When you first begin learning to ride a dirt bike, it's best to have a friend with you who already knows how and can show you the ropes. You can also borrow his dirt bike to give it a try before you lay out money for one of your own.
Before you hop on and take off, let your friend show you the highlights of the dirt bike. You need to know where the throttle and brakes are and how to use them.
It's best to begin your first riding lesson in a wide flat field, this way there is less chance of running into someone or something. Now, here are some tips every beginning dirt bike rider should keep in mind.
* Take it slowly. It takes work to control a dirt bike so don't give it full trottle or you may find yourself on the ground with the dirt bike out in front of you.
* For best balance, sit forward on the seat right behind the tank.
* Don't take your feet off the pegs. Sticking your legs out to balance can get an amateur injured.
* When going over bumps, raise your butt off the seat to avoid getting 'saddle sore'.
* Resist the urge to slam your breaks. You get a less jerky stop if you downshift first and let the motor rev down naturally. This will also help keep you from sliding out of control.
