From the unpredictability of trails to overcoming obstacles on a motocross track, dirt biking is adventurous. To be good at it, you will need to practice every day, sharpen your skills and learn from failure.
There are a few things that you can do before actually starting the engine to ensure that your dirt bike is ready for action.
Table of Contents
1. Gear up well
Use an off-road helmet that comes with a chin guard. Invest in a pair of goggles to protect your eyes from dust and dirt. Full body armor helps reduce the risk of a severe injury whenever you ride a dirt bike. Also, get a good riding jacket and gloves. Make sure that your gloves are made of leather, which can be easily cleaned. You will also need a good pair of boots to keep your feet protected.
2. Starting your bike
Familiarize yourself with the layout of the shifters and clutches of your bike. With your bike in neutral position, turn the fuel on but don’t fill it up. Hold the clutch lever with your left hand and push down on the gas pedal while simultaneously pulling up on the starter lever with your right hand. When you pull the starter handle, rev it a couple of times to prime it. Drive off slowly and then move to a higher gear as soon as you feel confident riding at a higher speed.
3. Learning Shifting
Shifting can be a challenging task. Learn the lower and the higher gears for control over speed. You need to set aside little time to practice shifting separately. Start on a small terrain and gradually work your way up. Continue practicing until you have confidence in your shifting skills.
4. Brake Techniques
Most dirt bikes have two brakes, a front-wheel brake and a rear-wheel brake. You will need to adjust your braking technique depending on the terrain. Bumpy terrains, for instance, require gentle braking while smoother need increased braking power. You can practice braking on different types of terrain.
