Riding Dirt Bikes

[Lurch]

I've just watched Riding with Tom's new vid on his new bike (won't say what it is for those who haven't seen it yet) and riding off road looks like a whole lot of fun.

I'm thinking of finding somewhere that does it that has bike and gear hire to try it out, then look for a suitable road legal bike if I take to it, thinking along the lines of DRZ or a WR, but that's a way down the line.

Any dirt bikers on here, or anyone around Yorkshire who rides off road got any suggestions and ideas of what I can expect and tips for getting the most out of it? I've heard riding off road really helps you sharpen up your skills for on road, such as balance at slower speeds.

Cheers!

 

[SwissMotard]

I did motorcross for years before I got into road bikes. Brilliant fun!

 

[Lurch]

It looks good - not sure I'd go as far as the Red Bull X fighter guys, too old and too aware of mortality for that

Be nice to try a mic of green lanes and motocross.

 

[Artopure]

I ride a DRZ400sm, but I've been taking it on dirt alot lately, and have even contemplated buying a set of dirt wheels because it has been so much fun. I would say that it has improved my street skills. In the dirt the bike is sliding around more and requires a different kind of control, something you wouldn't learn only riding street, and I can see that being beneficial when it comes to street riding. My supermoto tires slide around everywhere, but I've gotten more comfortable drifting around. The WR and DRZ seem to be the most popular choices out there. I went with the DRZ because it was more widely available in my area.


In short. You should definitely give it a try, you will be addicted after the first hour.

 

[Hayley1993UK]

i really wish i had a dirt bike but wouldnt be able too afford a 3rd bike unless it was an off road one. then again how would i transport a off road bike :/ i dont drive xx

 

[Lurch]

I guess it's down to your insurance, you might be able to add bikes to your policy for very little, and the tax would be £40 and you'd need a £20 MOT.

 

[Hayley1993UK]

Im 21 and insuring 2 bikes is expensive, not sure if i could handle a 3rd. tax and MOT arnt really the problem :/ Xx

 

[Lurch]

Oh I thought on a multibike policy adding a bike was a small nominal fee as you can only ride one at a time.

 

[Hayley1993UK]

i guess it just depends on the insurer. or my age maybe when im a bit older the insurance will drop Xx

 

[SwissMotard]

I Switzerland you just insure your most expensive bike, and then you can have as many as you want as long as you transfer the plates between them

 

[Lurch]

They don't car what make or model the plate is on? Wow! I know someone who insured an additional bike of a similar value but more powerful than his first for an extra £20 with Bennetts, and that was in his 2nd year of havinf a bike licence and insurance. He was about 40 when he did it, probably 6 months ago.

So any ideas of off road centres around Yorkshire yet?!

 

[Marbro_za]

Just started playing offroad, and i love the shit out of it...

Nothing more fun, also, i think it helps you ride better, you kinda learn to let the bike do its own thing

 

[chix]

Dirt bikes are awesome for learning bike control and DIY maintenance. They definitely helped my street riding.