Dirt bikes, also known as off-highway motorcycles, are popular primarily among young males, who enjoy the hard riding and racing that is a step up from other "outlaw" sports like skateboarding and BMX bike riding. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 2001 to 2004, almost 24,000 teens were injured each year. Taking the time to check your bike, your gear and your trail will help you ride more safely.
Mounting and Dismounting
When you mount your bike, make sure at least one hand is on the handlebar, pressing down on the brake, so the bike doesn't move as you get on. Don't jump on the bike with both feet leaving the ground; make sure one foot is in contact with the ground while you swing the other foot over the seat, then on to the ground on the opposite side.
Controls
Familiarize yourself with the bike's controls before you turn the engine on. Make sure you know where each of the following components are and how to use them before you begin riding: brakes, throttle, clutch (if equipped), shift lever (if equipped) and engine stop switch.
Tires and Wheels
Check your tires and wheels before each ride to make sure they are properly inflated and that there is no damage to the spokes or rims. Check the rubber for knicks, cuts or scratches that may signify the tire is about to blow, or may not stand up to hard riding. Make sure all axle nuts are tight.
Other Parts
Check your chain to make sure it's on correctly and properly lubricated. Check all the nuts and bolts on the bike---they may have come loose during your last ride. This is especially important on the handlebars. Look for cracks on any part of the bike, which may grow and cause a parts failure during your next ride.
Protective Gear
Make sure you are completely protected against crashes with the proper clothing, padding, eyewear and other protection. The most important piece of protective gear is your helmet. Buy a helmet that fits you---don't borrow a friend's, especially if they are younger or older than you. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends buying a helmet that is approved by an organization like the Department of Transportation, American National Standards Institute or the Snell Memorial Foundation. Goggles will keep flying debris, especially from other bikers in front of you, from hitting you in the eyes. Gloves will protect you from burns and from skidding if you wipe out. Elbow and knee pads provide added protection, as will long-sleeve shirts and pants. Wear shoes, not sandals or flip flops, which may come loose while riding and which won't protect you if you fall off the bike or tangle with another rider. Consider investing in over-the-calf boots to protect you from burns, scratches, cuts and other mishaps. Finally, depending on how hard you'll be riding, you should consider buying a chest and/or shoulder protector.
Practice Area
Before you begin riding on trails, find a practice area and practice starting, stopping, turning, accelerating and leaning in and out of turns. Use cones or other obstacles to simulate tight turns you may have to make on the trail. Remember, unless your dirt bike is a dual-purpose machine, off-highway motorcycles are not made for hard pavements, so don't practice on your driveway, on your street or in an empty parking lot.
Check the Terrain
Before you hit the trail at full speed, ride it slowly, looking for debris, potholes, roots, objects hidden under leaves and other potential hazards. Don't assume a puddle is not actually a deep hole or covering an object which could damage your bike or cause a crash.
Member Comments