Dirt Bike Safety
Now that you've got your dirt bike, you're probably champing at the bit to get out and hit your first trail. Dirt bikes are powerful types of motorcycles that can do just about anything off road, but with so much versatility, you also need to learn to ride safely. These motorcycles are a lot of fun, but they're also quite difficult to learn to ride effectively. Riding rough trails, doing stunts, and even keeping in control on a smooth path all require a lot of knowledge and practice. At Interstate Cycles, we want all riders to enjoy their bikes while also staying safe, so we put together this guide to explain the fundamentals of safe riding.
There are a lot of performance tips in this guide, but always remember that you should only attempt trails and tricks that you're comfortable with. If you have any further questions, or still want to check out some new dirt bikes, come on into our dealership in Lake City, FL to check out our selection. We serve customers from Gainesville, Tallahassee, Alachua, Valdosta, Jacksonville, and Sanderson, Florida.
Posture
When getting used to a dirt bike, the first thing you'll need to figure out is posture. A good riding position gives you better control of your vehicle, and it also helps you stay comfortable when you're travelling over bumpy terrain at high speeds. To start, you should set the foot pegs so that they rest in the center of your feet. This affords you better control of the levers, and also makes you feel more stable. You should also grip the bike between your knees, while keeping them bent to relieve some of the pressure. Curve your back forward slightly, as this will put more weight on the front tire for increased traction, and tighten your core so that you're braced when the bike kicks back. Then, keep at least two fingers on each the clutch and brake levers at all times. This will feel a little unnatural the first time you do it, but it gives you better control so that you can stop and shift without hesitation.
Using Your Brakes
If you've never ridden a motorcycle before, you're in for a bit of a learning curve when operating your first dirt bike. Cars and trucks might have more than one braking system, but their linked together with the same brake pedal that distributes the stopping power appropriately. With a dirt bike, that's not the case, because sometimes you need to be able to brake differently for different situations. You'll want to apply the rear brake most of the time, and minimize your usage of the front brake. If you try stopping the front tire too quickly, you'll risk throwing yourself right over the handlebars - a painful experience that many hapless riders will warn you of. Of course, when you're going downhill or trying to quickly come to a stop, you'll need to apply a little more on the front, but always make sure you use the back brakes for the brunt of the stopping power.
Taking Corners
Cornering effectively and safely on a dirt bike is what separates the beginners from the experts. That being said, you need to start with the safety aspect, then build up to the speed and style as you get more comfortable. When taking a corner, you can start out by decelerating as you come into it. Also, you'll want to pick a point so you can start on the outside of the corner coming in, and gradually move to the inside as you exit. You'll have to lean your body to do it effectively, which is why it's so important to wear safety gear when riding a dirt bike. Finally, try to put some extra weight on the front tire during the turn while cornering, as this will create more traction, in turn giving you better control.
Practice Makes Perfect
There's a lot we can tell you about riding safely, but to really start improving, the best way is to get on your dirt bike, try it out on some easy trails, and spend several hours practicing. Over time, you'll get much better. You can also ensure better success on a motorcycle by buying a high-quality model, so if you ever need a new one, come check out our inventory at Interstate Cycles. We're in Lake City, FL, serving the areas of Gainesville, Tallahassee, Alachua, Valdosta, Jacksonville, and Sanderson, Florida.