You may want a break from the monotony of riding on streets and highways. Or you may be looking to drive a type of motorcycle that’s more challenging than the average roadster. In any case, you want to get a feel for dirt bike trail riding but don’t know where to start.
Without doubt, off-road motorcycle riding looks cool on television. In reality, however, dirt bike trail riding takes a lot of time and dedication to learn. Be it riding on a country dirt road or competing on trails, you need to cover the basics. And you’ve come here to the right place.
Our dirt bike trail riding beginners guide shares what you need to enter the game of dirt biking.
Tips for Entering the Game of Dirt Bike Trail Riding
At first glance, dirt bikes aren’t too far off from their luxurious street counterparts. Riding them, however, is still a game of its own. And there’s a slew of things you need to consider before you make the decision to go off-road.
The tips below will make your transition to the world of dirt bike trail riding easier:
Be It Old or New, It Will Work for You
When most beginners become interested in dirt biking, they immediately want a cool new dirt bike they can play with. If you are going through similar sentiments, consider why you need a dirt bike in the first place. Newer dirt bike models are often pricey and may come with more torque than you are accustomed to.
Beginners are often better off looking for an older dirt bike to start with. This way you get the feel of a dirt bike without committing to a hefty price tag. Many of the older models have cheaper replacement parts as well. And if you crashed on it a few times when learning the basics, you wouldn’t be feeling bad.
Don’t Be Shy to Ask Around for Advice and Tips
Dirt biking is both a skill and an art form. Many dirt bike trail riding techniques are counterintuitive to what you would naturally want to do when on the road. Since no one is born with this knowledge, it never hurts to ask for pointers from more experienced dirt bikers.
They can give you the best advice on how to turn, when to slow down or speed up, and more. You may also get tips about what kit to buy and where to get a good dirt bike. You may even find a few dirt bike buddies who you can share your newfound passion for dirt biking too.
Know Your Dirt Bike Like the Back of Your Hand
When you get a dirt bike, it never hurts to familiarize yourself with its key parts and features. Imagine having to fix your dirt bike in the middle of a dusty trail and not knowing what you’re doing. For instance, it pays to know how to switch your bike’s tank to reserves, if you overestimate your gas levels.
Get used to shifting gears on the clutch, using brakes safely, maintaining the right riding position, and dealing with crashes. Though many dirt bike beginners overlook these fine details, you’ll be wise to get a grasp of them from start.
Constant Practice Will Make Dirt Bike Handling Easier
Let’s face it. Riding a dirt bike is like riding any other bike for the first time. You’re going to stumble, fall, and may even get injured. Take your practice slow and steady, consider carefully how your bike moves and how your body feels when riding it. The more you get used to riding, the better you will get at handling various dirt bike trails.
Don’t Bother with Competitions, Unless You Want To
Dirt bike trail riding is more about enjoying the ride and spending time off-road. It’s not so much about beating out your fellow dirt bikers for a trophy. If you want to get into competitions, though, you’re better off with groups and clubs that have dirt bike races.
Upkeep and Tools Matter
No one likes having to sit on the side waiting for the guy to fix his dirt bike. To avoid the scramble, always make sure your dirt bike is up to par for handling the terrain at hand. Be it the brakes acting up or your tires starting to deflate, have what you need when on the trail. For instance, carrying extra fuel never hurts, since you or someone else may really need it.
Get the Right Gear
Dirt bike riding may lead to serious injuries if you aren’t careful. To prevent some of them, you must look for the right gear. Decent helmet, body armor, elbow and knee pads, eye protection, boots, and protective clothing are a good place to start. You can get most of this gear secondhand. Except for used helmets – steer clear of them.
Remember About Group Safety
When out on the trail, it’s safer to be in a group. This also means, however, that you need to be mindful of your group mates. Follow basic dirt bike riding rules. Lead the person behind you. Signal your group number to other groups who want to pass by. You get the picture.
Consider Joining Specialized Clubs
If you want to get into dirt biking but don’t have any friends who are already in, don’t worry. You can look into joining a local trail riding dirt bike club. Such clubs are full of people who share your passion for dirt bike riding. They can also be helpful in finding out about good dirt bike deals, hot spots, and much more.
Get Your Dirt Bike Riding Game Right from the Start
Hopefully, our guide’s tips will help you avoid the pitfalls many dirt biking beginners run into. With their help, you’ll have a chance to get your dirt bike riding game right from the start. And enjoy a smooth journey of taking your dirt bike riding game to the next level.
