Dirt rider

[kbsnow]

I am going out on the dirt this weekend. Since it has been like 20 years since I have done any motocross type stuff I thought I would ask advice from those who have some experience since I dont want to look like a total idiot. I dont plan on doing anything crazy since it is not my bike but I also want to have a good time.

What are the main differences in handling. What can I expect the bike to feel like, especially in the corners. Any other tips that you think will enhance my riding experiance will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

[eb77k]

Start out slow! Wear as much stuff as you can scrounge up. Moto boots are a real godsend, moto pants with knee and hip pads, gloves, chest protector and elbow pads, EYE PROTECTION, and as good a coconut cover as you can get, because you will be using it all (as in falling down).

Dirt bikes have their weight bias towards the back of the bike. So you will need to move up on the front of the bike if you want it to steer. Ride your own pace. If you work too hard at keeping up you'll be on the ground. Be realistic, if your riding partners are racers, don't worry about what they are doing, cause they'll be doing it alot faster than you have any business trying. Pay attention to what YOU are doing. Have fun!

If you are out on the trails let them disappear. They'll come back for you. If you are on a track and you hear them coming behind you, DO NOT try to get out of the way. Hold your line. They will get around you no problem. If you make sudden moves to 'be polite' you may find another motorcycle running right into the back of you then you'll both be down. Instead have fun!

Make sure to get all the way up as far on the front of the bike as possible. Alot of folks with street riding experience sit way back on the bike, this ensures the bike won't steer. Almost any use of the throttle magnifies this situation. Really go at the front brake carefully, as in not at all at first. Practice stopping. Oh, did I mention, get up on the front of the bike. Then you'll have fun! When you get back shoot us all out a post and let us know how it goes. Believe me we'll all be able to relate.

[drgibson]

Take me with you!!!!!!!!

[kbsnow]

Originally Posted by drgibson

Take me with you!!!!!!!!

Enough texans around here the way it is. No more Im putting my foot down.

[kbsnow]

Here we go the pics you have all been waiting for. Check out the guy in the green (thats me). Notice the form the style the flare(is that gay). Also notice how the small little 125 I was on thought it was okay to try and ride me. Good times had by all and no one was injured.

Yahoo! Photos - kbsnow3's Photos - Dirt

[eb77k]

Those TTR-125's are great fun and it looked like you were doing just that. By the way how did you let her get away from you there? It looks like you were going straight in the picture of the crash.

How did you hold up physically? Trail riding is better than pilates for keeping in shape, I'm telling you. I used to trail ride on a friends land in North Bend WA. it was great.

[kbsnow]

eb, I had gotten my pant leg stuck on something not sure what part it was, when I went to triumpantly stop and put my foot down I lost my balance and fell like the a$$ I am. We rode for almost five hours total with little breaks for direction but no monkey butt and the hands feel fine which is surprising since my grips are so much bigger. I wasnt riding with super advanced riders so I kept up fairly well and had a great time. I really want a dirt bike now. My wife is gonna kill me when she hears this.

[eb77k]

Good for you! You can hide the bike behind the shed.

[intimid8er]

Originally Posted by kbsnow

We rode for almost five hours total with little breaks for direction but no monkey butt and the hands feel fine which is surprising since my grips are so much bigger.

I went out a couple of weeks ago. I was given a Quad to ride. At the first rest break, I commandeered a YZ230F or whatever the hell it is. I did fine, however, I was quick to jump back on the Quad. We ride in very fine sugar sand down here. It seemed to me to be an assload more work than I was willing to commit to for the day so I promptly jumped back on the Quad. Which was work in it's own right. The trails we were on were just one continuous whoop-dee-doo. It was a hassle to ride in the attack position the whole time, but still fun. I was envious of your pics because of the way the dirt on the trails was packed.

We spent five hours out there, and like you kb, I was amazed that I didn't get any of the aches and pains I've come to associate with motorcycling. You know, pain after fifteen minutes in the saddle. I knew I wasn't wrong all these years! You can ride a bike pain free. When we took breaks, I stayed in the saddle. The only time I felt pain was when I put my legs up on the front fenders to "stretch" them. Within' five minutes my legs went numb.

Since my day on the trails, it has put me into a more serious search for a more comfortable to me bike.