Dirt Bike Racing, General Tips

It is always useful to pick up tips from the experts. They advise that the first thing to do is to set up your bike, whether new or used, so that it fits you. By this, I mean that you should be comfortable with your stance on the bike. You should be able to stand on the pegs with your knees slightly bent, and easily drop your arms so that your hands are on the controls. Suppose it seems like the controls are far off, the handlebars are lower than they should be. Just rotate them forward a little till they feel just right.

In the same way, the brake and clutch perches should also be rotated until they are in a position that makes you comfortable. Now check and adjust the rear brake pedal and shift levers to ensure that you can operate them while standing.

The shock and fork preload must be set so that there are at least 100- 150 mm play. But do note that if you are just a beginner, do not go jumping straight for the large obstacles.

The professional racers keep their head over the triple clamps on the bike and position themselves so as to be centered over the bike for mass centralization. They hang on to the bars loosely while gripping the bike with their legs especially on a difficult track, as this will prevent arm pump. Forearm pump occurs due to strain on the muscles of your forearms. These muscles expand due to the rush of blood, causing the blood to flow erratically. The head and bodyweight is centered over the leaning bike.

Amateur riders have boots with soles that are replaceable so that the toes are protected and let the ankles act as extra shock absorbers. Experts ride on the balls of their feet.

You must anticipate the moment when you need to use your brakes and using the throttle by having your body in position in advance. Moving out of position at the wrong time means waste of precious energy in regaining your stance.

Beginners generally jump more than one or two feet off the ground. This is all right, because it is experience that gives you the confidence to rise and jump 10 feet into the air when you hit a jump. Being unsure of what you are doing can hurt you with the impact of the fall. Awareness of track changes through the day is crucial.

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