Dirt Bike Safety Tips

Dirt bikes are designed to deliver fun and adrenaline rushes, but riding them is an inherently risky activity. You're taking a high powered vehicle out on unsteady terrain after all! But the good news is that there are plenty of steps you can take to stay safe on the trail. We've rounded up our favorite tips for safe riding below. If you are looking for off-road bikes for sale, visit Altus Motorsports. We proudly serve those in Amarillo, North Dallas, and Lubbock, Texas.

Dress for the Crash

A common saying in the world of off-road bikes is "dress for the crash, not for the ride." The idea here is to head out on each ride assuming you are going to crash and suit up accordingly. That way, if you do crash you will be well-protected. Remember that your odds of crashing on a dirt bike is higher than many other methods of transportation and they are more severe, so it's important to take safety gear seriously.

It starts with head protection. You'll need a well-fitting helmet that is crash tested. It also needs to be less than five years old because that is when the binding begins to fall apart.

Next, you'll need a form of eye protection. As you conquer the trail, you kick up dust, dirt, and other hazards that can get into your eye. A pair of goggles will help keep them shielded.

Then, you'll want a form of skin protection that guards you from the weather as well as in the event that you crash. You can find lightweight, yet sturdy, dirt bike clothing that will give you the protection you need without making you too hot in the summertime.

Finally, make sure to throw on a pair of protective gloves for your hands. Rain and sweat can make them slippery and the cold can make them shiver and shake. All of these situations can make it harder to manipulate your controls. Off-road riding gloves helps you maintain the grip you need as well as protect your skin in a crash.

Reduce Risks

While you cannot prevent every potential hazard in dirt bike riding, you can certainly take steps to reduce them. First, avoid riding in poor weather situations such as snow or rain. These make it harder to maintain traction, see upcoming obstacles, and more. It's better to stay home on these days.

Next, avoid riding on paved roads if you can. Dirt bikes aren't meant for paved hard surfaces, so they lack the right lighting and safety features for riding on the highway. Plus, many accidents happen when two vehicles collide. If you avoid the highway with its plethora of vehicles (and distracted drivers), you'll be able to reduce your risk.

Third, get a riding buddy. Accidents on off-road bikes do happen and it's best to have someone around to assist you. There's always the chance that you can get injured or knocked unconscious and unable to get help yourself. A riding buddy can help you in an emergency situation. Plus, it'll make your ride even better!

Stay Focused

You need to stay focused to be able to quickly respond to the hazards and situations that come up while riding a dirt bike. Before you head out, make sure you are well-rested and well-fed. As you ride, be proactive about staying hydration. Dehydration can impair your focus, so bring along water bottles or a hands-free hydration pack.

We hope you found these tips helpful! If you are looking for off-road bikes for sale, visit Altus Motorsports. We proudly serve those in Amarillo, North Dallas, and Lubbock, Texas.