Dirt Bike Riding Tips
Going off the beaten paths and tackling the roads less traveled can be a lot of fun when you’re riding a dirt bike. However, if you don’t know the proper techniques, you’ll probably hit the dirt every time you open the throttle. The skills needed and time required to master a dirt bike are far greater than anything you'll experience on two-wheels. Dirt bikes aren't as intuitive as riding a motorcycle or driving a car, so it takes time to get used to their unique driving style. But once you do, you'll be ready to enjoy a fun day on the tracks or trails.
The following dirt bike riding guide by Altus Motorsports is an excellent place to begin your journey to becoming a better rider. If you have any questions or want to explore dirt bikes for sale, get in touch with us at our dealership in Altus, Oklahoma.
Riding Position
While a dirt bike looks similar to a motorcycle, you ride it quite differently. Nailing down the correct body position is probably the most difficult part. It's more than just standing or sitting. The correct riding stance incorporates how you grip your knees, where your feet go on the footpegs, how you position your arms, and your back posture.
You need to align the parts of your body correctly. Position your head over the handlebars while you lean forward. Keep your elbows out and away from your torso. Use your knees to grip the gas tank. Position your feet so that they rest centered on the footpegs. This improves your ability to control the levers. Engage your core and curve your back so you can turn and move the bike. Riding a dirt bike is a highly athletic activity, so it may take time to build up your endurance.
Braking
Most dirt bikes are equipped with a front as well as a rear braking system. The more powerful of the two is connected to the front wheel since your weight rests on it. If you hit the front brake too hard, your brakes may lock and you could be thrown off your bike. You'll want to engage both brakes at the same time to smoothly reduce your speed.
Clutching
Always keep two fingers hovering over your clutch. This makes it easy to shift gears at a moment's notice. Some riders prefer downshifting to slow down before a corner, rather than engaging their brakes. This approach can reduce the wear on your brakes. Keep in mind that you don’t ride your dirt bike like a car so there's no reason to use the clutch for downshifting. In fact, that's the last thing you want to do! Just use the brake to slow down a bit and breeze through the turn.
Turning
Your dirt bike is capable of taking sharp, fast turns. However, you won't be able to make those quick turns right away. It takes some practice learning how a bike handles. It is a misconception that all a dirt bike rider uses to turn their bike is the handlebar. Turning the bars can be great to maneuver around a tight space but learning to throw your own weight around the bike can create a precise movement.
As you approach turns, look out for bumps and grills. Experienced riders know how to tackle them in a way that doesn't hurt their ability to take a turn, but beginners will want to approach them with caution. When you get near a turn, lean yourself into it and begin slowing down. At the same time, transfer your weight to the front of the dirt bike. This will put more traction on the tire that makes it easier to stay in control. Keep in mind that your confidence on a dirt bike is built up from being able to balance the extra weight of the motorcycle. Manipulating your weight plus the bike cannot be achieved without the right balance.
We hope you found our dirt bike riding tips useful. If you want more advice or want to shop dirt bikes for sale, visit the experts at Altus Motorsports. Our dealership is based in Altus, OK. We proudly welcome all riders from Amarillo, TX.