While many of us prefer to winterize and store our dirt bikes over the winter, there are those riders who refuse to give up on their bikes just because of a little ice and snow. Yes, you can continue to ride your dirt bike through the winter if you're one of those die hard types, you just need to take some extra precautions. One of those precautions comes in the way you start your dirt bike when those temperatures drop.
During winter, the cold can cause your clutch and flywheel to stick together, allowing your dirt bike to spring forward unexpectedly when you drop it into gear. To avoid this problem, you should always hold your clutch all the way in when you start your dirt bike. Even though you are sure your indicator says the bike is in neutral, you just can't count on it in winter.
Now, before you drop your dirt bike into gear, hold your front brake down tight too. This will assure your dirt bike won't pop out catching you off guard. Even if you're holding the clutch all the way in, the brake is your best assurance.
Now, you're ready to head out onto the road. Just as you would use greater care driving your car on ice and snow, you need to take it easy with your dirt bike. Give yourself lots of time to come to a stop. Every adjustment you make with the bike should be smooth and gentle. Easy on the throttle at start ups, light on the brakes so you don't throw your dirt bike into a slide. Slow and steady is the rule for riding on icy conditions.
Use these tips to navigate those icy and snowy winter road and trail conditions safely on your dirt bike.
