Riding Tips for the young one

[zetapsi827]

So my little bro just got a dirt bike for his birthday (13). He's a decent kid but needs some more seat time to get better. I've been riding quads my whole life so i can't really give him any tips. he finally stopped using the front break so he doesn't fall forward. :D:D


Can any of you more experienced 2 wheelers please chime in with some tips on riding for him? Basics like going over the whoops, turning, etc.?

If any of you have some vids posted anywhere or know of a vid i can get a hold of for him that would be great too.

Thanks in advance.

[woundedyak]

I think your best bet is going to let him get some seat time and then sign him up for a few motocross classes. After riding and racing for 12 yrs and being set in my ways. I took a class with a friend for poop and giggles and rode out of thier with some good tips.

http://www.motoxschool.com/tracksarizona.htm

[zetapsi827]

Yeah he lives in yuma so it's hard to do anything else but seat time down there. I wish i knew someone down there that could ride with him and help him out a little. My dad is taking him out regularly. thanks for the link. He's coming up to Phx for thanksgiving, i'll try to squeeze him into some classes while he's up here.

[Mike @ pit b]

You go where your eyes are going.

Look ahead, not down in front of you.

Squeeze with your legs.

When you stick your leg out for a turn, knee bent slightly and pointed forward and toes up. When your foot hits the ground it's gonna stop and the bike wont.

Elbows up.

Keep your body in the "Attack" position.

As forward as you can get on the bike (gas tank/ seat area for a corner)

When in doubt, GAS IT!!

[zetapsi827]

You go where your eyes are going.

Look ahead, not down in front of you.

Squeeze with your legs.

When you stick your leg out for a turn, knee bent slightly and pointed forward and toes up. When your foot hits the ground it's gonna stop and the bike wont.

Elbows up.

Keep your body in the "Attack" position.

As forward as you can get on the bike (gas tank/ seat area for a corner)

When in doubt, GAS IT!!




Thanks Mike, I'll relay that to him. I also went on amazon and got him a book and DVD. Obviously seat time is better, but at least he can learn a few exercises this way.

"Pro Motocross & Off-Road Riding Techniques"
by Donnie Bales

"The MSF Dirtbike School" DVD
by Dirtbike School

I did a forum search on this subject and someone mentioned to use another book but it was out of stock.

[Mike @ pit b]

Thanks Mike, I'll relay that to him. I also went on amazon and got him a book and DVD. Obviously seat time is better, but at least he can learn a few exercises this way.

"Pro Motocross & Off-Road Riding Techniques"
by Donnie Bales

"The MSF Dirtbike School" DVD
by Dirtbike School

I did a forum search on this subject and someone mentioned to use another book but it was out of stock.

No problem. I have that book. It has EVERYTHING in it. Very good!!

[Young&Fast]

Get used to standing up, focus on being slow and smooth, speed will come later.
Watch what the pros do and try to emulate that.

[Mike @ pit b]

And don't ride above your head. If you don't think you can do some thing don't do it. Get better then come back to it.

[zetapsi827]

yea the kid is pretty good about respecting the speed of the bike. not too worried about him getting crazy. i think it will be a while before he starts thinking he's ricky carmichael. r

[woodward motorsports]

if u dont think you can do it don't do it.

when you get better and have seat time try and stand up as much as possible 1 you can see farther out and 2 you don't have the chance of getting kicked off.

The most important worry about being smooth ad slower speed comes with seat time.

[ROTCORP]

Use the techniques stated by Mike @ pit b.......go out to the desert and pick a couple of bushes (or orange cones if you have them) as turning points. This is a great way to get used to a bike by using the two points to turn around by riding a figure eight. It is also a good exercise to help him learn the handling, braking, clutching, shifting, and cornering of his new bike.

[zetapsi827]

thanks again for the good tips. Seems my dad took him out to the track in mexicali. I guess he fell a lot and was going pretty slow. He says he's not standing up that much, and is thinking of removing the seat so he gets used to standing up. anyone try this before?

[Mike @ pit b]

thanks again for the good tips. Seems my dad took him out to the track in mexicali. I guess he fell a lot and was going pretty slow. He says he's not standing up that much, and is thinking of removing the seat so he gets used to standing up. anyone try this before?

HAHAHAHAAAAAA. Yeah, my buddy's dad did that to him at the tracks. The guy did end up racing pro motocross and supercross, so I guess it works. But I would give him more seat time before taking the seat.

[Young&Fast]

Don't make him progress faster than he is ready for. I wasn't comfortable standing for long periods of time for a long time. I can go almost as fast on the seat, its just a rougher ride.