Off-road biking can be thrilling. However, if you’re a first-timer, the experience can be scary. Truly, going off the road requires a good understanding of what to do. One crucial skill for off-road motorcycle riding is that of balance and body positioning.
Other important off-road motorcycle riding tips for safely navigating include ensuring you’re comfortable with your motorcycle before going off-road, relaxing but remaining focused, using your legs, body weight, and handlebars, and being courageous enough to stand on the footpegs. Also, ensure you brake smartly and practice as much as possible.
Read on as we further explore tips that can help you during off-road motorcycling.
Safety tips for off-road motorcycle riding
Chances are that your motorbike is far better at just about everything. In most cases, even the oldest motorcycle in the right hands can successfully take on the tough landscapes. As long as you’re well-armed with fitting gear like helmets, gloves, jackets, and boots, you can take on tougher terrains.
When you challenge yourself a bit, you’ll be amazed at the extent to which your bike can go—perhaps the rock steps or steep downhill.
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Ensure you’re comfy with your bike before going off-road
It’s important to understand your bike before taking it off-road. Know what it can handle, and to what extent, its ability, and its limitations. With such details, you feel more confident and secure when riding in unexplored pathways.
No matter the kind of bike you’re riding or the type of surface you’re riding on, always look ahead. That way, you can quickly see any obstacle before it turns out to become a bigger problem. Focusing also helps you to avoid crashing, and makes your ride smoother.
When standing on the footpegs, lean your helmet forward so that it’s almost directly above the handlebars. Now, focus at least 20 metres ahead and be sharp enough to plan your routes. Doing this will help you avoid obstacles or difficult terrain.
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Use your legs, body weight and handlebars together
To steer off-road, use the handlebars and engage your entire body. Off-road bikes tend to be much heavier than on-road bikes, so using your arms alone will tire you out quickly. Try shifting your weight in the direction you want to move and employ your legs against the footpegs to turn the bike.
When going off-road, you must build enough confidence and remain calm as you cope with the rough terrain rather than trying to resist it. Ensure you use your legs to grip the bike and not just rely on your hands. When relaxed, you tend to ride better and longer.
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Use your brakes more carefully
When off-road riding, you’ll find yourself using the rear brake to slow you down far better than the front brakes. With the rough pavement, you’ll have to use your brakes more keenly and responsively depending on the road conditions.
Always rely more on your rear brake for both bike control and stopping power. If you grab too much of the front brake while traversing slippery ground, you might end up badly.
Conclusion
Off-road riding is an incredible way to explore and have fun outdoors. Although it can be challenging at times, you shouldn’t be hard on yourself. Take it easy. Ensure your motorbike is in good condition, and wear the right protective gear. Carrying emergency tools like first-aid and patching kits is crucial. Also, letting your loved ones know of your route paths is a safety measure. Again, the best way to become a skilled off-road rider is to practice as much as you can. Most importantly, purchasing the best comprehensive bike insurance will financially safeguard you in case of emergencies like an accident. The insurance will pay your hospital bills and cover any other third-party cases.
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