Dirt Bike Safety
If you’re a perpetual thrill-seeker then you have probably ridden a dirt bike at some point in your life and enjoyed every minute of it. As is often the case with most exciting powersports activities, there are potential safety risks involved with riding a dirt bike.
Tri-City Cycle & Sport has your back. We’ve prepared a helpful guide to the best dirt bike safety practices. If you have questions or you’re interested in checking out our dual sport bikes, stop by our dealership in Waterloo, Ontario near Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph and Toronto! We proudly serve all of the Tri-Cities.
Dress for the Crash
When you’re new to the world of dirt bikes, it’s likely you’ll be caught off-guard by the frequent saying, “Dress for the crash, not the ride.” While it may sound a bit morbid to a novice, it’s also a technique that could very easily save your life. We know you want to enjoy the ride to the fullest, but since there is always a chance of crashing, you need to dress for the part.
First and foremost, you’ll need a helmet, which is your most critical piece of riding gear. Make sure you choose a helmet that has been crash-tested and fits correctly. If your helmet feels too loose or wiggly, it’s not going to offer you maximum protection in a crash. It’s also a bad sign if it’s too tight because you’ll end up with a headache that’ll damper your riding experience. Also, if your helmet isn’t equipped with a visor, you’ll need another form of eye protection like goggles.
Your skin is one of the most sensitive parts of your body, so be sure to protect it with long sleeves and long pants. When it’s hot out, it can be tempting to wear short sleeves but it’s vital that you keep your extremities protected. The fabric will guard you against the sun’s harmful rays and limits skin damage in a crash. Lightweight, breathable material is the best option. Remember to wear gloves to protect your hands and maintain control of your bike.
Stay Within Your Limits
You might feel the urge to push your limits when off-roading on your dirt bike but this can be very dangerous behavior. It’s important to remember that you should not ride a bike that is too big for you or one that is outside of your scope of handling. You can easily lose control which will be bad news for you and those around you.
In addition to staying within your limits, you should also stay on designated trails. These trails have been identified as being safe for riders. Areas that fall outside of these limits could have undetectable drops or bumps that are hazardous for the rider. When traveling at high speeds, you simply won’t have enough time to react and change the course to avoid these obstacles. It’s always best to stick to the designated trails so you can remain safe.
Keep Focused
You should always be feeling sharp and focused when riding your dirt bike so you’re able to make quick adjustments in a moment’s notice. When you’re riding the trails, you’re facing various situations like coming upon a wild animal or dealing with another rider approaching at top speed. By taking care of your body, your mind will remain clear so you can ride safely.
A key to remaining focused is to stay hydrated throughout your ride. Dehydration causes brain fog and focus issues, which is not a state you want to be in while riding your off-road motorcycle. Bring plenty of water or a hands-free hydration pack with you. Remember that you lose your hydration much faster when it’s a hot day, so you’ll need to drink more than usual.
It’s also just as important to eat enough food. If you don’t eat enough, you could become lightheaded and lose focus. Pack some snacks so you don’t end up feeling extra hungry.
Reduce Risk
There’s always risk associated with riding an off-road dirt bike. You’re operating a powerful machine with minimal safety features. You won’t find an airbag or seatbelt on your bike. The good news is you do have some control over how much risk you’re exposed to. Avoid riding when weather conditions are poor which includes, snow, rain, or at night when it’s dark. We know this can be unavoidable especially if you’re already on the trail when subpar conditions arrive. In these instances, use your best judgment on whether you should continue riding or wait it out.
Refrain from riding on paved roads as dirt bikes aren’t built for this so they don’t have proper lighting or safety features. Many accidents involve another vehicle, so limiting exposure to other vehicles is always a smart choice. Another great way to reduce your risk is to ride with at least one other person. Accidents can happen at any time and it’s much more dangerous if you’re riding alone. For example, if you take a bad spill and lose consciousness, you’ll want to have a friend nearby to call for help. It doesn’t hurt that it’s more fun to ride with a buddy!
Ready to stock up on some awesome new gear before your next ride? Visit Tri-City Cycle & Sport in Waterloo, Ontario near Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph and Toronto! We proudly serve all of the Tri-Cities.