Off-road motorcycles are an incredible machine capable of delivering adventures and adrenaline rushes. Explore new terrain at top speeds, from a racing track to the woods. But these vehicles aren’t without their risks as powersports can be a dangerous activity. With some preparation and knowledge, you can decrease the odds of an accident.
Here at Bright Powersports, we care about your safety. We created the following guide to safe riding of dirt bikes. For all your off-road motorcycle needs, stop by our location in Lincoln Park, Michigan.
It’s the mantra of dirt bike riders everywhere. It’s so important, we will repeat it. Dress for the crash, not the ride. Wearing the right gear makes all the difference in a crash.
Your helmet, of course, is the most crucial piece of equipment. Always wear a crash-tested helmet that fits well. Anything that is too wiggly or loose won’t give you the full protection you seek.
If your helmet does not come with a visor, you will need another form of eye protection. Goggles work great at keeping any dirt, dust, or kicked-up debris out of your eyes. They also add extra protection in the event of a crash.
Protect your sensitive skin with long sleeves and long pants. It may be tempting to wear short-length clothes on hot days. But the fabric helps guard against the sun’s intense rays and also limits the damage if you crash. Look for lightweight, breathable material to stay covered and comfortable while you ride. Don’t forget your riding gloves. These help guard against sweaty or cold hands, making it easy to manipulate the controls.
Pushing your boundaries becomes a dangerous game in riding off-road motorcycles. Avoid riding a bike that is too big or whose powers are beyond your capabilities. Otherwise, you can struggle with controlling and steering it.
Stay on designated trails. They are designated for a reason - they have already been identified as being safe to ride. Areas that are outside these limits could have bumps or drop that are hard to see. This becomes dangerous at high speeds when you won’t have enough time to react and change.
You want to be in a position to make quick adjustments. You face a variety of situations, from encountering a wild animal in the woods or the sounds of another rider approaching dangerously fast. Taking care of your body helps your mind stay clear so you can ride safely.
Avoid getting dehydrated, which can result in brain fog and focus issues. Bring along bottles of water or a hands-free hydration pack. Remember that you lose hydration faster on hot days, so you will need to drink even more.
Make sure you also eat enough food. Otherwise, you could get light headed or otherwise struggle to focus. Bring along some snacks to fend off the hunger.
There will always be some risk to off-road motorcycles. After all, you are riding a powerful machine with minimal safety features (like a seatbelt or airbag). But you can limit the risk you encounter.
Don’t intentionally go out into poor weather conditions, like snow, rain, or at night. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, like that freak storm that wasn’t in the weather forecast. When that happens, use good judgment to decide whether you should wait it out or continue riding.
Limit how much you ride on paved roads. Dirt bikes aren’t built for these and usually don’t have the right lighting or safety features for this. Also, many accidents involve another vehicle, so limiting exposure is a good move.
Always ride with at least one other person. Accidents happen and you could find yourself in a bad situation. You could crash and lose consciousness or get too injured to drive off in search of help. A buddy can be a safety safeguard, available to assist or get help as needed. Plus, they make the riding more fun!
Need any gear or parts replacements before your next ride? Visit Bright Powersports. We proudly serve those in Lincoln Park and Detroit, Michigan.
