So, ever since you saw dirt bike races on TV, you’ve wanted to learn how to ride a dirt bike like a pro. Well, it’s not easy to learn if you think you will do it in a day. Even veteran dirt bikers find it challenging to ride on rough terrains sometimes.
Important steps to remember
Your first step to learn how to ride a dirt bike is to bring it to be neutral. In fact, if you are using a clutchless trail bike, you should always switch it to neutral mode. There is a shift lever on the side of the bike. Gently tap it until it doesn’t click anymore. It means the neutral mode is on. But the process is different for bikes with a clutch. Here, you need to press the first gear at the bottom with one foot. With the other, half-click the neutral paddle located between the first and second gear.
It is best to roll the bike backward and forward while keeping the engine off and the clutch out. Keeping the bike in neutral will allow you to roll smoothly.
Kickstarting the bike
Flip the kickstart lever out with your toe. This requires a bit of practice. But, you don’t need to reach down to find the lever every time. Make sure to kick the lever from the top of its position. Give it a strong and quick kick. You may have seen professionals rolling or twisting their wrists while kickstarting their bike. Don’t do that. Since you are learning the first few steps to ride a dirt bike, it is better not to try the skills that pros usually perform.
Clearing the flooded engine
If the engine is full with fuel to the top, you should twist its throttle and keep it wide open. Now, without shutting the throttle, kick the engine. This will fire the bike to life. However, you should wear riding boots while doing this. Most bikes that have FCR carburetors tend to flood with fuel. When this happens, remember only one thing: twist throttle and kick.
Controlling the clutch and shifting
Once the bike starts, you will need to change the gears. Always use the shifter located on the front peg of your left foot. If you continuously step down on the shifter, it takes you to the first gear. Half click the shifter upwards, and it takes you to the neutral mode again.
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There is an easy way to memorize the relationship between shifting and gears. Once you shift from the first gear to neutral, you can go to second gear by clicking the shifter upward. Keep doing this until the shifter won’t go any further. It means you are in the fifth gear. So, tapping on the shifter gives you first gear. Following that, you have neutral, 2, 3, 4, and 5th gear respective.
There is a slight difference in bikes with a clutch. You need to pull the clutch slowly while tapping on the shifter to change the gear. So, every time you want to speed up or speed down, press the clutch and then press on the shifter.
Resources:
https://dirtbikeplanet.com/beginner/
https://www.wikihow.com/Ride-Your-First-Dirt-Bike