A Beginners Guide to Improving Your Riding: 15 Dirt Bike Mistakes to Avoid

It takes a lot of time and practice before you get into a flow when riding a dirt bike. And no matter how experienced you are, there is always something to improve on. The important thing is to constantly learn and become a better rider.

They say that you learn best from your mistakes, but we've always preferred to learn from other people's mistakes instead. So here are 15 common dirt bike mistakes that you can avoid:

Mistake #1: Starting with the wrong bike

Dirt bikes aren't a "one-size-fits-all". There are plenty of different sizes and power options to choose from. You should get a bike that will suit and align with the type of riding you will be doing. An enduro bike with smoother power delivery and softer suspension is a great option for trail riding. Or a motocross bike if you are predominately hitting a track.

If you're riding motocross tracks and ride parks, it's a good idea to start small and choose a 250cc (or smaller if you're still a junior). A lot of people make the mistake of going too big with their first bike and end up in trouble, which increases the risk of injury. Don't make this mistake.

If you are doing more road and the odd trail riding a bigger enduro or adventure bike may be an option. Think of Suzuki DRZ400E or the DR650 as examples.

Mistake #2: Not checking the tyre pressure before every ride

When it comes to the tyres of your dirt bike, your safety depends on it. It doesn't matter which gauge you're using, whether a stick gauge, digital gauge, or a dial gauge. Just make sure you check your tyre pressure before every ride. Tyre pressure that’s too low or too high will increase the risk of a crash and can damage your tyres.

Mistake #3: Riding with worn out tyres

Your tyres are one of the most essential parts on your dirt bike. Keeping good rubber along with the correct choice of tyres to suit the terrain you’re riding, are a better investment than any new suspension mods or performance exhausts.

If your tyres are showing any signs of wear such as punctures, cuts, more than a few years old, have significant wear, uneven wear, or cupped, then it's probably time to get some new tyres.

Mistake #4: Sitting down too much

Unlike in typical motorcycles, standing up in a dirt bike most of the time (maybe even 90% of the ride, depending on the terrain) is vital. Standing on your dirt bike does not only allow you to see what's ahead of you, but it can also help add suspension to your motorcycle and give you a much greater balance. This will help keep you in control.

Mistake #5: Not carrying enough momentum

Momentum is crucial for both motocross and trail riding. For example, when riding uphill climbs, it's always better to have too much momentum than not have enough. On a motocross track, although timing is important, momentum is key when it comes to jumps, cornering and other obstacles.

Mistake #6: Suspension sag not set up correctly

To set up your suspension sag, you're going to have to adjust your dirt bike suspension according to your weight. Setting up your suspension sag means you're adjusting the amount of distance (sag) that your bike will move downward from your weight.

Adjusting your sag is not about getting it to a specific measurement, but more about getting your dirt bike's suspension within a comfortable range. This is why it's very important to ride, test, and make adjustments as needed. This will give you a better riding experience as well as improving your lap times.

Mistake #7: Not learning correct clutch control

The clutch and throttle are probably the two most difficult things to learn when you're learning how to ride. And the only way you can actually practice and get used to it, is to keep riding. Having clutch control is one of the most important skills you will learn in order to become a better dirt bike rider.

Most experienced riders use either one or two fingers on the clutch lever. This technique is used for quick gear shifts as well as slipping the clutch when needed, such as exiting a corner in a taller gear or maintaining traction on a greasy hill climb.

Mistake #8: Riding beyond your limits

Always start slow. No one expects you to go flat out when you're learning how to ride a dirt bike. The goal is to have fun and not end up injured. An easy way to get injured is by going too fast through obstacles that you're not familiar with, or while you’re getting familiar with your new bike.

Forget about trying to impress others. Speed will come sooner than you think if built on a solid foundation of learning.

Mistake #9: Not bringing your tools with you

If you want to keep your bike on the track, make sure you pack your tools. Some essential tools to bring are tyre pressure gauge, spoke wrench, Allen/Hex bit sockets, tyre levers, and screwdrivers. And don’t forget your phone - you never know when you might need to call for help.

Check out the 10 Tools You Should Have in Your Motorcycle Tool Kit here…

Mistake #10: Looking down too much

Make sure you keep your head up and look ahead. Look where you want to go, not at what you are trying to avoid. If you’re looking at that big rock in the middle of the track, you’re far more likely to hit it. The same goes when riding through deep ruts and mud. Look at the exit and that will help you carry momentum and ride through any obstacles successfully.

Mistake #11: Not having the appropriate gear

When you get a dirt bike, make sure you invest in a decent set of gear. Some items you should never compromise on is a quality set of dirt bike boots and full-face helmet. Other essentials are body armour, goggles, jackets, knee and elbow guards, and gloves. So before you hit the track, make sure you are kitted up with a full set of gear in case you hit the deck.

Mistake #12: Not adjusting your levers correctly

Now this is more of a personal preference and can apply to either the clutch and brake levers, as well as the gear lever. Some people like their levers placed higher, some like it lower. But you need to consider the times when you're going to be standing up on your dirt bike and the times when you'll be sitting down. If you place your levers too high, it might be difficult for you to reach it when you're standing; if you place your levers too low, it might be difficult for you to use when you're sitting.

Another important thing you should be mindful of would be your lever placement on the handlebars. You should consider sliding your clutch and brake levers in on the bar, so when you crash there is less chance of breaking your lever.

Mistake #13: Incorrect position on the dirt bike

As a beginner, it's important to know that most times you will need to focus your weight more towards the front of your seat rather than the back of the seat. The reason why there are plenty of videos out there where first-time riders loop out, is often due to a combination of a lack of throttle control as well as sitting too far back.

Mistake #14: Setting your goals and expectations way too high

Over time, you're going to get better and faster. But there's no reason for you to be hard on yourself, especially if you're just starting. Getting up to speed on a dirt bike rider is going to take some time, and maybe several crashes.

It's important to set some realistic goals and expectations for yourself and be patient with yourself. After all, the goal is to have fun and not get hurt.

Mistake #15: Not respecting the trails and lands

A lot of trail places have been shut down because people don’t follow the rules or show common courtesy. We should always leave it better than we found it and take more responsibility as riders. Follow the rules, respect the land (and the land owner), and take your rubbish with you.

We’re all trying to become better riders, to grow and improve. A sure way to speed up that process is to listen to and ride with those that have more experience. And as always, have fun along the way.