Dirt Bike Safety Tips

It's no big secret that dirt bikes aren't the safest activity in the world. But with some proactive steps, you can make them a safer activity. We rounded up the top dirt bike safety tips below to keep you safe on the trails. If you need any maintenance before you go, stop by America's Motor Sports Dickson. We proudly serve those in Dickson, Clarksville, and Columbia, Tennessee.

Dirt Bike Gear

You know the saying "prepare for the worst, hope for the best"? It applies well to getting dressed to ride a dirt bike. You want to prepare for the worst - aka the crash. Each time you hop aboard your dirt bike, dress as if you are going to be crashing later. That way, you'll be protected if it happens.

Protection starts with your helmet. It's not enough to simply wear a helmet, though. You need a crash-tested and well-fitting one. Otherwise, you may not get the protection during a crash you need.

Next, you need eye protection. If your helmet comes with a visor, you're set. Otherwise, you'll want to wear a pair of goggles to block dirt, dust, or kicked-up debris from getting into your eyes.

Finally, you'll want to protect your skin. Wear full-length clothing. It'll serve as a protective barrier between your skin and the harsh rays of the sun. It'll also give some protection from skin scraping in a crash. You can opt for lightweight and breathable fabric to keep from getting too hot while riding your dirt bike. Throw on a pair of riding gloves as well. It'll protect your skin from the elements, which helps you manipulate the controls better.

Don't Push It

Many dirt bike crashes occur because people push the limits. Sometimes, this is pushing their driving limits. They ride dirt bikes that they can't control or embark on trails beyond their skill level. Be honest with yourself about your riding ability and stay well within your limits.

Other times, people push their dirt bike's limits. They leave the designated trail and end up encountering a hazard along the way. This can range from a hidden pothole that causes a tumble or rugged terrain that pops a tire. The end result is damage to their dirt bike or themselves that could have easily been avoided. Stick to the established trails - that given path was picked for a reason!

Minimize Risks

Riding a dirt bike is an inherently risky activity. There's no need to add even more risks to the equation! Do what you can to keep safety risks low.

Stay away from adverse weather conditions, such as snow, rain, or at night. These conditions impair your ability to safely ride your dirt bike and it's best to stay home. If you get caught in a freak storm that wasn't in the forecast, use your best judgment to decide whether to ride on or bunker down and wait it out.

Try not to ride on paved roads much. Your dirt bike isn't made for that terrain, so it doesn't come equipped with the right lighting or safety features. Also, many accidents happen because of a collision with another vehicle (which happens more on paved roads).

Always ride with at least one riding buddy. You need someone around if an accident happens and you need assistance. You could get injured and lose consciousness. Or you could be too injured to go for help. Your riding buddy can help you or get help as needed. Plus, it'll make the ride even more fun!

Part of dirt bike safety is keeping your machine running smoothly. If you need any parts replacement or service done, bring your dirt bike to America's Motor Sports Dickson. We proudly serve those in Dickson, Clarksville, and Columbia, Tennessee as well as Huntsville, Alabama.