Adrenaline junkies are drawn to going off-road adventuring on a dirtbike or off-road motorcycle. There is a thrill of going at high speeds through a forest on a dirt trail with lots of bumps and turns to keep things interesting. It is a popular sport these days and you can find trails just about everywhere so there is no shortage of possibilities to get out there.
It takes some planning for you to get the most out of an off-roading trip on a motorcycle, however. You have to plan things for safety and for enjoyment. In this article, we will go over some of the essentials to make sure that you are ready for your next adventure on a dirtbike.
1 – Safety gear
Staying safe should be your number one priority when you are planning an adventure off-road. There are a lot of ways to get injured so protecting yourself is very important. It should start with having the right gear.
A helmet is a piece of safety equipment that has to be carefully chosen. Look for ones that are made for dirt bikes since they have a specific design that allows you to see everything and be protected. Also, try to find a Bluetooth motorcycle helmet that allows you to communicate with the others that are out with you that day. This is important to alert others if you are in danger.
A jacket, pants, and gloves are also a must-have since if you were to fall and slide, ordinary clothing will not be able to protect you against abrasion from the ground. They are made with a special synthetic material that will resist abrasion and keep you from losing your skin.
Boots are also important and should be high enough to cover your ankle. Lots of rocks will be flying around and could break your ankle if it is not protected.
2 – Choose the right bike
It is highly inadvisable that you use a regular motorcycle built for the street in an off-road setting. You will no doubt damage the motorcycle and can even put yourself in danger. That doesn’t mean that a dirtbike is your only option, however. There are some motorcycles that look more like street versions that are built for going off-road.
Look for something lightweight that will be easy to pick up when you fall. It should also have lots of torque for getting through difficult terrain.
3 – Learn to stand up
You are going to be very active on the bike as you navigate the twists, turns, and bumps on a trail. This involves having to understand how to lean in the turn so you don’t fall over and also when to stand up and ride.
Riding while standing takes some practice since it is weird to balance yourself in this position. You’ll need to stand to change your center of gravity as well as to be able to absorb the shock caused by the uneven terrain.
