Taking tight corners, rolling over hills, and landing jumps; there’s always something new to learn as an off-roader rider. And regardless of if you’re in motocross, desert racing, dirt track riding, trials, or other adventure riding—or riding an enduro motorcycle—becoming a better rider will allow you to enjoy the thrills of your bike. Cycle Trader is sharing the top five ways to improve your off-road riding.
1. Take a Rider Training Course
When you’re beginning, look into the resources every new biker needs, including training courses. Even if you’ve been riding off-road for some time, you may learn something new from an expert. Rider training courses allow you to analyze what you do well when you ride, and what you can improve on, without putting any pressure on you. Regardless of your ability, age, or riding discipline, there is a course for everyone.
2. Get Fit at the Gym
Off-roading is physically demanding, so fitness is an essential component to be a great rider. Hit the gym and get fit to get more out of your riding experience. Cardio workouts, exercises that test your upper-body and lower-body strength, and improving your core will all help out your driving abilities on your bike. Try mixing weight training and high-intensity interval training with other workouts like yoga, boxing, and Pilates to train your body so that you’re ready to conquer the dirt and mud on your motorcycle.
NOTE: Any significant physical exercise should only be done in consultation with your doctor or primary care physician. You may also wish to consult a certified personal trainer who can establish a personalized exercise regime designed to maximize results and avoid injury.
3. Do Cross-Training
Another way to take your fitness routine to the next level while developing your skills is cross-training, or improving your performance for one activity by participating in a similar sport. Along with following off-road riding tips for dirt bikers and other off-road riders, cross-training with road cycling helps with your cardio and muscular endurance. Mountain biking also provides benefits, as it will help you train for the terrain while you get used to the necessary body movements that you’ll be doing while you’re riding on your motorcycle.
4. Learn from the Pros
The next time you watch professional off-road racing, pay attention to your favorite off-road riders and make note of their style and technique. While they are professionals, and will be able to land tricks and pull stunts unlike anyone else, it’s still a great starting point for adopting your own riding traits in a small way. Observe things like body position, line choice, and bike setup to see what works best for you and what you’re most comfortable with when taking things off-road.
5. Ride More
The best way to get better at off-roading is to simply get out there and ride more. Whether you’ve found a used dirt bike for sale, or another motorcycle for tough terrain, the more sessions you spend riding, the more comfortable you’ll get. It’s also a great idea to mix up the track or terrain and riding conditions to prepare yourself for different challenges you’ll face on your bike. Try and master hills, corners and turns, and more rugged terrain with trees and boulders. You’ll make mistakes, but go slow and take precautions to stay safe. You’ll learn from any mishaps you have along the way and improve as a rider.
Follow these five tips to get more out of your off-roading experience while improving your skills on your bike. Practice, train, pay attention to the expert riders and pros, and keep riding. If you’re ready to purchase your next new or used motorcycle, be sure to see all the listings online at CycleTrader.com.
Important Disclaimer: Off-road riding and related activities involve numerous and significant risks to you and your property, including personal injury, property damage and potentially death. CycleTrader is not a professional expert with regard to any off-road riding, and these materials contain only suggested steps and activities associated with off-road riding (including links to various source materials) and not expert advice of any kind whatsoever. You should only undertake off-roading with or after you have received proper instruction from certified professionals who are trained in preserving the safety of your property and person and who have obtained all licenses, permits, and other certifications required by applicable business and/or government authorities or agencies to undertake any such activities.
