Dirt bikes are gaining popularity of late. The thrills and danger they bring with each and every ride is almost too intoxicating for many people. With protective gear being made specifically for them and increasingly optimized systems in place to improve their performance, dirt bikes are quickly spreading amongst the masses as a fun and enjoyable hobby.

However, it still takes a lot of skill and training to properly control a dirt bike. Because of their almost negligible weight, they are very difficult to control. The difficulty is only amplified when you try to corner your dirt bike. Cornering is especially hard because you need to shift your weight to make the bike turn the way you want it to. If you don’t shift you weight, the inertia will make it almost impossible for you to turn and you’ll be lying in the dirt flat on your face.

By following some basic steps and training with them you can learn how to corner your dirt bike efficiently. To train yourself for it, you first need to be aware of the kinds of cornering you can do with your dirt bike, and also the techniques and methods you should employ for a clear and easy cornering.

If you’re at a loss wondering how you are supposed to do it, we have got you covered. Let’s take a look at the kinds of cornering techniques you can employ and the techniques you need to employ for an effective cornering procedure.

Types of Cornering

There are a number of methods you can use to corner your dirt bike. Each kind of cornering technique happens to be effective in a special kind of situation while dirt bike riding. Here are the kinds of cornering methods that you need to know of:

Stand-Up Cornering

Perhaps the most popular way of cornering a dirt bike, certainly one of the most widely seen, this method has the rider doing exactly as the name suggests. They have to stand up. Stand-up cornering involves taking your weight off the bike and floating above the seat while you maneuver the bike around. A stand-up cornering is one of the easiest and effective ways of cornering a dirt bike. All you need to do is balance yourself with your body in the air, and your hands on the handlebars, and you are good to go.

Fast, Sweeping Corners

Probably one of the more dangerous kinds of cornering methods, the fast, sweeping corners has you bending down at speed to corner your dirt bike. It’s the kind of cornering you normally see at a Moto GP event where the riders bend their bikes down at speed until it looks like they’re sweeping the track with it. The fast, sweeping corners are highly useful in a race where you have to keep riding fast. However, they are also dangerous since they can easily make your dirt bike lose balance and have both it and you plummet into the ground. Therefore, practice extensively before you try this move.

Flat Corners

A flat corner may seem to be an easy ordeal. However, without the correct technique and a thorough understanding of your vehicle, you may end up losing control of your bike. The trick to it is leaning your bike while keeping your balance intact. To do so, experts suggest keeping your outer pedal down while you corner your bike around the turn. Doing this keeps your center of gravity constant and allows you to balance yourself as you lean the bike. So make sure to follow that whenever you attempt a flat corner.

Sit-Down Cornering (Motocross Style)

Cornering your dirt bike while sitting down seems like a tough proposition. However, it is an essential one for corners that are tighter than 90 degrees. For motocross style dirt biking, the bikes are obviously lighter. This makes it more necessary for you to hold them and keep them in your control while cornering. Use your knees to hold the bike and point your feet forward instead of outwards to make sure that no gap exists between your legs and the bike. The better hold you have of the bike, the better you can corner while sitting down.

Sit-Down Cornering (Enduro Style)

Enduro bikes are by default heavier than the ones used in Motocross. This means that they are harder to maneuver while cornering. In sit-down cornering, Enduro style, you need to apply more force to make sure that the heavier bike turns the way you want it to turn. The method of doing that involves the use of your feet. Plant the foot leaning into the corner into the ground and use it to provide a pivot for your dirt bike. You have to lean in with your foot and not plant it from the front since that could cause your ankle to twist.

Slow Corners

Sometimes you don’t know what’s coming ahead or how the track will treat you as you turn. Maybe the corner is so steep you don’t know where to maneuver once you have completed it. In such cases, going slow is the best solution you have. Slow corners allow you to decrease your speed to a controllable amount as you are cornering. No matter what you see after you have cornered, you have the time to maneuver your bike and make sure you stay safe. Slow cornering is something that can save your life.

Sharp Corners

Sharp corners can be quite tough. If you’re going at speed and you have to turn sharply, you can get in two minds about what to do. Braking is of course an option, but in a race or a competition it could cost you dearly. Instead, what you can do is take your foot off the throttle and stop the acceleration of the bike. Turn it with the speed you were going at and once you find the stretch of track you feel you can accelerate on, hit the throttle once again. If you happen to be riding slow, just take it easy and brake a bit before turning, and keep your foot on the brake.

Rutted Corners

Rutted corners can be a rider’s worst nightmare. No one likes the sight of uneven and catastrophic track corners. However, with the right technique, you can conquer them easily by practicing. The thing you need to take care of happens to be your position and your control. Brake before you hit the rut and maneuver the clutch and throttle steadily as you corner the rut. You need to keep your body position steady, with your head needing to be above the gas tank at all times.

Corner Combination

Sometimes you’ll find bends coming one after another and you’ll have to maneuver them all in one go. Obviously, all the corners will not be of the same kind and you’ll have to employ different cornering methods to get past them. The term normally used in such cases is called corner combination. You’ll need to combine all your knowledge of cornering and use it at once. To do so efficiently, you will need to focus on the track ahead of you, strain your eyes to see what kind of corner is coming up, and adjust your position and your bike accordingly to corner the bend. This needs to be done the entire time and can end up being quite strenuous.

Off-Camber Corners

Often you can’t just ride the bike the way it is naturally moving. You will need to maneuver it against its natural path and force it to move towards the way you want it to. For example, down a hill the dirt bike may be going straight, but you will need to turn it left to go on your trail. Such cornering is usually called off-camber. The technique to do this is to be high on your bike and keep it firmly in your grasp. Turn the way you want to without forcing the bike too hard. Just easily maneuver the bike and maneuver your body with it.

Berms

Some corners actually speed you up rather than slowing you down. They usually are encased entirely in an outer edge that allows you to accelerate as you ride along it. Such corners are typically called berms. Berms, as mentioned, speed you up. Thus, you need to maneuver yourself in a way that helps you gain the speed instead of you fighting the speed. The trick to this is leaning harder and letting you speed through the berm. Moreover, you do not want to avoid the berm. The speed it gives you goes a long way during a race, so ride into the berm instead of avoiding it.

The Best Tips on Cornering

Now that you know all the different kinds of cornering there are and how to do them, let’s have a look at some tips that can help you along the way. Practicing while keeping the following tips in mind allows you to gain mastery over cornering.

Keep Arms and Head Up

You don’t want to be putting more pressure on the front end of your bike and possibly unbalancing it. Keep your arms and head up and put your weight in the middle of the bike to keep it perfectly balanced.

Stay Consistent

The best trick to cornering has to be staying consistent. While maneuvering your dirt bike, you can’t change your position since that may cause the bike to lose balance. Stay consistent in your position at all times.

Grip the Bike with Your Knees

You must have a hold of your bike at all times and it should be under your control directly. Grip it with your knees at all times so that it becomes a part of you. Make sure no space is left between the bike and your knees.

Slow Down

You can’t corner with your foot being on the accelerator. Slow down before each corner so that you can judge how to maneuver your bike and then maneuver it without issues while cornering.

Balance Your Weight

Often, while cornering, you will either need to lean or bend your body in order to maneuver the bike. However, you need to keep balance. Leaning or bending too much can cause the bike to fall.

Throttle and Brakes

Use your throttle and your brakes as much as you can. The efficient use of them both simultaneously allows you to speed up or slow down as the corner demands.

Leaning into Corners

Practice leaning on your bike as much as you can. Leaning into a corner is one of the most important things when it comes to cornering.

Get Help

Use dirt bike training videos and training manuals from wherever you can get them to learn how to execute a cornering move.

The post Dirt Bike Cornering Tips and Techniques for Beginners appeared first on Dirt Bike It.

How Dangerous is Dirt Bike Riding? 5 Most Common Injuries and How to Prevent Them

Here we look at exactly how dangerous dirt bike riding can be, identifying the 5 most common injuries that can result from dirt bike riding, and providing advice on how to prevent these injuries. If you’re new to dirt bike riding or have just started to look into whether you should get into it or not, you probably have concerns over how safe it is. This can be doubly important to you if you have a young family and are looking to see whether or not you should get your children into it as a family sport.

Is Dirt Biking a Safe Family Activity?

You will likely have come across stories of dirt bike riders undergoing horrific injuries in the course of their rides. However, while dirt bike riding can undoubtedly be dangerous, you can eliminate most of its associated risks by taking a few simple safety precautions, and by making sure that you ride your dirt bike in the right context. By taking these measures you can significantly reduce the risks of injury and enjoy the sport along with your family in relative safety.

It is really important to put the dangers of dirt bike riding into perspective. We have to recognize that pretty much everything we do involves at least some level of risk. Swimming at the beach carries the risk of drowning; playing football carries the risk of serious injury; riding a bicycle carries the risk of getting in accidents; pretty much everything we do can harm us if things go wrong, everything except sitting at home playing video games and watching television all day, and who really wants that for themselves or their children? So, the real question is what is our tolerance level for the risks involved?

Of course, we want to protect our children from being harmed. The way to do this when it comes to dirt bike riding is by taking certain precautions, precautions that can eliminate the risk of harm to a large extent, making it a relatively safe activity.

5 Most Common Injuries and Why They Happen

Being aware of the most common dirt bike associated injuries can help us to know what to watch out for in the course of our rides. So, here’s a look at 5 such injuries and why they happen.

Broken Collarbone

A broken collarbone happens to be a very common injury resulting from dirt bike riding. The reason that it is so common is that when people fall off of dirt bikes, something that inevitably happens from time to time, they use their outstretched hands to break their falls, a natural reaction, resulting in great amounts of pressure being applied to their collarbones, making them liable to break. The higher the speed at the time of the fall, the greater the force that is applied to their outstretched arms, and the worse the injury to the collarbone is likely to be.

Most collarbone injuries undergo treatment with a splint and sling, something that needs to be worn all the time for a period between 4 weeks and 8 weeks. If the injury is of a more serious nature, it may require surgery. The injured person will need to consult a physiotherapist, one gradually introducing exercises into their regimen, helping them regain the full range of motions in their shoulders. Once the full range of movement is regained, the physio will provide strengthening exercises to restore the injured person to their original strength.

Shoulder Dislocation

The shoulder joints of human beings are complex structures. Shoulder dislocation during the course of dirt bike riding occurs for similar reasons to broken collarbones: breaking a fall with outstretched hands. However, in this case the collarbone remains intact, but a shoulder dislocation occurs instead. The ligament involved in a shoulder dislocation is a very weak section of one’s shoulder, its weakness making it prone to injury. This injury is also known as a shoulder separation. It can be excruciatingly painful.

The time it takes to recover from an injury of this nature depends on how severe the injury is. Exercises for rehabilitation cannot commence until the individual no longer experiences pain. This can take anywhere between a week or two (where injuries are mild or moderate) and a few months (where injuries are severe). Once the pain is gone, exercises will gradually be introduced, increasing in intensity over time, until one recovers the full range of movement in one’s shoulder without experiencing any pain.

Broken Wrist

Broken wrists are another injury caused by falling. The human wrist is a complex structure, with injuries to one’s wrist being extremely painful. In some cases, there can be a clean break in the wrist, but in cases of greater severity, there may be multiple breaks in the wrist bones.

A bad break in the wrist or a wrist sprain will likely take a substantial amount of time to recover from. Realignment of the bones may even require surgery. The broken wrist will then have to be placed within a cast for a period between 6 weeks and 8 weeks. Following this period in the cast, physiotherapy will typically be required, helping the individual to regain the full range of movement and strength in the wrist.

ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Rupture

The ACL connects the thigh to the shinbone. ACL ruptures can be cause by making jumps while keeping the knee bent, damaging this ligament.

Complete recovery from an ACL injury could take up to a year. Repairing the damage may require surgery, followed by a period involving physiotherapy. ACL ruptures demand a lot of dedication and patience from the injured individual. Only then will the healing process be successful.

Broken Ankle

Ankles are like wrists and shoulders, complex structures susceptible to injury during dirt bike riding. Ankle breakages can be caused by awkwardly falling from one’s bike as well as by collisions with other riders.

After a broken ankle, doctors could have to realign the bones correctly by moving them. If the injury is more complex, you may require surgery. After the surgery, the ankle will be put inside a cast lasting a period between 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Rehabilitation will need to be supervised by a seasoned physiotherapist, who will guide the process of restoring movement and strength to the ankle.

How to Prevent These Injuries from Happening?

While all the injuries stated above are treatable, prevention is better than cure. So, here’s how you can prevent these 5 common injuries from occurring in the first place.

How to Prevent Broken Collarbones

Over 50% of collarbone injuries occur at the bends in a motocross course. The best way to prevent a broken collar bone is by ensuring that you don’t fall off the bike. A second way to ensure this is by not colliding with other riders on the course. Be particularly careful when you reach bends.

Do everything you can to avoid serious neck injuries. The consequences and implications of neck injuries can be quite serious. To add protection to your neck, always wear a neck brace.

How to Prevent a Dislocated Shoulder

Once more, ensuring that you don’t fall off your bike is the surest way to prevent shoulder dislocations. However, falling is something of an inevitability when it comes to dirt bike riding. Retain an acute awareness of the riders in front of you. You may need to stop suddenly, something that can throw you over your bike’s handlebars, usually resulting in you landing on one of your shoulders.

For added protection, wear shoulder supports, particularly if you’ve sustained shoulder injuries before.

How to Prevent a Broken Wrist

Once again, not falling off your dirt bike is the best way to protect your wrists. If you’re racing on your bike, make sure you have your strategies for avoiding falls sorted out. Study the course carefully, identifying the areas where a fall is likely, and deciding how you are going to deal with them. At the same time, sometimes you fall despite your best efforts. So, always wear a wrist guard, giving added protection to your wrist. This will not only offer more support to your wrist but may be the difference between a break and just momentary pain.

How to Prevent an ACL Rupture

For this injury more than any other, prevention is better than cure. This is because after sustaining an injury of this nature, riders struggle to control their bikes even after undergoing extensive rehab. Riders struggle to perform tricks and jumps in particular.

A good piece of protective equipment to prevent ACL ruptures is a knee brace. Knee braces may feel uncomfortable and bulky to start off with, but once you get used to them, you don’t really notice they’re there. They can be a bit on the expensive side, but nothing should come in the way of your health.

How to Prevent Broken Ankles

Falling off your dirt bike while going at high speeds or falling after a heavy collision usually ends awkwardly for the body. The best way to prevent broken ankles is to re.main vigilant at all times, ensuring that you ride safely, concentrating fully on the race, avoiding unnecessary risks, wearing all the protective gear available.

You can add support to your ankle by wearing an ankle brace, giving your ankle added protection. Another piece of protective equipment you should invest in are high quality motocross boots, designed to offer added protection to your feet and ankles, reducing chances of injury to these very delicate areas.

The post How Dangerous is Dirt Bike Riding? 5 Most Common Injuries and How to Prevent Them appeared first on Dirt Bike It.

100 Dirt Bike Riding Tips and Techniques for Beginners

Dirt bike riding tips and techniques for beginners you know why I wrote that article? Because reflexes are not instinctive. The dirt bike riders you saw scaling through those tough tracks did not always have those super skills and reflexes. At some point, they were beginners. They all had to train – learning to shift gears, and even handle their pedals.

Although only a few of these riders may grace the big podium, the good news is that it is possible to learn all dirt bike riding skills. Well, before the mastery of the clutch, throttle, and brake begins, there are other important things you must focus on. Here are a few practical tips and techniques that will guide you as you take the first few steps towards hitting the dirt track.

1. Select a Bike that Fits Your Experience Level

As a beginner, it is important you select a bike that fits your level of skill and experience – this is the basic thing to do. We have the entire article written on this subject. Over time, you can go for an upgrade as your level of experience and skill set improves.

2. Consider Your Height

Your size also matters when deciding the best dirt bike for your adventure. A great way to determine if a dirt bike fits your size is to sit forward on the bike and see if your feet can touch the ground. If your feet sit comfortably on the ground while on the bike, the bike may likely be too small for you as this will exert too much pressure on the suspension. However, if you find yourself using the tip of your toes to gain balance on the ground while on the bike, the bike may be too big for you.

3. Consider Your Weight

The amount of suspension – and type of bike – a beginner who weighs 100 pounds will need would be different from that of a 200-pound potential rider. If you weigh around 150 pounds or less, it may be ideal to use a bike under 250cc so you can easily adapt to the weight and height of the bike. However, bigger riders may need to get something that has suitable suspension to navigate you through any dirt path successfully. A bike between 250-450cc may just do the trick for bigger riders.

4. Start on a Dirt Track

You cannot learn dirt bike riding by simply riding a dirt bike. The best place to polish your skills is an old dirt bike road. Since there are hardly any unusually huge rocks there, practicing would be a lot easier for you.

5. Master the Controls With the Bike off

Rather than turning the key on from the onset, practice shifting and handling the controls for a few minutes. Practice how to shift with your foot so you can easily feel it without looking down, and master where the foot brake is located so you can identify it easily. Practicing this way can help you achieve success on your first ride.

6. It is Not Like Riding a Bike

This is a big mistake newbies make – thinking they can get on with a dirt bike like they would on a bicycle. From your sitting to your positioning, ensure you get it right to avoid any accidents.

7. Take Important Items Along

You’ll be going off-road. Possibly there might be no cell phone service or a repair man behind you. Since you would be hitting some trees and rocks along the way, your bike could be damaged. So, taking some tools along would save you from being stranded in the middle of nowhere.

8. Gain Some Basic Technical Knowledge

Yes, you are a beginner – so you must not necessarily have all the knowledge in the world. But, basic knowledge would be needed so you can perform common repairs such as fixing a bad tire. Since you may need more gas than you have in the tank, taking some extra along would be a great idea.

9. Mental Consciousness

Wheeling through the dirt track successfully always seems like mystery for the beginner, but in reality, you would be making use of the same fundamental riding skills – with the clutch, throttle, and brake, and proper body position – skills that you use during your regular riding exploit. The only difference here is in the handling of the controls and overcoming the natural fear of crashing. The first step towards mastering the art of dirt bike riding is being mentally balanced. Our subconscious mind functions in very strange ways – mental balance is key.

10. Technique Over Speed

Of course, speed will come over time, but dirt bike riding is all about the techniques – at least for a start. If you are able to learn the techniques well, speed and efficiency will come naturally.

11. Visualize

This is another crucial step towards improving your riding skills. Having learnt the basic techniques, focus on what is most important – doing it. Visualization technique is a top skill for every professional sportsman. It helps to improve performance as the action is predetermined before it really begins.

12. Safety

As an inexperienced dirt bike rider, the helmet should be your number one safety gear. Other important safety gear includes gloves, pads, and boots.

13. Balance

Do you already know how to ride a bicycle? Then you are some steps ahead. Riding a bicycle is like an art – you never forget it no matter how long you’ve been away. The difference in mastering dirt bike riding is the weight of the bike and the speed involved. As a beginner, you would not feel comfortable right away – and this is only normal. While experienced riders may prefer standing, sitting right is a great first step towards achieving proper body position – and balance.

14. Body Positioning

Before you begin your adventure, proper body positioning will determine how successful the outcome would be. Sitting on the bike first will help you make sure of this. If you have chosen the right bike size and ideal position, you should be able to have a feel of the ground with your feet. As a beginner, it would be hardly surprising to want to sit backwards. But, this should not be the case. There is an indentation where the gas tank meets the bike seat. This is where you should be – and do not be worried so much about seating too forward as the gas tank would not allow you do so. Always keep this in mind – move forward!

15. Get the ‘Feel’ With Your First Ride

Now that you have positioned yourself properly, it is time to have a ‘feel’ of what dirt bike riding looks like. Set your bike into its first gear by clicking the gear down four times. Once the bike is in the first gear, gently twist the throttle so you can begin your experience. The goal here is to acquaint yourself with how the ride feels like as you go through the irregular, dirt tracks.

16. Look Out For Your Front Fender

Since you’ll be seating in between the gas tank and the seat for the ride, look out for the front fender. If you can see the front fender, you may be focusing too much on the bike. While focusing on your bike is important, you must be watchful of the terrain you are riding through.

17. Handling The Clutch

As a beginner, you would want to take it easy as you gain mastery over the bike – and the road. This is normal. Since you could be “jiggling” as you bring yourself up to speed, down-shifting the clutch would not be a bad idea. While it would interrupt the flow of the ride, you would soon gain mastery of the bike and the tracks – and the speed will come naturally.

18. Get Used To The Throttle

If you do not master the use of the throttle, avoiding crashes may be a tad difficult. Hold on to the full throttle and pull the clutch in with your ‘peace’ fingers. You can also master the throttle by simply pushing and holding the magic button – preferably with your left thumb.

19. Handling The Brake

Handling the brakes of a dirt bike can be complex at times considering the nature of the tracks. To avoid being thrown out of the bike as a result of the bucking around of your rear wheel, you would need to drag the rear brake rather than grab it. This will keep the suspension in place so you do not lose control of the bike.

20. Master Acceleration

Sitting right is also important to gain mastery of the acceleration especially as the backward natural forces may be against you. Most beginners make the mistake of sitting far back and pull on the handlebars to counter the effect of the forces. You should avoid this. Proper positioning will ensure your hips are in front of the foot pegs while your upper body leans forward towards it. This position would allow you counter the backwards forces by leaning forward and pressing the foot pegs down.

Tip: To know if you are getting this right, you would be able to take your left hand off the handlebar as you accelerate while the bike continues in its straight path.

21. Learn To Make Quick and Smooth Shifts

Although there are generally three controls – clutch, throttle, and shifter – involved, they do not function independently. This means you would be making use of all three simultaneously – shutting the throttle, pulling the clutch in, and picking the shifter up. In the same vein, after selecting a new gear, you would also need to let out the clutch while opening the throttle at the same time. This would not be easy at the onset, so practice is key. In order to make the shifts quick and smooth, you must work on these controls until you can quickly make it through three gears.

22. Do Not Use The Kill Switch To Turn Off

With the presence of electric start on most modern dirt bikes, a common beginner mistake is to turn the bike off by applying the kill switch. The problem with this is that the battery is still active, so it may be dead the next time you want to go on your adventure. Master the habit of turning the bike off by applying the key to the off position.

23. Accelerate To The Third or Fourth Gear and Apply The Brakes

As a beginner, accelerating at top speed is not the goal just yet. Downshifting immediately after applying the brakes will ensure you are able to take off as soon as you negotiate a corner.

24. Ensure The Tire Does Not Skid off

While riding at top speed, try to get a “feel” of the condition of the tire so you know when it is about to get locked up. You want to ensure that while you apply maximum pressure, the tire does not skid or lock up.

25. Learn to Use Your Feet

You may have already seen images where professionals lower their food while rounding a corner. Although this is something you’ll have to do, you would get there with time. Experienced riders use this as a way to blow out their knee and ensure there is a balanced weight distribution. You can learn to do this by straightening your legs out with your toes pointed up, while you remain conscious of your immediate surrounding so you do not get your foot caught up in dirt.

26. Only Use Dirt Bike Riding Boots

Dirt bike riding will expose your ankles and feet to too many threats – from hot exhaust pipes to tough weather conditions, your feet will be in contact with the ground any time you take a turn or negotiate a corner and at the same time, your legs will frequently come in contact with the bike. You wouldn’t want to be using tennis shoes or sandals on a dirt track – in fact, the race will end before it even begins if you do. On the other hand, motocross boots provide top level protection for your feet and legs due to its tough leather material. A shoe type that allows you get good grip of the bike with your legs while negotiating a tough terrain would be just perfect.

27. Remember The Terrain

The dirt track does not always offer a smooth ride so you must take note of the conditions to avoid skidding off. If the track is really bumpy, applying the brakes too hard may cause skidding.  There are different dirt riding terrain types and they include, but are not limited to sand riding, snow riding, and highway riding.

28. Look Out For Smooth Paths on a Rocky Terrain

If you are dirt bike riding on a rocky terrain, look out for paths with the smoothest terrain. When you get to such path, use your legs to grip the dirt bike and stand up. Do not stare at the rock and do not sit too.

29. Do Not Look at The Front Fender

You may be tempted to do this if the rocks are really rough for you. Do not. Only look out for the smoothest path.

30. Keep Your Momentum

This is especially important when riding through a rocky terrain. As a beginner, your instinct may tell you its best to stop and find your way through really big rocks. No, do not stop – do not panic too.  Maintaining your momentum will help you go through paths where the front end area of your bike drops. Stopping might land the front end in a hole.

31. Prepare For Muddy Terrain

A muddy terrain can mess your bike up, heating up the engine even before you get into the thick of the action. As such, preparation is vital so your bike has the needed defenses to go through a tough day on the trails.

32. Prepare For Water

Riding through water on a dirt bike can be fun, but you must be careful to successfully navigate your way through.

33. Check The Depth of water

As a beginner, running through water without checks can have negative consequences. Hop off your bike and access the area. Ensure the water will not find its way into the air intake of your bike. Allowing water to get into the engine can be really bad for the condition of the bike – and the safety of your ride.

34. Figure Out How to Enter and Exit The Water

You may have no cause for concern if the dirt bike trail has been well travelled by other dirt bike riders. If this is not the case, evaluate the water conditions so you do not get stuck in the mud or bounce of dangerous and hidden rocks.

35. Set Your Speed Right For The Water

Getting enough momentum before heading into the water will allow you negotiate your way through despite the friction water might cause. However, you must not go in too fast to avoid losing control if there is a hidden obstacle.

36. Keep Your Boots Straight

With your boots pointed straight, you will prevent water from washing off the pegs. If you are not careful about this, water from the front tires will enter the pegs and blow your feet off.

37. Kill The Switch if The Plan Goes Wrong

If you think it is impossible to avoid a crash, kill the switch immediately before you go down. This is a great way to ensure water is not sucked in. If water finds its way into the engine, the engine may blow up as the piston tries to handle the water pressure.

38. Master Accuracy Jumpimg

I would recommend not doing any jumps as you are just starting. Master the bike first ride 2 to 3 seasons before getting into an extreme part like jumping. When building a jump, ensure you avoid doing the doubles or triples. If you have no other choice, do not engage in a sharp landing as it could end badly for you. To achieve this, make sure you do not try to avoid the dirt when landing from a jump. Master accuracy.

39. Apply Grease on Literally Everything

Grease is a great friend of your bike. From your fenders and chain to your sprockets, chain guide, and even your brake cables and clutch, applying grease helps to prevent the mud from sticking up on your bike which could bog the bike.

40. Ensure You Grease the Linkage

Specifically ensure you grease the linkage as it will help the bike move more freely without any potential for friction. This will also help for better suspension.

41. Duct Tape

Grease can only take you so far especially for your fenders. Adding duct tape in the radiator shrouds and fender before applying grease will keep your bike in shape.

42. The Bike Parts

Check the seats – ensure they have a good grip on the bike so you can remain despite the obstacles ahead. Also check out the foot pegs. Even if they look good, sharpening them will ensure they give you better hold against the slippery conditions of the mud.

43. Mud-Specific Tires

You need tires that can get you through the terrain. Deep, meaty tugs will give you extra control and help you dispel the mud and keep you in shape.

44. Sand Riding

Since sand riding is pretty different from the usual bumpy dirt riding tracks, your body position may need to take a slightly different shape. Your weight should take a slightly backward position so the front wheel can glide through the shifty terrain. Also remember to grip the bike with your legs as much as you can as this ensures you are stable despite the rough nature of the terrain while you also experience relief in your arms.

45. Sand Riding Tires

Paddle tires are the best option for sand riding as they also provide the ideal traction you need while riding. However, the downside here is that paddle tires can only be used for sand riding.

46. Snow Riding

While it would be fine to park your dirt bike at snow time, this terrain offers a whole new riding experience. Much like any other outdoor experience, preparation is the key to enjoying your snow riding adventure. Since different people react to the cold differently, you want to take accessories that will be just fine for you, while remembering that you’ll be sweating it out pretty soon – a pack to store your excess clothing when the heat comes in would not be a bad idea.

47. Snow Riding Tires

The best snow riding tires are those that come along with permanently installed carbide tipped spikes. These tires will help you get a good grip of the terrain as though you were riding under the best possible conditions. If spike tires are above your budget, you could purchase metal screws with hex-head sheet so you can drive them into your bike tires.

48. Look Out For Your Tires

Unlike bikes used during street riding adventures where worn out tires can easily be identified bith the wearing out of treads or bald spots, determining when you may need a tire change for your dirt bike is different. Dirt paths do not typically wear out your tires, so careful examination is required so you can decide when a replacement is needed.

49. Balding

The wearing out of your lugs – commonly known as balding – is the first sign of deterioration. The lugs round off as you ride, preventing the presence of a hard wall for the bike to cut through the dirt. This reduces traction and causes the surface to feel slippery while riding.

50. Ripping or Missing Lugs

Although you may still negotiate your way through a dirt path with round lugs, this is impossible when they come off completely. If your lugs are missing, it is time for a tire change.

51. Deterioration of The Bead and Sidewall

The deterioration of the bead and sidewall of your tire does not quickly come to mind when thinking of a tire wear, but it is important to look out for it. With the constant pressure and flexing that the sidewall is subjected to, cracks can occur. If you have spotted any cracks or tears, changing the tire quickly would be ideal to save you some money on purchasing new set of rims.

52. Aging or Discoloration

The rubber of the tire hardens with age. When flexing under pressure is difficult for a tire, you may soon find cracks in the sidewall. In order to ensure you are not stuck in the middle of nowhere, it would be ideal to change the tires when there is a color change or if it is over a year old.

53. Tube Wear

Although most tubes are changed as a result of a flat, it would be ideal to exercise caution beforehand by looking out for any signs of distress on the tube. You can easily find wear in the seam and valve system and you may also notice weak spots around the tube.

54. Mousse Wear

It can be difficult to identify when a mousse needs change. If you have noticed the mousse decomposing in the tire, it is the right time to replace it. Besides this, you alone can decide when your tire mousse needs a change. Applying some good amount of lubricant would be ideal to prolong the life of the mousse.

55. Maintain The Tire For Longevity

Getting the right tire specific for your terrain is not the only key to success on a dirt path. You can also prolong its life by running the correct mousse density or tire pressure into the rubber. Understand the nature of your tire, and run the recommended pressure into it for the best performance.

56. Lug Shaping

Although lug shaping may not necessarily prolong the life of your tire, by eliminating the dull edges of your tire, you may achieve the much needed extra traction for the adventure. If you must shape your lugs, ensure you do not square off so much so you do not lose your lugs or rupture your tire.

57. Check The Sag and Spring Rate

The springs are crucial to your dirt bike experience as they hold up the bike in position. Hence, it would be proper to ensure you have appropriate spring rate. Since most dirt bikes perform best with sag of 95-115mm, the static sag when you are out of the bike should be around 25-45mm. if it is less than 25mm, you may need to stiffen the spring and it is above 45mm, you would need to make the spring softer.

58. Check The Front Wheel

Check to ensure your front wheel is installed correctly as improper installation may cause the wearing out of the forks. You can install the wheel properly by first tightening the axle nut followed by the toque on the left axle pinch bolts. Ensure the right fork leg can easily slide through the axle before you tighten.

59. Use a Torque Wrench For Installation

Since fork tubes are usually thin and can easily be distorted, ensure you do not exert so much pressure while tightening the triple clam bolts.

60. Bleed The Air Out

Before you ride your dirt bike, bleed the air out of the forks while the bike is on its stand with the front wheel hanging off the ground. Doing this will help you avoid starting off with excess pressure on the bike.

61. Maintain The Suspension

When you start riding more regularly, ensure the shock and fork oil are changed every 20 hours. In addition, parts such as the seals and bushings should be changed every 40 hours. Considering the path you will be riding, it is normal for oil to get contaminated along the way, causing the suspension to fade upon heat.

62. Care For Your Dirt Bike

As much as winter riding makes for a great adventure for some, others prefer to wait until summertime. If this is the case, ensure you was the bike after use – as it will be a little dirty (at least) if you are doing a good job on the road. Washing it gives you a perfect opportunity to inspect the bike for any problems and also protect the relevant parts by coating with oil.

63. Fill Your Gas Tank

This is important for steel or plastic tanks. While it prevents condensation buildup in a plastic tank, it also prevents rust in a steel tank. Add fuel stabilizer for treatment and run the engine for a few minutes to allow the fuel run through the entire system.

64. Charge The Battery

Before parking up your dirt bike at wintertime, take the battery out, place it in a warm and dry place and connect it to a regulated battery charger. This will ensure your battery does not drain and the regulated charger will also prevent an overcharge.

65. Store on a Bike Stand

If you have enough space, you may want to remove the tires and wheels and rest your dirt bike on a stand. This will not only prevent flat tires, but take off some pressure from your suspension.

66. Lean Back and Speed Up in Deep Stuff

You are more stable when you apply speed while riding through off-road dirt tracks especially when negotiating deep terrains. Leaning backwards while speeding up will provide traction for the rear wheel, where there is pressure and it will also take off the pressure on the front wheel, allowing it to go through obstacles with relative ease.

67. Focus on Where You are Headed

Be conscious about where you want your bike to be, not the big bump or cliff you want to avoid. Your body and of course, the bike will only follow as your focus leads. Practice this well enough until you no longer need deliberate effort to achieve this.

68. Stand

Riding through hard surfaces could be especially demanding as a beginner, but you can. Standing up would be an ideal position in this case as it lowers the center of gravity with your body weight pressed on the foot pegs rather than the seat. While standing, nip your lower legs on the gas tank with your knees bent. This makes it possible for you to ride through without experiencing shock.

69. Take a Turn With Your Weight Outside

If for example, you want to take a left turn, push the right foot peg down, while adjusting your weight towards the outside. This will ensure equal distribution of your weight over the entire mass of your bike.

70. Move Forward When Negotiating Corners

While tackling bumps and deep sand, you would want to pull your weight a bit backwards, but this is completely different. In fact, your body weight should be tilting towards the front wheel as much as far as possible as this provides more traction – and more speed at the corners. Initiating a slide will also be easier when your weight is off the rear wheel.

71. Stay Loose While Descending

Hurling yourself down a hill may be tricky for a beginner. You may want to hold on to everything you can, making you rigid in the process. Instead, you must stay loose. You can do this by focusing your weight on the inside hand and outside food. This will help you lower your center of gravity and maintain an inside line.

72. Conquer The Steep Spots

Riding through dirt tracks involves speed and accuracy. So, unless it is important to climb the bump or steep spot, do not face every obstacle with all you have. Begin your ride at a steady pace, get the “feel” as you find your way through the gears, and maintain a consistent intensity. Going hard early on will eventually slow you down and tire you out as you progress.

73. Allow a Crash

Try not to get yourself into a situation when crash is inevitable however If a crash seems inevitable, allow it. Trying to control a crash while flying from the top may cause fatal accident – especially as a beginner. You may get away with it a few times but it is not ideal to try and control your crash thinking you are still on the driver seat.

74. Feed Predictably

You want to be in the best condition possible, so sticking to what your system is already used to will help you focus better on the task ahead. You can experiment on other days.

75. Nutrition

What you consume matters a lot! If you must improve your fitness – and indeed, your performance – you must only consume healthy, energy rich foods that provide the fuel your body needs to be in top shape. As much as feeding predictably is just fine, what you consume matters more.

76. Cut Back on The Junk

Consuming fizzy drinks only leave you feeling… fizzy. Unfortunately, the burst of energy it gives you only lasts for a short period before you start feeling drained physically and mentally.

77. Vitamins

All vitamins are not the same though. So it would be great to do some homework and only supplement your diet with those that will give you the energy you need for your adventure.

78. Protein Powder

Quality protein powder will be a great diet supplement to boost your health and strength, and reduce your recovery time between training and the actual riding.

79. Spread Out Your Meal

Consuming about 5 to 6 smaller meals daily will help you burn fat, boost your energy, and improve metabolism.

80. Protein-Rich Meals

This is a no-brainer. Consuming lean meals that are rich in protein such as fish and beef will give you strength and improve your health.

81. Include Super Foods

Foods such as beans, alfalfa sprouts, oats, blueberries, salmon, tomatoes, flax seed, cranberries, turkey, chlorella, are super packed with lots of rich ingredients.

82. Eliminate the Booze

You do not want your dirt bike riding experience to kick off on an awful note, so eliminate the booze. I don’t have to tell you motorsports and alcohol don’t go together. Remember to always stay safe and never drink and ride.

83. Drink Water Responsibly

It is normal for you to get thirsty down the tracks. While grabbing your bottle is not wrong, you must be focused on the tracks especially as a beginner. On the dirt road track, anything is possible, so complete focus is important.

84. How Much Should You Drink?

Before you begin your riding adventure, it would be ideal to stay well hydrated during the day. As a beginner, you would hardly be riding long distances that last above 60 minutes. As such, drinking while riding may not be necessary since your sessions may be short at first.

85. Drinking May be Affected by Weather Conditions

The riding intensity and weather conditions are huge factors that can determine how much you drink. So, even if you take short distances for a start, this does not necessarily mean that you cannot drink.

86. When Should You Drink?

Do not wait until you are thirsty. From the start of your ride, you could take two to three gulps every 10 to 15 minutes especially when you have begun embarking on longer rides. This readies you for the trip ahead. At the end of the ride, taking a recovery drink would be a great idea. No matter how much water you may have already taken, dehydration would likely set in especially on a hot day. The electrolytes in the drink would help you rehydrate yourself sufficiently.

87. What do You Drink While Riding?

As a beginner still learning the ropes, your rides may still be under 60 minutes. If this your situation, plain water will be just fine but, as you start engaging in longer rides, plain water will no longer provide the energy needed to go through the tough tracks. Fluids containing carbohydrates and electrolytes would be the perfect replacement. The sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium content in electrolytes help to replenish nutrients lost in sweat.

88. Can You Drink Too Much Water?

Of course you can. This is especially true if you have not been taking fluids with balanced electrolyte content. Your body may feel bloated over time, your performance and efficiency on the road will be affected, and in extreme cases, you may even suffer hyponatremia or even death.

89. Take The Gradual Progression Path

Studies have shown that riders who engage in long distant training adventures may likely suffer cramps. While the underlying cause of this is not crystal clear, sudden increase in the level of your intensity – either riding longer or harder – can cause cramps. Instead, warm yourself into the adventure and gradually increase your intensity.

90. Take Arm Warmers Off While Flying

As you go down the tracks, the temperature will start heating up, and you may not need the warmers anymore. More experienced dirt bike riders may take them off with their hands, but as a beginner, you can use your teeth to pull them off.

91. Work on Your Mobility

Although dirt bike riding may be considered an exercise in its own right, the movement patterns here are very limited, exposing you to injuries. Having a great mobility routine will greatly reduce tightness and your risk of injury.

92. Stretch

Traditionally, a good stretching routine helps to improve your flexibility. In order to get the best out of your dirt bike riding adventure, it would be ideal to engage in a good stretching routine just before and after riding as this will help to improve your performance.

93. Swimming

Swimming is a great exercise for strength and cardio workout. Since it requires constant movement, it is sure to keep your heart pumping and your muscles functioning optimally.

94. Running

As a cardio exercise, running is an ideal way to build up your core and legs. Although you can engage in this activity anywhere, dirt bike riders will greatly benefit from a trail run, surrounded by a familiar terrain.

95. Avoid The Obstacles while Running

If you must run through a familiar dirt path terrain, you must look out for potential obstacles as this will help keep you fit for the ride when you are ready.

96. Breath Efficiently

Is this surprising? Breathing is a basic human function – the reason we are alive. Shallow breathing causes reduced oxygen supply, leading to low concentration and energy levels. Try to fill up your lungs with good amounts of oxygen by practicing deeper breaths. This will leave you more relaxed and focused.

97. Strength Training

Dirt bike riding demands lot of muscular energy to be at your best. As a beginner, you might easily think that the bike does the big work. This is not true. Taking parts in activities such as lifting weights, sit-ups, chin-ups, and push-ups will help you improve your muscular strength – and of course, you would be better able to handle the bike and negotiate your way through potential obstacles.

98. Switch it Up

The goal of engaging in exercise is to ensure you remain in the best shape for your ride. As such, engaging in only a specific fitness program would only condition your body muscles, and this could leave you at risk of injury. Switching things up will keep all parts of your body and muscles in optimal condition.

99. Manage Your Workouts

Workouts and exercises are great, but in order to ensure your body is in the best possible shape before you get on your bike, do not engage in workouts all day.

100. Rest

As much as exercise is important, proper rest helps you relax your mind and be charged up for the dirt bike riding experience ahead.

The post 100 Dirt Bike Riding Tips and Techniques for Beginners appeared first on Dirt Bike It.

Is it Easy to Find Neutral Gear on Your Dirt Bike?

First time dirt bike riders often have a hard time finding the neutral gear on their bike. You, among thousands of newbie dirt bikers, will discover it takes a bit of practice and pulse to master the neutral gear. Either you’ll go into first or second gear and the bike’s motor will make a full stop, or you may start in gear without knowing it. For those on automatic bikes, it’s easier because there’s a light indicator for neutral.

But for manual dirt bikes (just the way we like ‘em!), finding the neutral shift takes practice. Neutral is between the first and second gear.To shift into neutral, stomp down the gear (maybe even a couple of times) to ensure you are in the bottom gear. The bottom gear is the first gear. Then lift it up to just a hair – ever so lightly. If you feel a click, that indicates you’ve missed the neutral and gone to second gear. Practice getting into the middle of the first and second gears to give your foot memory of what it feels like, until it becomes second nature for you to get into it.

Reasons for Neutral Shift Positioning on the Dirt Bike

A neutral shift means all gears are disengaged,so while the engine is running, the wheels won’t be turning. 1st to 5th gears mean the wheels are engaged and the bike is running. If you have limited experience with dirt bikes, you might think putting the neutral gear in between the 1st and 2nd gears isstrange, but there are valid reasons for this positioning:

• It is more of a priority to find the 1st gear than to find the neutral gear, so motorbike designers made 1st gear at the bottom to make it easy to run. Neutral is backed up by the clutch lever when disengaging the gears, meaning you can always pull in the clutch if you can’t find the neutral shift to disengage the gears.
• It is handy for the neutral gear to be in the middle of the 1st and 2nd gears because in a stop and start situation, such as in traffic waiting for a green light, there is no trouble getting from neutral to 1st. When you are stopped in traffic, you put the gear to neutral to ensure you won’t keep moving. And when the green light appears, you act fast and kick the gear to 1st to start running. This avoids confusion and ensures you aren’t stalled in traffic.
• Putting neutral in between is a safety precaution during stop and go situations, to avoid stalling or unnecessary acceleration. If the neutral is at the bottom of the lever, it would be harder for you to move forward when necessary.

Dirt bike riding takes a lot of practice to be able to tame the beast – both the one that’s within you who wants to ride fast and hard, and the real beast that you sit on that gives you the feeling of freedom, enjoyment and satisfaction.

Dirt Bike Gears 101

Dirt bikes, like any mechanical moving vehicle, are about motion and control. A gear’s function is to direct the power of the engine to the speed that you want or need. This gives you control over the speed of the bike. It increases the efficiency of the engine relative to the speed needed or wanted and stabilizes the power until you shift to another speed level. The lever on the left side of the bike is the shifter that changes the gear chosen in the transmission. Different gears are selected depending on the road type and engine speeds. It is to keep the engine running optimally within that power range relative to the speed. As the gear goes higher, the dirt bike goes faster. Here is the order of the gears on the lever:

• 5th or 6th (depending on the model of your dirt bike);
• 4th;
• 3rd;
• 2nd;
• Neutral;
• 1st.

This order of gears on the lever isstandard, but like in any standard there are some exceptions. Here are the exceptions to this standard order:

1. Racing bikes that put neutral down at the base, so it is easier to accelerate when turning corners.
2. Bikes with automatic transmissions such as for kids’ 50cc or 110cc.
3. Commuter-type bikes made for urban roads that put neutral at the bottom to make riders more comfortable during traffic. They don’t have to hold in the clutch or find neutral between gears because they just have to step down on the lever.

As you shift to a higher gear, the bike will rev up to speed. This is measured with a tachometer that bases the measurement on the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the engine. The usual range is 800 RPM up to the redlined RPM; that’s the limit before the engine incurs damage. The standard for non-racers is 1000-4500 RPM.

Clutch Hacks: To Squeeze or Not ToSqueeze When Shifting

Manual transmission dirt bikes are still the preferred bikes of racers and weekend riders. For some reason this gives the rider more control over the bike, and for most riders, once they’ve mastered manual, it’s a piece of cake riding and racing. Like in cars, dirt bike transmissions use the clutch to shift through the gears. The clutch holds or lets loose the transmission that connects the engine to the gears. It allows you to get the bike running, shift from one gear level to another, and make a full stop.

For a beginner, it’s best to practice using the clutch, shift lever, gas and brakes on a flat surfaced road, like a parking or vacant lot where there are no cars or other big objects that you might crash into. Here is the 101 on using the clutch:

1. To start the bike, hold on or press it with the left hand while simultaneously pressing on the gas throttle on the right handle.Make sure you are on first gear. Then gradually release the clutch to start the bike while holding the throttle of the gas. Once the bike is moving keep the throttle at a level that will not drown the engine with gas.
2. Holding and pressing the clutch lever disengages the transmission – to engage gradually release the lever. When you want to shift a gear up, say, from 1st to 2nd, press the clutch lever, close the throttle of the gas, then kick the shift lever up a notch. Then gradually release the clutch to engage the transmission and let the engine run in 2nd gear while applying the throttle or gas. This process happens in nanoseconds and takes time and practice to become skillful in. It is best to ride first on an open and flat space rather than a dirt road, or an open and flat dirt road with minimal objects to crash into.
3. To stop, squeeze the clutch lever, close the gas throttle, and squeeze the brake lever until the bike makes a full stop.

These are the 3 basic skills you have to practice before going off-road dirt biking. It takes balance, coordination and mental focus to master these skills. And believe it or not, amateur and pro bikers have taken their beating mastering these skills and proudly show their battle scars. There are two advantages in really practicing and knowing these skills:

1. You are being good to your engine. In return, it will save you a lot of headaches from worn out transmissions and engines.
2. It hones the motorand coordination skills that you will need as you progress, going to competitions or just off-roading with your friends. And being a good dirt bike rider also keeps you from unwanted falls or accidents.

Some riders disagree with the practice of using the clutch all the time. There are two schools of thought on utilizing the clutch: the non-use of the clutch during downshifts; and not using the clutch at all – both on the down and up shifts. Here are the opinions of riders on these practices:

• First you have to understand that when you are shifting up to higher gear, you use the clutch to disengage the transmission, to go to a higher level, at the same time revving up the engine for more power and adjusting to the new level of gear. Prior to shifting, the transmission has torque and thrust; you need to remove this before going to a higher gear, so you use the clutch. A downshift does not require disengagement of transmission because you are requiring less torque and force. And that’s the reason why you are going to a lower gear level in the first place, you are lowering the momentum or force and slowing down.
• Some pro and amateur riders on the other hand, forget about the clutch and just shift up or down. Their take is the clutch doesn’t really make a difference; transmission and engine only get a slight beating or none at all. And the proof in this case is that their bikes, transmission and engine are still in running condition; as they should be. The reason behind no clutch driving is the mechanical parts of a dirt bike are smothered if not submerged in oil and multi-plated. The oil protects these parts from wear and tear. So using the clutch isn’t mandatory like in a car but an elective or preference of the rider.

Whatever you decide to do with the clutch, to use it or not is still be up to you, the rider. Since you are a newbie, the best thing to do is just start practicing on or off dirt roads – as long as it’s a flat surface with few hurdles or obstacles, such as cars, stones or tree trunks. Practice, and if you fall down, get back up and ride again. As you invest your time riding, you become accustomed to the feel of the levers, throttle and sounds of the dirt bike.

The post How to Find Neutral on Your Dirt Bike For Beginners appeared first on Dirt Bike It.

How to Ride a Dirt Bike Like a Pro

For those of you who are looking to find out how to ride a dirt bike like a pro, you are in luck. We have compiled a whole list of tips for you so that you can get the most out of your dirt bike riding experience.

Inspection Checklist for Before you go Dirt Bike Riding

In all likelihood, if you rely only on memory, you won’t remember everything you need to inspect before you take your dirt bike out for a ride, necessitating that you keep a checklist handy before you go out to ride. If your bike is not properly inspected for the various factors listed here before the ride, you risk causing serious damage to it in both the short and long runs. Consider the checklist you keep a part of maintaining your bike, working it into your overall routine, keeping your bike running smoothly for years on end, making each ride glitch-free and memorable. So, don’t rely on memory but write your checklist down, lest in the flurry of activity you forget something essential. The checklist that follows applies equally for dune riding, trail riding and motocross. While some items on the checklist can be dealt with at home, others can only be dealt with once you have reached your destination. Therefore, keep a printed copy of the checklist with you, or store it in your tablet or smartphone, some place you can easily access it from anywhere.

Check the Oil Level

In all probability, this is something you will remember without being reminded to but check to make sure that your bike doesn’t run low on oil. It will cause tremendous damage to the engine if it does. Make sure, also, that you change the oil at the appropriate times.

Check the Air Filter

This is pretty much as important as checking the oil, but just to make sure that you remember to, keep it on your checklist.

Check the Level of the Coolant

Checking the coolant level is essential for riding of all types, but particularly more so when it comes to dune riding. This additionally serves as a great method of checking whether or not your bike has some sort of leak as well as checking for other problems with your bike’s engine.

Check the Fluid Level of the Brake

This is similar to checking the level of the coolant in that it’s a great method to identify other underlying problems. The fluid ought not to change a lot, if it changes at all. Should your brakes feel spongy, it signifies that it is time your brake fluid was changed.

Check Sprocket and Chain for Wear

This check is fairly easy. Examine your sprockets to check that its teeth are worn, cupped or bent. Examine the chain for rush as well as for signs that it has corroded. Corrosion manifests as a wear pattern that is flat on the bottom of the top. The whole drive will have to be replaced if you see these signs.

Check Lube and Chain Slack

This is strongly connected to checking the sprocket and chain for wear. Once you have done that part, make sure that the slack is at the ideal level for riding. After that, to adequately lubricate, apply a fresh coat. Between two and three fingers of slack is a good guideline to check on chain sag.

Tighten the Spokes

Take a few minutes to quickly tighten each of the spokes. Don’t use your finger to check; make use of the proper tool. Make sure you check on every third one till all of them have been checked.
All the Nuts and Bolts have to be Tightened
After tightening the spokes, check the nuts and bolts keeping your bike intact.

Check the Control Levers and Adjust them

Make sure that everything feels and works fine. Ensure that the levers remain in the optimal position they were in during your last riding day. Adjust them well before the riding commences.
Setting the Sag
Another important aspect to check is the distance between the swing and the fender arm first. Do this first while the rider is off of the bike and next with the rider sitting on the bike. Should you have sag over 105mm, turn the spanner ring in a clockwise direction, adding free-load to the shock spring.

Checking Air Pressure

The air pressure does change according to elevation. Therefore, check this right before you get on your bike to ride. Don’t check the air pressure in your tires at home. Wait until you are in the place where you’re going to ride.

Bleeding the Forks

This is another item you should leave until you are at your destination. Like tires, air in the works also changes according to elevation.

Check the Gas

This is another essential part of successful dirt bike riding.
Once you have checked every item on this checklist, you are ready to go dirt bike riding.

Starting the Bike

Dirt bikes don’t come with keys. They are either kickstart or electric start, requiring either kicking a pedal or pushing a button.
There is a difference between simply starting your dirt bike and starting it properly. If you are observant at riding trails and tracks, you are bound to see people struggling with starting their bikes. There are two forms of starting your dirt bike, the cold start and the hot start.

The Cold Start

The cold start refers to starting your dirt bike while your engine is still cold. This is the case when you first set out to ride on any given day. First of all, make sure that your gas tank is full and, in case the bike’s got a petcock, turn on the gas. Pull the bike’s choke or its starter valve if this applies to your bike. Make sure your bike is in neutral. Then hold in the clutch levers and your front brake. Now you are ready to kick start your bike.

If you’re on a 2 stroke bike, kick swiftly and fully, this being the most common method to start 2 strokes.
If, on the other hand, you ride a 4 stroke, slowly push the kick starter up and down, gently cranking the engine. When you sense that the engine is ready, kick fully, making a full stroke. If you keep using short kicks, the bike won’t start.

There are newer models of dirt bikes that are fuel injected, and come without batteries, having an energy-storing capacitor in their place, operating the injector and fuel pump. If this capacitor sits doing nothing for long time periods, is loses energy, similar to dead batteries, preventing your bike from starting. If this happens, the problem can be solved by rolling the kick starter a few times, charging the capacitor, giving the injector and fuel pump the energy requires to provide fuel to the engine.
Once you have started your dirt bike, allow it to idle, reaching operating temperature. Then switch off the starter valve or choke and go ride your dirt bike.

The Hot Start

The engine can shut off once the bike is up and running due to a variety of reasons, such as the rider mishandling the bike’s clutch or in the event of a crash. Many bikers struggle to get the bike re-started at this point and can grow extremely frustrated, panic setting in as their competition races ahead, or their friends continue riding. One of the most important things to do if this happens is to stay relaxed. Impatience simply robs you of focus, preventing you from realizing that you’re going about starting your bike in the wrong way. Make sure you don’t use the choke in such a scenario, instead using the hot start. Make sure your bike is in neutral. Hold in the clutch levers and the front break. On the compression stroke, roll your kick starter to a full stroke. Ensure that you don’t repeatedly twist the throttle, something that can happen when you’re frustrated and impatient, something that only floods the bike’s engine. Kickstart your bike. While you’re caught up in the middle of doing all this it may feel like it’s taking a long time, like five minutes but in reality, the whole process takes around five seconds. It’s something you do in the correct manner all the time but forget to do in the heat of the moment. So, take a deep breath and re-start your bike correctly or you’ll flood your engine and possibly damage your bike.

Clutch Control and Shifting

Learning how to use a clutch on a dirt bike can seem like a daunting prospect, pressurizing a rider whose hands and feet are already busy with the gas and breaks. And yet it is relatively simple, similar to using stick shift while driving a car, many of the same principles applying. Once you get a handle on it and it becomes second nature to you, you will wonder what on earth you were worrying about. If you’ve only driven automatic vehicles before this or haven’t yet reached driving age, you may have difficulty understanding the concepts laid down here, at least at first. But once you develop a firm grasp over the principles of using the clutch on your dirt bike, it will never trouble you again, and it will be a skill that can easily transfer to driving stick shift cars as well.
You will find the clutch on the handlebars’ left side, similar in appearance to the brake lever that is located on the right side. To help you remember, just keep in mind that the gas and brakes are together, the gas being the right grip, the ideal spot for the lever for brakes.

The clutch pedal in stick shift cars and the clutch lever in dirt bikes work identically to one another. Changing gears in a stick shift requires pressing down on the clutch. Just as you push the car’s clutch pedal with the left foot, so too you press the dirt bike’s clutch lever using the left hand.

Just before the left boot peg of your dirt bike you will find the shifter through which you shift through the gears. Your left foot can easily access it, enabling you to shift through the gears quite easily as you’re racing through the trail or on a track. And exactly like it does with a car, it takes practice over time to get the hang of shifting through the gears using your left foot, pressing the clutch with your left hand and controlling the brakes and gas with your right hand.

The ideal way to practice and become comfortable while using the clutch on your dirt bike is by first finding a flat and open stretch of land. Make sure there are minimal obstructions in the path you’re going to ride on.

The first step is to start your bike. Once the engine is running, become acquainted with the gas and the clutch, both of which have to be employed in unison to get you moving. When you start your bike is in neutral, between the first and second gears. Shift down in order to hit the first gear; shift up to hit the second and third gears and so on. To get into first gear, squeeze down on the clutch just like you would the brake to stop your bike. While the clutch is squeezed, push your bike’s shifter down using the left foot. This will put you in first gear.
Then, exactly like you would do while driving a car, slowly release the clutch from your left grip while rotating your right wrist to give the bike some gas. This will start you moving. Be careful to follow this process using the right balance; if you release the clutch too soon your bike will stop; if you give it more gas than required your bike is going to take off and leave you lying on the ground. So, remember to release the clutch slowly, simultaneously giving gas to the bike.

When you have done this correctly, the bike will ride along smoothly, you having completely released the clutch. You will also be giving it some more gas. You will be able to hear the RPMs rising and the bike will not go a lot faster. Now is the time to try getting into second gear. The same process is repeated: you squeeze on the clutch, pressing the shifter up and then release. This time, you will not have to be as careful with your release of the clutch as you did when you went from neutral to first.

You can repeat the process once more to get into third gear from second and so forth. The majority of bikes possess five gears; others have four; and yet others six. Should you forget the use the clutch, a grinding sound from your bike’s transmission will let you know of the fact. If you do not use the clutch to change gears, you will eventually have to replace your transmission.
For down shifting, press the lever down with your foot. This is the most challenging aspect of learning to shift gears manually on your dirt bike. Since the boots worn while dirt bike riding are big and a lot less flexible than sneakers, you may face difficulty shifting the lever up and down with them. However, time and practice will improve the situation immensely.
Make sure you remove your foot from the shifter and place it on the peg while riding or else you may find yourself pressing on the shifter accidentally, not holding the clutch, damaging your transmission. Eventually, with time and practice, the process will become second nature to you, and you will learn to juggle all the variables without thinking twice about it.

How to Properly Use Your Brake

A lot of people don’t know this, but there are actually three brakes in your dirt bike. There’s the front brake, located on the right side of the handle bar, the rear brake, located near the right foot peg, and the engine brake, which is shifting down without the clutch in. When you’re just getting started with dirt bike riding, leave your front break alone for the most part, focusing more on the rear break. As a general rule, as beginners we use the rear brake 70% of the time and the front brake 30%. As you gain more experience on your dirt bike, that ratio will adjust itself until it’s about 50-50. If you’re riding in sand, you will end up using a little more of the rear brake and a little less of the front. If, on the other hand, you’re on tacky terrain, you will end up using more of the front brake and less of the rear, the ratio being around 70-30 in favor of the front brake.

Body Position While Braking

Stand on the bike in the central standing position, your knees firmly gripping the bike to prevent you from falling over on the rough terrain, your hips stacked firmly over the pegs, your weight towards the back of the bike. Make sure your foot moves from the front to the back while you’re braking. Also make sure that your toes don’t protrude outwards, robbing your knees of their squeezing power. When you brake you have to keep your body position balanced. The harder you apply the brakes, the further back and lower over the bike you want your body to be; the less you apply the brakes, the less back your body has to be. So, when you’re powering forward, keep your body forward; when you apply the brakes, move your body back, using your hips to guide your motion. A good drill to practice your body position is to set up two cones and ride through them, powering forward (your hips and body move forward) through the first cone, and braking (your hips and body move back) when you reach the second cone. Once you get adept at this drill, try doing it with one hand, making sure that your upper body isn’t engaged when your brake. Your upper body doesn’t need to be engaged, as it is your lower body that does the balancing for you.

Gas: What to Use, What to Watch Out For?

Once you have changed the oil in your bike, installed a new clean air filter, added fresh coolant, installed a new pipe and checked your tires, you need to pick the best motocross gas for your bike. You won’t find a pump station that specializes in motocross gas near the track, so you have to know beforehand what you’re looking for.

87, 89, 92 and race fuel all work with your 4-stroke bike. For your 2-stroke, you will need to blend whichever gas you use with a premix. You can save money by opting for the cheaper 87 octane or, if you want to spend more, you could go for the 92 to take you faster. But they all more or less accomplish the same task: starting your engine, getting you around wherever you go riding.
Generally speaking, each gasoline company acquires its gas using the very same pipeline. Once they have the gas, each company adds its own special ingredient, each making the case that their product is the best. These companies then hire the very same distributor to provide their fuel to the various individual stations.

There’s no point in fussing over whatever merit the additives might possess; whatever they add after production isn’t really significant. However, some people believe that their dirt bikes are more suited to one company’s fuel than another’s, or that the expensive gas burns better than the cheap one. However, we recommend that you don’t fuss too much over what gas you use. The tire pressure has more of an impact on how your bike rides that the gas you use.

Racing fuel is more expensive that regular gasoline and has a nice smell, but it probably won’t provide beginners with any tangible benefits. Racing fuel is for the pros who possess the means and the skills and the bike setup to extract a minor gain in performance from it. If you’re competing with the greatest riders that the world has to offer in a competition, racing fuel could make the difference between you ending up in the first place and second. But when you’re riding with amateurs, people just trying to have some fun, racing fuel can be a bit of a waste of money. You would be better off spending the money you save by purchasing ordinary 87 octane gas on aftermarket upgrades, buy new parts that will serve you will on the track.

If, however, your dirt bike has been tuned to run at higher octane, you will need to make an investment in high octane fuel. The higher compression piston, for instance, may cause detonation of the fuel (resulting in knocking) as opposed to burning, affecting performance. Make sure you check your dirt bike’s owner’s manual for this. The majority of fuel that is not ethanol-based rates in at 90 octane and is recommended for dirt bikes.

We recommend that you avoid ethanol-based gas wherever possible. These days you may find it difficult to locate gas that is not ethanol-based. But if you can, use it, even if you have to pay extra. Otherwise, if you have no other choice, use ethanol-based gas. It will work fine and not encumber the bike’s performance. Even then we recommend that you avoid using fuel whose ethanol concentration is over 10%.

The reason for this is that fuel that is ethanol-based causes corrosion, ethanol attracting moisture, moisture that corrodes important parts of the engine over time. As a result, you should always burn off every drop of ethanol-based fuel that is in your tank. Then drain the bike’s tank. You may want to add fuel stabilizer to it if the ethanol-based fuel has been in the tank for a long period of time. Otherwise it will ultimately gel, clogging the jets.

2-Stroke Premixes: Which One To Use on Your Dirt Bike?

2-stroke engines require what is referred to as a premix, a mixture of oil and gasoline. The oil lubricates the engine, burning off along with the gas while you are riding. Preparing a premix is easy, requiring you to pour into a container of gasoline the quantity of 2-stroke oil necessary (a ratio of about 30-1), mix the two together, then pour the resulting mixture into the fuel tank of your dirt bike.

There are four kinds of 2-stroke oils in existence: a blend of caster and synthetic, synthetic, castor/ester-based and petroleum based.
A blend of castor and synthetic

This is a bestseller 2-stroke oil. Castor oil and synthetic oil combined complete each other, each providing a benefit that the other doesn’t. This is why this is the most popular amongst the 2-stroke oils. It prevents the power valve from gumming up. And in case of the engine overheating, castor oil provides protection that synthetic oil can’t. A great example of this type of oil is the Maxima Castor 927, combining castor oil that has been highly refined with synthetic oil, addressing the problem with gumming and yet retaining the properties of lubrication in case of the engine overheating.

Synthetic oil

This kind of oil is excellent at providing lubrication to the engine and it used with a lot of new cars. It’s lubrication qualities are especially beneficial in small 2-stroke engines. However, if you run the engine excessively lean, it burns the oil within the bike’s combustion chamber and leaves it unprotected, susceptible to overheating. Synthetic oil works well for pernickety riders, whose fussy nature prevents them from having an engine that runs too lean. A good example of this is the pro Honda 2-stroke racing oil, which is completely synthetic, and used in many dirt bikes of different types.

Castor-based oil

Castor oil is immensely popular, not burning within combustion chambers of dirt bikes, even if you do run excessively lean. This distinguishes it from other oils. Castor oil has been in use in dirt bikes longer than many other oils. Its primary advantage is that it protects the engine even if it does get excessively hot. Castor oil results in the creation of a film, a film that is beneficial on important parts of the engines, particularly when you cold-start a bike. The film also prevents rust from forming. However, this same film causes problems with the power valve, gumming it up. That is why, in recent times, castor oil has become less popular with the newer riders of dirt bikes. A good example is Klotz Benol Castor Oil, which addressing the problem with clogging by being degummed, and still provides hot engines with protection.

Petroleum-based oil

This oil is no longer commonly used, if it is used at all, when it comes to engines in dirt bikes. Its primary disadvantage is that it doesn’t provide much lubrication for your bike’s engine, being too similar to gasoline. Some manufacturers have tried to address this problem, blending it with synthetic and/or castor oil. Maxima Super M does this pretty well. But generally speaking, you will do better to go with one of the options mentioned above.

To sum up, then, petroleum-based oil is no longer considered a viable option on account of it mixing too well with gasoline. Castor based oil is a fantastic option, offering protection to engines when they overheat. However, a problem is that is gums the valves up. Synthetic oil has outstanding lubrication qualities but places the engine at risk of burn-out should you run your bike too lean. And finally, a blend of synthetic and castor oil combines the benefits of both, addressing all issues equally well.

At the end of the day, the oil you choose depends upon your own personal preference. A lot of the time, brand loyalty enters the equation. But the most important consideration ought to be what is best-suited to your bike.

Crash Like a Pro

It is inevitable: once you start riding dirt bikes it is only a matter of time before you crash. You have to know how to crash in the safest manner possible to avoid or at least minimize injuries. The first thing you can do to crash as safely as possible is to employ an AGATT (all the gear all the time) policy. Make sure you’re wearing all your protective gear at all times when going dirt bike riding. Your protective gear includes a helmet, goggles, gloves, body armor (not just a roost guard), knee pads, elbow pads and good quality boots. If you want extra protection (for example if you’re going to be doing lots of jumps) then wear a neck brace.

According to research, 65% of injuries resulting from dirt bike riding occur below the waist. So, here is a tip to help you avoid injuries to your shin or foot when you crash. Never stick your feet out to try and avoid a crash. If you do stick a foot out, the bike will likely fall on that foot and injure it badly or the foot will get caught between the ground and the bike’s machinery, resulting in some other horrific injury. Try keeping your foot on the peg designed for it in the event of a crash.

You can use your foot while riding to place on the ground to keep stable. It’s something even the pros do. Just be careful to keep the foot parallel to the bike and way out, far from the foot peg. Bring the foot back in if you feel like you’re going to crash. If the bike falls on your leg with your foot safely on the peg, you probably won’t hurt yourself, not that badly at any rate.
When you do crash, don’t get caught up in the heat of the moment, particularly if you’re racing, and get up to get on your bike. There is still a significant chance that the adrenaline is blocking your pain. Or you may still hurt yourself more by getting up too soon.

If you crash in the middle of a race and find that you’re not too hurt, be sure not to rush back to your bike. Look both ways and retain an awareness of oncoming traffic before you make your way back to your bike. If you crash and land on the track, get off of it as soon as you can.

Rider Body Position

You cannot simply get on your dirt bike and sit ‘naturally.’ Perhaps you can afford to sit on your hips when you are briefly on flat roads. However, once you are off-road, you need to sit in the proper rider position. When you’re riding a trail in the woods you can put your hips on the seat, making yourself comfortable and staying casual. Once, however, you see a bumpy stretch of land or one full of potholes, you need to get in the proper riding position. This also applies if you are riding on a trial that is particularly aggressive.

The most crucial aspect of the correct riding position is that you stand up using the two foot pegs to bear your weight. This way your body and legs will soak up the shocks that result from a bouncy trail. If you remain seated on your hips, you risk injuring your back and spine while riding.

Keep your back as straight as possible while standing up on the two pegs. Stick your elbows out, keeping with parallel with the handlebar. This will give you more power as well as reaction time while you are turning.

Make sure that the balls of your feet are on the two foot pegs as opposed to your feet’s heels. This is particularly important when it comes to your right foot. If you don’t do this your right food could accidentally press on the brake pedal.

Push Your Head Forward Enough That It Keeps Your Chin Right Above the Handlebar.

The proper riding position isn’t anywhere near as comfortable as sitting on your bum, but you need it for your own safety when negotiating the bumpy terrain. In the proper riding position, you can overcome pretty much any obstacle that comes your way. It may appear insignificant, but it greatly reduces your chances of crashing.
It is quite taxing to maintain the proper riding position over long rides. Therefore, sit down, relax when you reach the easy parts. However, be ever-ready to spring back into the right position should the need for shock absorption and extra power arise.

Dirt Bike Track Riding Tips

Motocross racing happens to be an extremely demanding sport, requiring determination, dexterity and strength. If you’re headed to the track for the first time you may feel intimidated. Make sure you have plenty of practice before you do this and can ride your bike competently.

Practice

It is said that practice makes perfect. This is especially true for dirt bike riding. You need to practice enough that you feel at one with the bike. Once you really know how your bike responds to various situations you will be prepared too. You need to anticipate what’s ahead to be successful. So hop onto your bike and keep riding whenever you can.

Jumps
A lot of people get into dirt bike riding so that they can replicate the amazing jumps they’ve seen other riders perform. Jumping your bike is not easy to do. It is best to start slow, easing your way into it. After all, some bikes weigh over 300 pounds. Launching yourself into the air while straddling one of them and then landing safely on both feet is not easy. You will need to have arms and legs that are pretty strong and then some courage to actually do it too. However, once you get the hang of it, you will have plenty of fun. I would not recommend to even think about jumping at this point. Right now you are learning new things so master them first before even considering more advanced things.

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