A Brief Guide to Dirt Bike Safety
Riding a dirt bike is certainly a fun and unique experience, but it’s not without risk. As an extreme sport, dirt biking requires you to be more vigilant about your own safety as well as the safety of those around you. If you’re new to riding a dirt bike, you may not be aware of what you’ll need to do in order to protect yourself.
S&N MotorSports in Port Charlotte, Florida, is your Sunshine State dirt bike dealer. Here are some of our top tips when it comes to riding a dirt bike safely.
Dress For The Crash
This piece of advice may sound a bit dire, but it’s really just pragmatism. You’ll want to gear yourself up and dress for the crash, rather than the ride. Your protective attire is there to shield you from serious harm if you skid out or hit something, and it’s more likely that you’re going to crash when riding a dirt bike compared to other forms of transport. Your body is also exposed to the air and you may be flung from the bike, so it’s vital that you protect yourself as best you can.
A well-fitting helmet that is comfortable to wear is your top priority; motocross and motorcycle helmets work equally well, although motocross helmets are lighter and generally preferred by dirt bikers. With them, you should wear a pair of snug goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris. Always replace your helmet following any impact, no matter how minor, and even if you don’t hit anything, you’ll still want to replace the helmet every five years, as the lining starts to break down after this point.
Wear full-length clothing made from sturdy fabrics and breathable materials. This will shield your skin from minor scrapes and abrasions and help to protect you a bit if you fall. Long sleeves and pants also protect your skin from the sun. Finally, keep your feet protected with sturdy boots and your hands protected with riding gloves that offer you good grip.
Stay Within Your Limits
The spirited folks who ride dirt bikes often long to push their own limits to see how high they can jump, how fast they can ride and how long they can go without rest. But this isn’t the best idea, as you never want to ride or perform tricks that are beyond your skill level, nor do you want to ride in areas that are too dangerous. You’ll also want to take breaks to allow your body and mind to rest.
When riding on a trail, don’t leave it! Not only could you hit an unseen obstacle, but the trail exists to keep the surrounding environment pristine. You could hurt yourself or hit an animal or even run into other people who are hiking or camping nearby. Make sure you’re following the riding rules of the area in terms of speed limits and where you’re permitted to go.
Minimize Risks
Always ride your dirt bike while you’re sober and alert. Trying to ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a dangerous idea no matter what, so don’t!
By the same turn, don’t ride when sick or overly fatigued, as you won’t have the focus and stamina you need to stay safe.
Avoid riding on paved roads, since dirt bikes aren’t designed for asphalt.
Never ride alone if you can help it; having a friend will make your rides more enjoyable and also give you someone who can assist you if you become injured or your bike breaks down.
Check the weather before every ride and don’t go out if conditions look bad. Heavy rains, high winds, snow, ice and excess heat are all to be avoided.
Come see us at our dealership located in Port Charlotte to take a look at our full stock of new and used dirt bikes for sale. S&N MotorSports proudly serves our customers in nearby Fort Myers, Florida.