as cracks, or embedded debris
Ensure that your tires are rated for the speeds you will be reaching
Balancing and aligning your wheels is extremely important

Brakes

Inspect your front and rear brake pads. Check for level of thickness, even wear, glazing, and any contamination. Replace if necessary
Check your brake fluid reservoirs for level and contamination
Test brake lever/pedal
Ensure that your brake lines and hoses are free of cracks or bulges

Oil and Filter

Change your engine oil and replace the filter – before and after
If your bike is liquid-cooled, check your coolant level

Belt, Chain, and Sprockets

Clean your chain thoroughly to remove any salt, grime, old lubricant, or debris
Lubricate your chain with a high-quality, salt-resistant chain lube
Use dry or semi-dry lube to avoid attracting more salt residue
After lubrication, wipe off excess lubricant to reduce salt adhesion
Adjust chain tension per your motorcycle’s specifications
Check chain for stiff or loose links
Inspect sprockets for wear or misalignment
If belt-driven, inspect for wear and check tension

Electrical, Battery, and Lights

Test the lights and instrument panel to ensure no electrical issues are present
Check fuses, wiring, and connectors

Fasteners, Frame, and Suspension

Perform a walk-around inspection of your bike
Check that all bolts, nuts, and fasteners are torqued to manufacturer specifications
Inspect your forks, shocks, and linkage for leaks or degraded seals

Personal Preparation

Ensure that you are aware of safety regulations
Confirm gear and helmet specifications
Stay hydrated
Get sufficient sleep
Apply sunscreen and wear sun protection

Additional Travel Tips

There aren’t any food vendors, restrooms or accommodations on the flats, so prepare accordingly
Overnight camping is not allowed
Fires are not permitted
Do not leave litter or debris behind
Clean up any oil or fluid leaks

Aftercare: Corrosion and Salt Protection

Bonneville’s salty environment accelerates both corrosion and conductivity, so it is important that you take precautionary measures after it has been exposed:

Wash your motorcycle thoroughly, using gentle pressure, to remove salt crystals
Avoid using harsh chemicals that may react with the salt
After drying your bike, apply wax or paint-safe corrosion inhibitors to any exposed metal, frame, fasteners, and underside
Use an anti-corrosion spray like ACF-50 on electrical connectors, fasteners, exhaust, and other vulnerable areas

Final Thoughts

Riding across the Bonneville Salt Flats is an experience all motorcycle riders should have on their bucket list. However, it is important to note that salt is unforgiving, and neglecting preparation and aftercare can leave your bike vulnerable to mechanical failure and corrosion.

With just a few extra steps in ensuring that you and your bike are suitably prepared, you’ll enjoy checking iconic experiences like riding on the Bonneville Salt Flats off of your bucket list and be ready for your next adventure.

Anna Cecilia Tozzi

Anna Cecilia is a freelance writer with a passion for learning new things. With over five years of experience working as the business manager for a successful custom motorcycle and auto-rebuilding business, she specializes in creating engaging content that resonates with readers who have a passion for everything on wheels. When she's not typing away, you’ll find this Jaqueline of all trades working as a personal trainer or performing with a dinner theater.

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