6 Dirt Bike Riding Mistakes You Should Know as a Beginner

So you have got yourself a new dirt bike and can’t wait to ride it.

Congratulations!

However, this is only the beginning of your off-road riding experience as a newbie. The truth is that dirt biking can be exhilarating and dangerous depending on how you approach it. So, as a new beginner, you’re bound to make mistakes. This is where we step in.

We are sharing common dirt riding mistakes several newbies make. So read this article till the end, take notes and don’t make these mistakes.

Not Using Protective Gear

Although full-face helmets like fox helmets, armoured jackets and riding pants may cost extra, they are essential for any dirt biker. At the very least, you should be using an off-road helmet with goggles.

But why?

A serious accident can have devastating consequences on your skull, including your eyes. Moreover, the last thing you’d want is getting poked in the eye with a twig, leading to a fatal crash. Don’t let this happen. Always wear protective gear, including goggles.

Overtaking Without Looking

Although overtaking is something you will do frequently when trail riding, it’s important to look out before taking action.

Why?

Well, without looking out, you could easily go hurtling into a bush or tree with disastrous consequences. Remember to look at the trail ahead and behind before moving forward.

If you are riding in a group, it is advised to take turns overtaking each other. This way, everyone will be safe from trees, bushes or any other obstacle on the trail.

Skidding & Falling Off The Bike

Experienced riders can skid to a halt in case there is an obstacle in their way, but beginners cannot do this. So when you feel that you are about to crash into something, it’s best to turn your front wheel away from it. Doing so will allow you to control your bike before it crashes.

But what about falling off the bike?

Well, this is most likely to happen when you are not in full control of the dirt bike. Riding over bumps and other obstacles can cause falls as well. However, there’s no need to panic. Falls are common in off-road riding. Simply get back on, check if you can ride again and give the throttle a few hard twists to get started!

Not Training Enough

Just like any other skill, if you don’t train regularly, you will not perform well. This is especially true for trail riding because your skills need to be at their best when riding over steep slopes.

Therefore, make sure you train for hours under an experienced rider. This way, it will be possible for you to ride safely on any terrain, regardless of how difficult it is.

Riding Casually

Riding a dirt bike is not something you can do casually because numerous factors need your attention while riding. For instance, the trail ahead can have sharp turns or obstacles. So it pays to keep your eyes open and be conscious of what’s going on.

Why is this a problem?

Well, if you don’t concentrate while riding, there is a good chance that you will end up crashing into something. This can cause permanent damage to your bike and injuries.

Not Checking The Bike Before Riding Off

As a beginner, you may not inspect your bike before leaving for an adventure. But you need to know how to check your bike during your training sessions. This will reduce the possibility of your dirt bike breaking down in the middle of nowhere.