How to Safely Ride Your Dirt Bike

Off-road motorcycles are designed to tackle difficult terrain at high speeds. This makes for a thrilling ride but also poses some safety risks. You can't prevent every accident, but you can take steps to make your dirt bike ride safer. Below we cover strategies to stay safe while riding your off-road bike. If you want more tips or want to look at dirt bikes for sale, visit McKibben Powersports Honda. We are located in Winter Haven, Florida. We also proudly serve those in Lakeland and Kissimmee, Florida.

Get the Right Gear

Safe off-road motorcycle riding starts with safety gear. A common mantra in the dirt bike community is, "dress for the crash, not for the ride." The idea is always gear up as if you were going to crash that day. If you don't crash, nothing is lost. If you do crash, you'll be grateful that you are well-protected!

First, you'll need head protection. It's not enough to simply throw on any old helmet. You need a well-fitting and crash-tested model to get the protection you seek. You'll also need to make sure it's under five years old since that's when the binding begins falling apart.

Next, you'll need eye protection. As you ride your off-road bike, you face kicked-up dust, debris, and dirt that can get into your eyes. If your helmet comes with a visor, you'll be set. If not, you'll want a sturdy pair of goggles.

Next, you'll want full-length outerwear to protect your skin. It can help prevent scratches and scrapes as you cruise around on the trail. It can also offer some protection against the unrelenting sun. If you'll be riding in the heat, look for material that is lightweight and breathable to keep you cool.

Finally, get a pair of gloves. Bare hands can struggle to manipulate the controls, whether they are slick from sweat or shivering from cold. Gloves help shield your skin from the elements and improve your grip so you can more safely steer your off-road bike.

Avoid Poor Weather

While your dirt bike is designed for challenging terrain, it isn't well-suited for terrible weather conditions. Always check the forecast before you head out for the trail. If there's going to be heavy winds or rain, stay home. If you get caught in a fluke storm, use your best judgment on whether you should keep riding or wait it out.

Avoid Paved Roads

Your off-road motorcycle is well-suited for dirt roads and natural paths. It isn't made for the highway and doesn't come with the right lighting or safety features. Stay where your dirt bike is intended to go.

Maintain Your Focus

Riding a dirt bike requires laser focus. You need to stay aware of the ever-changing trail, hazards such as potholes or animals darting in front of your path, and so on. Keep your body taken care of to keep your focus sharp. 

First, make sure you stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause brain fog and make it harder to focus. Always bring water on your off-road motorcycle ride. A convenient option is a hands-free hydration pack. Off-road bike riding is an athletic activity, so be sure to replace the moisture lost through sweat.

Second, be sure you are eating enough food. When you get hungry or your blood sugars dip, you can get lightweight and lose focus. Eat enough meals before your ride and bring snacks if needed.

We hope you found these tips helpful! If you are interested in checking out off-road motorcycles for sale, visit McKibben Powersports Honda. Our expert staff can make personalized recommendations on which dirt bikes best fit your lifestyle, so stop by today! We are located in Winter Haven, Florida, and proudly serve those in Lakeland and Kissimmee as well.