Dirt Bike Riding Tips

Many people say that a dirt bike is the hardest two-wheeled vehicle to ride. They aren't as intuitive as riding a motorcycle or driving a car. It takes time to get used to their unique driving style. But once you do, you'll enjoy a thrilling off-road adventure!

Here at Cycles of Jacksonville, we enjoy making things as easy as possible for you. We created the following beginner's guide to dirt bike riding. If you have any questions or need any dirt bike maintenance, visit our location in Jacksonville, Florida.

Riding Position

Ever seen a dirt bike race? You'll notice a common theme throughout the riders: a small amount of time is spent sitting down on the bike. While a dirt bike looks similar to a motorcycle, you ride it quite differently. With a dirt bike, you spend most of your time in a standing position. This helps you stay in better control since your limbs act as extra shock absorbers.

But you need to do more than stand - you need to align the parts of your body correctly. Position your head over the handlebars while you lean forward. Keep your elbows out and away from your torso. Use your knees to grip the gas tank. Position your feet so that they rest centered on the foot pegs (which improves your ability to control the levers). Engage your core and curve your back (which helps you turn and move the bike). Riding a dirt bike is a highly athletic activity, so it may take time to build up your endurance. But soon you'll be adopting the ideal riding position like a natural.

Braking and Clutching

Your dirt bike likely runs off of a front and rear braking system. The more powerful of the two is the front wheel (since your weight rests on it). But be careful not to hit that brake too hard! Otherwise, your brakes may lock and you could be thrown off your bike. You'll want to engage both brakes at the same time to get a smooth reduction in your speed.

Always keep two fingers hovering over your clutch. This makes it easy to shift gears at a moment's notice. One strategy is to slow down using your transmission. Some riders prefer downshifting before a corner, rather than engaging their brakes. This approach can also reduce the wear on your brakes.

Turning

Your dirt bike is capable of taking sharp, fast turns. But you won't be able to make those enviable jerks right away. It takes practice learning how a bike handles. As you approach turns, scan for bumps and grills. Seasoned veterans know how to tackle them in a way that doesn't hurt their ability to take a turn. But newbies will want to approach them with caution.

When you get near your turn. lean yourself into it and begin slowing down. At the same time, transfer your weight to the front of the dirt bike. This will put more traction on the tire which makes it easier to stay in control of it.

For all your dirt bike needs, visit Cycles of Jacksonville. If you are looking to buy, check out our selection of new and used dirt bikes. We offer a range of makes and models, making it easy to find the perfect option for your budget and riding level. We also operate a parts replacement and service department. If your dirt bike is experiencing issues, our expert staff can get it running like new. We proudly serve those in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Orlando, Florida. Stop by for a visit today!