Despite its association with reckless bikers, off-roading can be an invigorating experience. It is a chance to explore new terrains and revel in the freedom of being out among nature’s element – experiencing all that it has to offer!
Despite the potential for exhilarating excitement, riding dirt bikes is far more taxing than navigating city streets or even traversing backcountry trails; with so many obstacles lurking around every corner, there’s simply no way around it!
To avoid succumbing to the most common pitfalls encountered by dirt bike riders, you must equip yourself with knowledge about what not to do on your scoot. Here are seven noteworthy mistakes which could result in disaster if not avoided!
1. Towing in the rear wheel
For those who may be unaware, towing your dirt bike behind you can be an exhilarating experience. However, this could present numerous challenges if not undertaken correctly.
The primary reason why you would want to pull alongside another rider is so that one can lend assistance when needed. This same principle applies for making a quick getaway from the law – it’s prudent to employ a designated companion whenever feasible!
However, in this case the situation does not require any assistance, especially if you possess some extra energy stored up within your rear wheel. Instead of taking advantage of such an opportunity to ride alongside someone else on their bicycle, it is far better to exploit this space and make good use of it!
2. Riding without a protective helmet
With the rise of popularity for dirt biking and its associated gear, it’s no surprise that accidents are on the rise as well.
Many deaths could be avoided if riders only wore helmets while riding their dirt bikes. Helmets are compulsory in any motorized sport that involves risks of injury; however, some may still find these inconvenient to don due to the extra bulk they can present when not necessary. Yet without fail, this decision offers the utmost protection against serious head trauma – making it all the more essential not to take chances when riding off-road!
3. Riding with loose and too long handle bars
Experienced riders frequently employ handle bars that are elongated and unbendable, which is what makes them such an effective choice for experienced off-road racers. A rigid bar provides a secure grip when cornering on demanding terrain, but it can also be a hazard for inexperienced dirt bike riders who may not yet have mastered the art of maneuvering without resorting to muscle control.
Unraveled handle bars could potentially interfere with your throttle control during abrupt turns when using the handlebars – leading to loss of momentum, crashes or even incurring injury. Ensure that your first ride out on your off-road machine doesn’t end up in tears due to mishandled controls; try shortening or eliminating any extended handles until you find one that feels most comfortable yet leaves enough room for additional adjustments if necessary.
4. Not using hand guards on the front wheel
At any given moment, a rider can be struck by an errant rock or missile flying through the air. Inclement weather conditions also pose a significant threat to riders’ safety. To prevent this from happening, it’s essential that hand guards are routinely used on dirt bikes as an important component of ensuring optimal control.
Hand guards were largely absent from the motorcycle world until relatively recently; however, modern models provide ample protection against unforeseen obstacles such as branches and stones thrown up amid rougher terrain.
If you’ve owned a dirt bike for awhile now, chances are your custodian has undoubtedly reinforced the front wheel with a set of hand guards.
5. Using wrong size tires
Regardless of your riding experience level or ambition, a suitable set of tires is essential for ensuring optimal traction on any type of terrain. Tire size depends upon the type of vehicle being ridden; however, some considerations such as dirt bike classifications can be rather extensive.
For instance, regular ATV riders utilize a standard tread pattern up to ATV 500cc’s and larger. Meanwhile based on tire size from small-displacement motocross bikes up to full-on race bikes with 6-inch rims are typically used by intermediate riders who want to venture into off-road 4X or dual sport disciplines.
Finally those who seek maximum traction often turn to higher rated models such as dual sport cruiser and enduros that feature knobby tread designs in order to gain an edge over competition.
6. Not using a lock when towing off-road
There’s no denying that traveling with a motorcycle or a dirt bike can be an exhilarating experience. However, there is still one danger that remains constant regardless of whether you are on your own machine or attempting to tow something behind it – theft!
That being said, securing your off-road transportation isn’t just about preventing the possibility of someone pilfering away your prized possession; it can also help prevent accidents if it should wind up tangled in trees.
7. Failing to get proper training
If you’re planning to ride off-road, there’s a good chance you’ll need to undertake some form of training.
While no amount of classroom instruction can fully prepare riders for the perils posed by nature and its hazardous terrain, it’s essential that they are informed about certain safety guidelines when venturing out into the wild! Ensure your dirt bike skills remain sharp with regular riding practice – even if it means enrolling in an organized course or practising on your own time.
Conclusion
Are you ready to assert your dominance over the treacherous terrain? If so, then it’s time to gear up for an epic journey.
Are you a Dirt Bike Rider? Then be sure to investigate the tips and tricks in order to ensure success! Share your thoughts below!
