Staying Safe on Your Dirt Bike

Staying Safe on Your Dirt Bike

The air is warm, the sun is bright, and the dirt is fresh. Mostly. Time to hit the trails or motocross track with your dirt bike! Hone your skills on your own or make a family trip out of it. Invite friends or find a riding community to join and get out every weekend. Whatever your dirt biking looks like, make sure the image includes safe riding practices and safety gear. Heartland Honda wants you to be able to enjoy every riding experience without the stress of an accident or injury, so read through some of our dirt bike safety tips. You can also stop by our location in Springdale to ask us questions, or check out some of our Honda dirt bikes for sale in Arkansas. We also serve Fayetteville, Rogers, and Fort Smith.

Wear the Right Gear

Dressing for success doesn’t just apply to the professional world. Before you even get on the bike, you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing the right gear. This means putting safety first. Your priority needs to be on what will protect you in the event of a fall. Even if you’re on a maintained track, a fall can hurt and do a lot of damage. That’s why there are riding clothes made specifically for off-roaders. If you spend a lot of time tearing up the dirt, this is probably going to be worth the investment. At the very least, you’ll want to cover your arms and legs completely, even on a hot day. 

Other important gear includes a certified motocross helmet that’ll cover your entire face, not just the crown of your head (and has been tested thoroughly). Many motocross helmets don’t come with a face shield, so you’ll need to get goggles to protect your eyes. Cover your extremities with gloves and riding boots and you’ll be all set to hit the trails!

Know Your Limits

Well...mostly, you’ll be all ready. There are a few other things to keep in mind as you’re getting ready to ride for the day. Wherever you’re going, there are probably rules about where you can ride and marked areas where you should avoid. Adhere to these guidelines, as many of these areas are unsafe for dirt bikers. 

Also be honest with yourself about some of your own limits. Know when a trail is going to be too difficult for you and could lead to an accident, simply because you don’t have the skills to navigate the area. Listen to your body’s signals when it gets hungry, tired, or thirsty and take care of yourself so you can actually enjoy your day out of the house. Finally, use the forecast to figure out if there’s a time when you won’t want to be racing (in the middle of a hot day, when a storm arrives in the evening, etc.).

Stay Alert

It may seem like an obvious tip, but sometimes we can get tired while riding, or start to get tunnel vision on the trail. Or simply get distracted by everything around you. It’s not as difficult as it seems to lose focus, but this is often when mistakes can happen. One way to make it easier to focus is to stay hydrated. Fatigue and lack of concentration are tell-tale signs that you’re not drinking enough water, so make sure your water bottle is filled as often as possible.

These tips can help you stay safe on the trail, but there are other ways you can create a safer riding experience for yourself and your fellow riders. Ask around your local riding communities, track and trail owners, and even some of our staff here at Heartland Honda for all the tips you can get. Stop by our Honda dealership and let us know how we can help you. We welcome all patrons from Springdale, Fayetteville, Rogers, and Fort Smith, Arkansas.