Thrill of Off-Roading: Exploring the Beauty of Dirt Biking

As a motorcycle rider, you know there’s no greater joy than riding your bike on a lovely day and soaking in the beauty of nature. But off-roading could allow you to take this connection to nature a step further — and add a new level of thrill to a riding hobby. 

Motorcycle off-roading is a great sport for seasoned motorcyclists looking to up their game. Here’s everything you need to know as a new off-roader.  

What Is Motorcycle Off-Roading?

Off-roading is just what it sounds like — riding your motorcycle off the paved road and onto dirt, sand, grass, gravel, or other natural surfaces. Motorcycle off-roading is also known as “dirt biking.” 

You can’t just ride your usual motorcycle off the road and expect it to perform well. Doing so is a great way to damage your bike — and your body. Instead, you’ll want a bike specifically designed for off-roading. 

Dirt bikes usually have narrow tires that allow for tight turns and excellent traction through rocks and debris. Off-road vehicles are also lighter weight than motorcycles to allow for faster speeds. They usually consist of a plastic body instead of a metal one to keep the weight down. 

While the majority of dirt bikes and off-road bikes are two-wheeled vehicles, you can also find three-wheelers — known as “trikes” — that are designed for off-road riding. These vehicles can help you maintain better balance as you become familiar with the art of off-roading. 

Gathering Your Gear

Off-roading is overall a more dangerous sport than riding your motorcycle on the road. You’ll want to wear protective gear every time you ride to protect yourself from injuries. 

 At a minimum, you should wear:

• Gloves
• Boots
• Pants
• Long-sleeves
• A helmet with a shield or an open helmet with goggles

Many off-roaders also wear neck braces and padding to protect their vulnerable parts. As a new off-roader, it won’t hurt to wear extra protective gear. Off-roading can be dangerous, and even the pros experience significant injuries from the sport. 

Get Started Off-Roading

Off-roading requires a different skill set from riding your motorcycle on the road, and there can be a bit of a learning curve even for seasoned motorcyclists. Start by riding on smooth, flat ground so you can have a feel for your lighter-weight bike. Then, transition to slightly bumpy terrain to see how your bike responds to bumps and grooves. 

Off-roaders typically stand up on the pegs for the majority of the ride. Doing so can assist your balance and control. You’ll also enjoy a better view of the path ahead, allowing you to prepare for turns and changes in terrain well in advance. 

Be sure to work on your body position before you hit the off-roading park as well. Follow these tips to improve your leverage and control while riding:

• Keep your arms relaxed
• Bend your knees slightly
• Balance your body weight toward the front of the bike
• Position your thumb and first two fingers on the front brake and clutch while keeping your last two fingers around the handlebars

It may be instinctual for you to keep your gaze on your front wheel to prepare for obstacles immediately in front of you. Instead, practice looking out in front of your bike. Look where you want to go, not where you are.

With enough practice, motorcycle off-roading can add a new thrill to your motorcycle hobby. But be sure to take extra precautions as you become familiar with off-road machines. If you ever become a motorcycle accident victim, contact Law Tigers, attorneys who ride, at 1-888-863-7216 for assistance.