I’m 60 and awaiting delivery of my first ever dirt bike. Been watching videos to learn basics. Your videos are by far the best. Articulate. No hype or idiocy. Just awesome. Thank you. No other video said you can shift without clutching! Great!
I'm pushing 67 and I just took delivery of a new Husqvarna FE350S. I replaced my old well worn Yamaha XT-250. I started riding dirt on a mini bike at 12. I did have some time off over the years but picked it back up in earnest in 2011. Here's the deal. Be sure you spend some time on cardio and strength training. Build up your fitness and loose your body fat. I eat KETO. I went from 183 to 146. It's a very demanding sport. Obviously, start out with easy trails and progress as you learn. But the new bikes are sprung for a roughly 180-185 pound human. That includes your gear. If you weigh more than that, you'll need to change the spring/s to accommodate more weight. Otherwise the suspension will not work properly. Diet and fitness are just as important as the bike and it's setup. Proper body weight and cardiovascular fitness is the best defense against aging and will go far in injury prevention when you biff off into the pucker bushes. Also, get knee, elbow and chest protection and wear it. You will as we say "eat it" now and again. Even the best riders eat it. Congratulations for having a pair large enough to try dirt at 60. Join a club too. That will ensure you get out frequently. Ride with people you trust and who are better than you, but will temper the rides to your ability but gently push your skills safely. It's a fun time and the people who do it are for the most part like minded, and super fun to hang out with, camp out with and you'll make many new friends. Have a great time!!!!
Thanks dude! I've been riding street for 20 years and I just picked up a wr450f. Just took it out yesterday and the struggle was real. I was doing pretty much everything wrong. I've watched/listened to this video 5 times while I'm working. Going to pick up some elbow pads lol and going to put your tips to use. Thanks again.
One of the best tips he gave before he even started counting them, was ride with guys who are better [more experienced] than you and do what they do. Great tips all around Thanks we are watching in 2020 quarantine!!
Good tips for sure. Here's another one - get in shape BEFORE riding your dirt bike. I know I feel so much better when I'm down a few pounds and not sucking as much wind. That translates, at least for me, in to a more enjoyable riding experience.
1) Stand up (use your legs to grip the motorcycle so you don't need too much tension on the handlebars), 2) look far ahead (observe obstacles and plan your route), 3) keep momentum to the level required for the route, 4) Keep one or two fingers on clutch and front brake (This is really important for reaction time), 5) Find the best way to use the rear break swiftly and efficiently, Don't lock up the rear brake, learn to use the break so you don't need to pull the clutch (learn to down shift at the same time and you can let the engine do most of the work), 6) Don't point your toes out, an obstacle can rip your leg off and you off the bike (also, don't point your toes down, your foot could get ripped off, 7) Stay on the balls of your feet for most operations, This allows you you squeeze the motorcycle with your legs and provides better steering control, There are exceptions maybe a very long high jump. 8) Learn to shift up and down without the clutch. It's much faster and provides better results when in go fast mode. This technique is more than 44 years old. I know for a fact. (FYI, you don't need a clutch to shift a manual in a car either). 9) Sit on the tank when preparing to corner, this unloads the rear suspension and loads the front suspension, making your front brake bite harder before flicking the bike into the desired line. It also help the rear wheel to drift out so you can apply throttle quicker and use the rear wheel to steer the bike, at which point you might want to slide off the tank a bit to add extra bite to the rear. 10) I guess I missed it or deemed it unnecessary. :) sorry about that!
if youre racing hard and rebuilding your bike regularly, id agree you might not want to use the clutch, but if youre an average joe, you most definitely need to use the clutch. I've rebuild multiple bikes from people trying to power shift without the clutch and they end up destroying second gear and bending shift rods.
Over my 4 years in a motorcycle dealership, I rebuilt over 30 transmissions due to clutches shifting. Primarily destroying second gear, you can do whatever youd like, but as a technician I can't condone it. Best of luck to you guys.
@Jesse Hoolihan Right there with you brother! As most watching this type channel (beginner tips vid), if you want your clutch to last, use the lever.. Now if your able to match engine/wheel speed with precision, one could more safely (for the clutch), not use lever while at speed.. Its a great skill to have (manipulating clutch lever) riding offroad for a multitude of reasons, but if ur that 1% who gets paid to bang gears, this video/comments arent for you.. Keep Riding!
I gotta say all this info is spot on, I just started dirt biking 2 weeks to be exact, I bmxed for 10+yrs though, bought a 2019 wr250fx and my first day was a challenge at first but towards the end of the day with all this advice given to me from my brother and his buddy I really started riding way better, luckily I live in the mountains and can practice a bit in my yard (not too much cause there's always those pesky neighbors that like to call the cops) but I went from dropping my bike in easy situations, to riding the expert trails the next weekend with my brother and his friends that have been riding since they were kids (they're 30yrs old now) so they're really really good. One thing they really wanted to nail into my head was slipping the clutch in really steep hill climbs while balancing it with throttle control so you don't bog the bike down and kill it or like you were saying lose momentum. It's crazy stuff, but with the right knowledge and understanding of the physics of riding you can get really far really fast. The rocky hill climbs with loose softball and up size rocks everywhere and the single track with one way to go and no other is when you really need to pay attention ahead of you, as far as possible. And riding on rocks in the rain you also wants to maintain momentum so when you hit rocks and your tire slides you keep going rather than get knocked around and put your foot down and then drop the bike. My brother and his friends are crazy though, so they have taken me into the gnarliest stuff and just explained all of this stuff to me so I had no choice but to just go for it! I'm not the type of person to just turn around and go back either which is the mindset you need for dirt biking. And don't worry about hurting your bike! It'll ruin your fun. I'd also suggest the cycra probends to protect your levers if you're a noob like me.
I’m just getting back into off-road riding after 30 years riding on the street. These tips were very helpful and articulated what I was in the process of relearning. Thanks!
That was extremely informative I can't wait to introduce these techniques into my riding. Pretty stoked right now I'm picking up a Husqvarna te300 in the next couple days!
I've been riding for 45 years and picked up a few things new. Maybe my YZ400 wouldn't have hurt me in the early 80s had the internet been around. Thanks for making this vid.
I ride a heavy bike. I need to wait for the 2 stroke ktms to go all the way up the hills first or i'd run into them with the momentum i need to get to the top.
9:30 - thankyou! I'm sharing this to my friends. I'm 6ft6 and pretty new to offroading. I got myself an AJP PR3 - not the best choice with its low seat height ahaha - and I've been telling them I need risers (new to offroading, not new to biking), but they tell me I don't. When I'm stood up the bars are about 2" lower than I want them to be (tested standing on the bike on a paddock stand), but other than that I can't fault the bike at all, it's nice and light - always a bonus. I've watched a few of your videos now, but it's given me the urge to go out and ride (yep, we're in lockdown, nope I'm not going mad because my back yard is a woods which is pretty secluded and this PR3 has a quiet exhaust :D), so I'll have to watch more later :P Sub'd.
You should re title this. Top 10 beginner tips. I was hoping to get some good tips as I can tell you know what your doing. Could you do a top 10 tips for people that can ride, like fast already. I guess that's more of a course lol 👍😊
This was a great video. I've been riding street for quite a few years and just bought my first dirt bike and I've picked up so many great tips. Thanks very much!
Very sensible and clearly explained tips, agree with everything he says. Whenever I talk with someone who is brand new to riding in the dirt...I always say "Remember the 3 Ups". 1: Stand Up 2: Elbows Up 3: Look Up That's easy for them to digest before going into more detail, as per the video, on each point. Good work.
I will have to stand more. Being short 5'6"- 5'7" makes things so much more difficult... or it saps me of confidence and I keep dropping the bike. I am constantly fighting the bike, exhausting myself to the point of heat stroke in the past. Plus, looking down at the ruts is another area of improvement. It is amazing how little tips make a monumental difference. I recall riding in the sand once... deep sand, it was impossible, and my brother told me to keep my weight back and don't look down at the wheel. I tore it up after that.
As a streetbike guy thinking of getting into dirtbikes this summer, there were a lot of good tips on here than I would have screwed up if I just hopped on a bike and sent it lol. Awesome video.
This guy is very good, it both his ideas and delivery... For the younger riders, these ~simple tips will go a long, long way to dirt bike riding When us older-guys were riding, no computers or net exist, only magazines at best ....So, information like that was not readily available and it was not till I was ~50 yrs old before I knew these small things that will make you a safer and ~faster rider ....
Thanks so much for doing this video Kyle. Your explanations and demonstrations have given me greater insight to riding better and safer offroad. Have had road bikes previously so learning the ropes and feel of offroad biking. Your explanations and demonstrations have been insightful and helpful, the best I've watched and listened to. Certainly going to improve my skills and enjoyment. Thanks heaps.
Great tips. I'm a pretty small lady, just bought my first dirt bike to learn on. It's a brand new crf125FB and I'm fairly comfortable with just scooting around in first now, but I want to be a good rider and be able to tackle some nice trails! I'm going to continue taking it easy well into and after the "break in" period with that first oil change. So I'm learning slower more technical maneuvers. It's pretty easy to get a bike to highway speeds and cruise, trails and slow tactical riding is where I'd argue most of the talent is at anyways. Thank you for videos like this
Hello. My name is Green. I am from Cambodia. I learn so much from your video. Thanks so much Kyle. I hope I can meet you in person one day and appreciate how much your videos have been helping me.
A buddy of mine just taught me to ride on his 2009 kx450, first time ever riding a motorcycle, and I did ok at first, stalled it alottt, and Supermaned over a berm after a nice whiskey throttle, best things he’s taught me is, when In doubt, throttle out, and always know that you are going to crash, you just don’t know when, so accept it, and ride without overthinking it.
Also quick footnote: Danny Hamel was a wonderful human being! I was fortunate enough to call him my friend, but he was everyones friend again a most wonderful human being. He was probably the best desert racer of all time. He also probably sat 70% of the time when he was riding and racing. (But his bike was setup for his riding style) So you really have to do what works best for what gives you the most confidence what feels right for you? Again just sayin.
Great stuff mate I've been riding Dirtbikes since the early 70s and have been doing what you say for years and it takes years of experience to master a Dirtbike and lots of patience and good advice cheers and thanks for sharing
I've been on bikes my whole life but I'm brand new to dirt bikes (bought my first just over a week ago). Entered into my first hare scramble at a week into it. The tip about shifting and braking would have been a life saver. I can't wait to give it a shot.
As far as I'm concerned, the rear brake is only good for 2 things, 1) As a back-up emergency brake, and, 2) When having to decend a very slow steep incline, (your butt should be as far back as possible). There's not enough weight on the rear wheel to do any detectable slowing of the bike, you should spend a serious amount of time learning how to use the front brake EXCLUSIVELY, especially in turns, when you get good at this, you can almost go all the way around the turn with the rear wheel IN THE AIR, or at least so lightly loaded that the slightest touch of the rear brake will lock the wheel, which will result in less control. If you really need to kick the rear end out to make a turn, do it with the throttle. As soon as you stop braking you are going to need instant acceleration, if you just had the rear wheel locked, there will always be a delay in power delivery, but if the power is already on, a simple shift of weight to the rear wheel is all that is required to blast you out of the corner
@@brandonnewman1018 You're obviously a newbie to motorcycles. You should do more listening and less talking. I'll make you look silly in a race. Re-read my post and try it.
Because lately I've been riding mountain bikes a lot more than dirt bikes I've become quite skilled on a mountain bike and not very good on a dirt bike. One thing I've learned from mountain biking is that although UA-cam videos are helpful the only way you can truly improve is through practice. It's funny because I watch these videos and say to myself, oh so that's what I'm doing wrong, next time I will do that better. But then next time I ride I end up having so much fun that I forget about it.🤣
Great video! I can whole heartedly back you up especially on the part about keeping you toes pointed in on the bike as well as your knees that tend to fly open when navigating more technical sections. Out here in the northeast we have an abundance of tight rocky single track track that snakes through the trees and even when lugging at low speeds to navigate, unknowingly leaving a foot or knee out can be the difference between ending your day with a stop for a beer and a burger, or a trip to the hospital to mend a twisted up ankle or knee. It happens fast, and healing time for these type injuries can take a long time. Especially when you're old like me!
Great tips. I expected dirt bike riding to be different from street but it's more different than I realized. Best things I've done so far is start out on the "green" easy trails and subscribe to this. Thanks mate.
I'm a mechanic and I have to say please don't shift with out using clutch unless you have an aftermarket rekluse clutch or other aftermarket slipper clutches yes there continues mesh but that's how bikes have been for a very long time you need to use at least a little clutch because otherwise it can damage the couch basket and disks you don't have to fully disengaged the couch but you should still use it partially I had a customer on a 2020 ktm listen to this guy and now I'm having to replace his entire clutch assembly
Great video Kyle. I do however run risers though because like you I ride standing up 90% of the time and my bike, a yz250x, is a little cramped to begin with. At 6' 1" without my boots on, long rides were uncomfortable. The risers i run are Rox Speed FX 1 1/4" offset risers so they actually move the bars up and forward to place your body back over the front wheel and in the attack position. These are some great risers for anybody who likes to run them
Hey man! Just wanted you to know that your videos helped me feel confident in purchasing a 2022 KTM 300 XC TPI! Seems like there isn’t much negative said anywhere about it! I’m moving into it form a 2002 520 exc, so needless to say, I’m excited to ride something newer! THANK YOU for all the awesome and informative content! I’ll be using your video on tips to install the tubeliss as well! Look forward to more of your content! Cheers from the PNW!
Great to see your clutch lever end cut off. I've done it for years and now I don't feel so guilty about this mod. This is not a common tip and until now I've felt unpopular. Keep up your tips. They're great.
This does help... I haven't been on a dirt bike in 30+ years. I've had 4 wheelers, jet skis, ski boats & fast cars but not a single dirt bike. Not since 1984. It took a divorce & me moving out to the family ranch to want another dirt bike. I'm looking for one right now.
Love the engine braking info/tip. I noticed a lot of my competitors in hare scrambles don't do this as I can see them let off the throttle and coast into a corner on the thumpers. Makes for good passing opportunities on my kdx😂. I need to win one of these newer 2t bikes you give away. Keep up the good content, Kyle.
Awesome tips m8 great great video not a dirt bike rider but an f800gs rider I think most of what you saying here also applies to heavier bikes like mine specially as mine got the fuel tank on the back and weight distribution is key Offroad also momentum super important on more beefy bikes as when you loose it you drop in traction straight after thanks for all advice very useful
AWESOME Tips,, Ive been riding for so long,, just about everything is second nature.. Its difficult to actually put words to all of it... Great Job! SPOT ON! (Although I do have Bar risers LOL (strictly for comfort)) Keep making great videos!
Best tip I've ever got was from Jeremy McGrath. Bend at the waist, try to keep your boots vertical. weight the INSIDE peg with all your weight, let the bike flop to the inside, center your mouth over the outside grip and bend the outside knee forward and grab a handfull. This is how he road all fast bumpy sweepers. I weighted the outside peg for 30 years, because everybody said to, it sucks!
This was a great video! A couple of my buddies who've been riding for a while gave me some similar tips out on the trails, but you went in to more detail and explained the "why". I appreciate instructional videos like this one!
I've been watching a lot of videos lately to try and get better. I have to say that this is the best video that I have seen yet. Thanks for taking the time to make it. I'm sure I'll watch it a few more times between rides to keep fresh what I need to be working on. The area that I have the least confidence in right now is turning on gravel. i have to ride a lot of gravel roads to get to decent trails, and I just feel like my front tire is going to wash out in the most gentle corners. I am going to use these tips for sure. Is there a feeling or feedback that you look for to know when you are getting close to the washout point on your front tire?
look up what tires are good trail tires and don't wash out on fire roads (dirt/gravel roads). There are a lot of decent tires that do not perform well on gravel roads, and some that do. When I was looking for a front tire i specifically looked for a good trail riding tire that I could run street legal (390 4stroke) and came up with a couple recommendations (been 4 years or more now so do the research based on today's tires). Practice practice practice and don't feel like you have to tap out in top gear to have fun on the way. Look ahead, really ahead when you ride. You go where you look...
Also check out CROSS TRAINING ENDURO SKILLS channel. Good for a LOT of laughs and good tips, too. Be sure to pause the vid when the full page tips come up so you can read them all. Then wipe the laughing tears out of your eyes and go.
I had been riding since i was in second grade and never really looked up tips on trail riding, which is strange considering im 15. Anyway im really glad i found this and cant wait to apply these next time im ride!
After you learn the body positioning, how to work the controls, weighting and such to the point it is like second nature, the #1 thing to do is-----relax! If you can't relax, you will never go fast on a track or trail. When you get that feeling that you are "one with the bike", using little energy, (a feeling you can't get on any other machine), you will probably be going fast. :)
Dirt Bikes & Ice Hockey hey I have a question I'm about 5 foot 10 and 220 pounds would a 250 or a 450 be better suited for me given that I have minimal riding experience
In general, I would go with a 250 either a 2 stroke or 4 stroke. Where you ride, what kind of riding and/or your experience should help in your final decision. If you have friends with different bikes see if you can ride them.
Dirt Bikes & Ice Hockey definitely leaning towards a four stroke because I don't feel like mixing fuel and I want better fuel economy and as far as the train I'm on is in mid to North Georgia so it's really hilly and a lot of clay type of dirt. So between the four stroke 250 and the 450 I was really wondering what would be best for my weight because I am heavier than the average rider
Austin Turner I will still go with a 250 or even a 350. I do here the new RMX450 is set up perfect for new to intermidiate riders. I think most MX 450s would be too much bike and you won't be happy. Again, I'm not sure if you are going new or used. One of my friends is 6' 2" and over 250lbs and he has an older husky 250 2 stroke and he has no problems in some of our hillier sections we ride. I know it's not the Appalachians but he has no problems. Ever think of a Beta 3 stroke with oil injection? Just a thought. You should be happy with a 250 4 stroke.👍
A tip Steven fordd taught me is a general rule of thumb, you should set your levers so they are in a straight line from your arm to your finger. If you know what I mean
I bought a dirt bike couple of weeks ago and because I come from mountain biking some of these tips seem natural to me. But on my first rides I was sitting down too much and I don't know why is that because you don't sit down while going hard on mtb either. It just feels like you dont have to stand up because that 300mm of suspension travel has your back on a dirt bike :D But then one of my friends told me to just stand up and now everything is much easier!
Tip number 12, buy any old clapped out air cooled 4 stroke above 150ccs. Tip number 13, take tips 1-12 and register for a local hare scramble/enduro race.
Tip 12: buy a beginners bike, such as a cr500 or kx500 to learn on.
5 років тому
I practice on a really tight figure 8 track almost everyday and its a must to get on the tank to make these bikes corner right, When I get just a little lazy and get comfortable instead of getting on the tank the bike will stand up in the middle of the corner or the front end will push or knife on you, Practicing corners is Hugh if you want to improve, I'd say Corners are the hardest things to learn on a dirt bike,,specially rutted corners, Everything else will come with time but corners takes many hrs of practice to get right,
I’m 60 and awaiting delivery of my first ever dirt bike. Been watching videos to learn basics. Your videos are by far the best. Articulate. No hype or idiocy. Just awesome. Thank you. No other video said you can shift without clutching! Great!
I'm pushing 67 and I just took delivery of a new Husqvarna FE350S. I replaced my old well worn Yamaha XT-250. I started riding dirt on a mini bike at 12. I did have some time off over the years but picked it back up in earnest in 2011. Here's the deal. Be sure you spend some time on cardio and strength training. Build up your fitness and loose your body fat. I eat KETO. I went from 183 to 146. It's a very demanding sport. Obviously, start out with easy trails and progress as you learn. But the new bikes are sprung for a roughly 180-185 pound human. That includes your gear. If you weigh more than that, you'll need to change the spring/s to accommodate more weight. Otherwise the suspension will not work properly. Diet and fitness are just as important as the bike and it's setup. Proper body weight and cardiovascular fitness is the best defense against aging and will go far in injury prevention when you biff off into the pucker bushes. Also, get knee, elbow and chest protection and wear it. You will as we say "eat it" now and again. Even the best riders eat it. Congratulations for having a pair large enough to try dirt at 60. Join a club too. That will ensure you get out frequently. Ride with people you trust and who are better than you, but will temper the rides to your ability but gently push your skills safely. It's a fun time and the people who do it are for the most part like minded, and super fun to hang out with, camp out with and you'll make many new friends. Have a great time!!!!
Inspiring :D
I'm taking Offroad / Dirt / Enduro classes. Can't wait to get my Dirt Bike
:D
How's it going?
@@magiccitysoundhilarious
Remember downshift with no clutch, up you need a little bit
Stand up, look up and open up 👍🏻👍🏻
Well said! 👍
Nicely said
@@diandeklerk9512 ko
You are touching all the points that riders generally have to learn the hard way. Good video.
Thanks dude! I've been riding street for 20 years and I just picked up a wr450f. Just took it out yesterday and the struggle was real. I was doing pretty much everything wrong. I've watched/listened to this video 5 times while I'm working. Going to pick up some elbow pads lol and going to put your tips to use. Thanks again.
One of the best tips he gave before he even started counting them, was ride with guys who are better [more experienced] than you and do what they do. Great tips all around Thanks we are watching in 2020 quarantine!!
Good tips for sure. Here's another one - get in shape BEFORE riding your dirt bike. I know I feel so much better when I'm down a few pounds and not sucking as much wind. That translates, at least for me, in to a more enjoyable riding experience.
Tip 4 , momentum is everything, not revving it pinned, just steady momentum , top tip Kyle 🇬🇧👍🏼
1) Stand up (use your legs to grip the motorcycle so you don't need too much tension on the handlebars), 2) look far ahead (observe obstacles and plan your route), 3) keep momentum to the level required for the route, 4) Keep one or two fingers on clutch and front brake (This is really important for reaction time), 5) Find the best way to use the rear break swiftly and efficiently, Don't lock up the rear brake, learn to use the break so you don't need to pull the clutch (learn to down shift at the same time and you can let the engine do most of the work), 6) Don't point your toes out, an obstacle can rip your leg off and you off the bike (also, don't point your toes down, your foot could get ripped off, 7) Stay on the balls of your feet for most operations, This allows you you squeeze the motorcycle with your legs and provides better steering control, There are exceptions maybe a very long high jump. 8) Learn to shift up and down without the clutch. It's much faster and provides better results when in go fast mode. This technique is more than 44 years old. I know for a fact. (FYI, you don't need a clutch to shift a manual in a car either). 9) Sit on the tank when preparing to corner, this unloads the rear suspension and loads the front suspension, making your front brake bite harder before flicking the bike into the desired line. It also help the rear wheel to drift out so you can apply throttle quicker and use the rear wheel to steer the bike, at which point you might want to slide off the tank a bit to add extra bite to the rear. 10) I guess I missed it or deemed it unnecessary. :) sorry about that!
I'm afraid to shift without the clutch. I have my first dirt bike and it's old and I don't want to break it.
if youre racing hard and rebuilding your bike regularly, id agree you might not want to use the clutch, but if youre an average joe, you most definitely need to use the clutch. I've rebuild multiple bikes from people trying to power shift without the clutch and they end up destroying second gear and bending shift rods.
No problem with gearing up. Down is another matter.
I went riding Sunday 6-30-19 I was riding on the street and was downshifting with out the clutch on accident and I'm guessing was at perfect RPM
I never used the clutch on my 500 exc unless I was putting it in first.
Over my 4 years in a motorcycle dealership, I rebuilt over 30 transmissions due to clutches shifting. Primarily destroying second gear, you can do whatever youd like, but as a technician I can't condone it. Best of luck to you guys.
@Jesse Hoolihan Right there with you brother! As most watching this type channel (beginner tips vid), if you want your clutch to last, use the lever.. Now if your able to match engine/wheel speed with precision, one could more safely (for the clutch), not use lever while at speed..
Its a great skill to have (manipulating clutch lever) riding offroad for a multitude of reasons, but if ur that 1% who gets paid to bang gears, this video/comments arent for you..
Keep Riding!
I gotta say all this info is spot on, I just started dirt biking 2 weeks to be exact, I bmxed for 10+yrs though, bought a 2019 wr250fx and my first day was a challenge at first but towards the end of the day with all this advice given to me from my brother and his buddy I really started riding way better, luckily I live in the mountains and can practice a bit in my yard (not too much cause there's always those pesky neighbors that like to call the cops) but I went from dropping my bike in easy situations, to riding the expert trails the next weekend with my brother and his friends that have been riding since they were kids (they're 30yrs old now) so they're really really good. One thing they really wanted to nail into my head was slipping the clutch in really steep hill climbs while balancing it with throttle control so you don't bog the bike down and kill it or like you were saying lose momentum. It's crazy stuff, but with the right knowledge and understanding of the physics of riding you can get really far really fast. The rocky hill climbs with loose softball and up size rocks everywhere and the single track with one way to go and no other is when you really need to pay attention ahead of you, as far as possible. And riding on rocks in the rain you also wants to maintain momentum so when you hit rocks and your tire slides you keep going rather than get knocked around and put your foot down and then drop the bike. My brother and his friends are crazy though, so they have taken me into the gnarliest stuff and just explained all of this stuff to me so I had no choice but to just go for it! I'm not the type of person to just turn around and go back either which is the mindset you need for dirt biking. And don't worry about hurting your bike! It'll ruin your fun. I'd also suggest the cycra probends to protect your levers if you're a noob like me.
I’m just getting back into off-road riding after 30 years riding on the street. These tips were very helpful and articulated what I was in the process of relearning. Thanks!
11. Send it
Hahaha
Sennnndddd itttttt
Lol true
Turn it up to tip #11!
That was extremely informative I can't wait to introduce these techniques into my riding. Pretty stoked right now I'm picking up a Husqvarna te300 in the next couple days!
I've been riding for 45 years and picked up a few things new. Maybe my YZ400 wouldn't have hurt me in the early 80s had the internet been around. Thanks for making this vid.
The tip about taking more speed into difficult terrain has helped me so much. Thanks
Thanks Kyle for the vids. This one particularly useful for a new, aging, beginner rider.
8:10, more speed/momentum going up difficult/rocky hills, absolutely TRUE!!
I ride a heavy bike. I need to wait for the 2 stroke ktms to go all the way up the hills first or i'd run into them with the momentum i need to get to the top.
All good stuff. I see the same 2 issues when people are struggling: sitting down and not carrying momentum.
Those are two points you can always work on at any level of riding!
I’ve been riding for a couple of years and wow I wish I had seen This when I started. Best video and set of tips I’ve seen. Thank you so much!
9:30 - thankyou! I'm sharing this to my friends. I'm 6ft6 and pretty new to offroading. I got myself an AJP PR3 - not the best choice with its low seat height ahaha - and I've been telling them I need risers (new to offroading, not new to biking), but they tell me I don't. When I'm stood up the bars are about 2" lower than I want them to be (tested standing on the bike on a paddock stand), but other than that I can't fault the bike at all, it's nice and light - always a bonus.
I've watched a few of your videos now, but it's given me the urge to go out and ride (yep, we're in lockdown, nope I'm not going mad because my back yard is a woods which is pretty secluded and this PR3 has a quiet exhaust :D), so I'll have to watch more later :P Sub'd.
You should re title this. Top 10 beginner tips. I was hoping to get some good tips as I can tell you know what your doing. Could you do a top 10 tips for people that can ride, like fast already. I guess that's more of a course lol 👍😊
This is probably the best single tip video out there. Thank you for making this newbie a more confident rider.
Goodness this content is PURE GOLD!!! 🙏🏻
This was a great video. I've been riding street for quite a few years and just bought my first dirt bike and I've picked up so many great tips. Thanks very much!
Thanks Kyle, ur like the knowledgable uncle of the dirtbike community
hahahahha :)
Very sensible and clearly explained tips, agree with everything he says.
Whenever I talk with someone who is brand new to riding in the dirt...I always say "Remember the 3 Ups".
1: Stand Up
2: Elbows Up
3: Look Up
That's easy for them to digest before going into more detail, as per the video, on each point.
Good work.
I'd say this video is more valuable than the bike reviews
I will have to stand more. Being short 5'6"- 5'7" makes things so much more difficult... or it saps me of confidence and I keep dropping the bike. I am constantly fighting the bike, exhausting myself to the point of heat stroke in the past. Plus, looking down at the ruts is another area of improvement. It is amazing how little tips make a monumental difference. I recall riding in the sand once... deep sand, it was impossible, and my brother told me to keep my weight back and don't look down at the wheel. I tore it up after that.
bg147 I’m short to. Makes things difficult.
As a streetbike guy thinking of getting into dirtbikes this summer, there were a lot of good tips on here than I would have screwed up if I just hopped on a bike and sent it lol. Awesome video.
Great tips. Thank you. The key tip for me was using clutch to modulate power to the wheel. Makes lots of sense!
Kyle, you're the best. My friend just bought a new KTM 250 XC-F and I made his watch this.
This guy is very good, it both his ideas and delivery... For the younger riders, these ~simple tips will go a long, long way to dirt bike riding
When us older-guys were riding, no computers or net exist, only magazines at best ....So, information like that was not readily available and it was not till I was ~50 yrs old before I knew these small things that will make you a safer and ~faster rider ....
Thanks so much for doing this video Kyle. Your explanations and demonstrations have given me greater insight to riding better and safer offroad. Have had road bikes previously so learning the ropes and feel of offroad biking. Your explanations and demonstrations have been insightful and helpful, the best I've watched and listened to. Certainly going to improve my skills and enjoyment. Thanks heaps.
I like the sharp look into the camera after the last word of each tip
Great tips. Cool you mentioned Rich. Love those NJ Lafferty boys. Jack SR, their dad helped me a lot with enduros back in the late 90s, early 2000s.
Great tips. I'm a pretty small lady, just bought my first dirt bike to learn on. It's a brand new crf125FB and I'm fairly comfortable with just scooting around in first now, but I want to be a good rider and be able to tackle some nice trails! I'm going to continue taking it easy well into and after the "break in" period with that first oil change. So I'm learning slower more technical maneuvers. It's pretty easy to get a bike to highway speeds and cruise, trails and slow tactical riding is where I'd argue most of the talent is at anyways. Thank you for videos like this
You do the best tutorials ever, very clear and easy to understand. Thank you! Will help me out a lot 👍🏼
Hello. My name is Green. I am from Cambodia. I learn so much from your video. Thanks so much Kyle. I hope I can meet you in person one day and appreciate how much your videos have been helping me.
A buddy of mine just taught me to ride on his 2009 kx450, first time ever riding a motorcycle, and I did ok at first, stalled it alottt, and Supermaned over a berm after a nice whiskey throttle, best things he’s taught me is, when In doubt, throttle out, and always know that you are going to crash, you just don’t know when, so accept it, and ride without overthinking it.
Also quick footnote: Danny Hamel was a wonderful human being! I was fortunate enough to call him my friend, but he was everyones friend again a most wonderful human being. He was probably the best desert racer of all time. He also probably sat 70% of the time when he was riding and racing. (But his bike was setup for his riding style) So you really have to do what works best for what gives you the most confidence what feels right for you? Again just sayin.
So clear and helpful, thanks for making great content.
Great stuff mate I've been riding Dirtbikes since the early 70s and have been doing what you say for years and it takes years of experience to master a Dirtbike and lots of patience and good advice cheers and thanks for sharing
You’re a great instructor. Enjoying your channel and appreciate all the great info.
I've been on bikes my whole life but I'm brand new to dirt bikes (bought my first just over a week ago). Entered into my first hare scramble at a week into it. The tip about shifting and braking would have been a life saver. I can't wait to give it a shot.
A bunch of great tips all in one vid. Thanks! I plan to share this with my kids to reinforce what Ive been teaching them.
Thx dude! Really good tips and tricks! Great performace and notice that you are speaking with experience ;)
I'm a solid intermediate rider and I picked up several tips from this video. Great stuff! Thanks for the videos!
Clear, concise, well presented and really helpful. Thanks
As far as I'm concerned, the rear brake is only good for 2 things,
1) As a back-up emergency brake, and,
2) When having to decend a very slow steep incline, (your butt should be as far back as possible).
There's not enough weight on the rear wheel to do any detectable slowing of the bike,
you should spend a serious amount of time learning how to use the front brake EXCLUSIVELY,
especially in turns, when you get good at this, you can almost go all the way around the
turn with the rear wheel IN THE AIR, or at least so lightly loaded that the slightest
touch of the rear brake will lock the wheel, which will result in less control.
If you really need to kick the rear end out to make a turn,
do it with the throttle.
As soon as you stop braking you are going to need instant acceleration,
if you just had the rear wheel locked, there will always be a delay in power delivery,
but if the power is already on, a simple shift of weight to the rear wheel is all that is required to
blast you out of the corner
The back brake is almost better than front. I use back brake for the harder stops while front brake just to slow down.
@@brandonnewman1018
You're obviously a newbie to motorcycles.
You should do more listening and less talking.
I'll make you look silly in a race.
Re-read my post and try it.
@@jimbrown563 way to make yourself look like a tool lmao. sit down old man and stfu
I find grabbing the seat with my knees really helps with arm pump.
Because lately I've been riding mountain bikes a lot more than dirt bikes I've become quite skilled on a mountain bike and not very good on a dirt bike. One thing I've learned from mountain biking is that although UA-cam videos are helpful the only way you can truly improve is through practice. It's funny because I watch these videos and say to myself, oh so that's what I'm doing wrong, next time I will do that better. But then next time I ride I end up having so much fun that I forget about it.🤣
I wish I could give a second or a tird like every time I re watch a video that's as useful as this one
Very good video, I watch a lot to learn more. You’ve done a great job. I’m older and want to put these tips into practice. Thank you.
Great video! I can whole heartedly back you up especially on the part about keeping you toes pointed in on the bike as well as your knees that tend to fly open when navigating more technical sections. Out here in the northeast we have an abundance of tight rocky single track track that snakes through the trees and even when lugging at low speeds to navigate, unknowingly leaving a foot or knee out can be the difference between ending your day with a stop for a beer and a burger, or a trip to the hospital to mend a twisted up ankle or knee. It happens fast, and healing time for these type injuries can take a long time. Especially when you're old like me!
Great video. I didn’t know about the shifting aspect and the other tips were good too will have to watch again
Awesome video Kyle! Id love to see more videos like this! Possibly make some "riding tip" videos while on the trail. Thanx Kyle!
You look down you go down! Always look ahead
ive been working on most of these lately. practice, practice, practice.
Awesome tips. I gotta work on some of my bad habits. Thanks yo
Great tips. I expected dirt bike riding to be different from street but it's more different than I realized. Best things I've done so far is start out on the "green" easy trails and subscribe to this. Thanks mate.
Great help thank you, went out for first time today loved it
Dude you have so many good tips, thank you for doing this video!
don’t need the clutch to shift 🤯
Thank You!!!
Broooo, these are so many good advise, thanks from italy
Right on, you have some nice trials over there? Hello from California
It seems to take a ton of upper body strength to maintain body position while standing while accelerating and then to light braking.
really appreciate all the good stuff you put together in this awesome channel Kyle!
I'm a mechanic and I have to say please don't shift with out using clutch unless you have an aftermarket rekluse clutch or other aftermarket slipper clutches yes there continues mesh but that's how bikes have been for a very long time you need to use at least a little clutch because otherwise it can damage the couch basket and disks you don't have to fully disengaged the couch but you should still use it partially I had a customer on a 2020 ktm listen to this guy and now I'm having to replace his entire clutch assembly
Yeah but that's a KTM
Great video Kyle!!!
Good advice, we tend to become complacent when this is not our profession
Great video Kyle. I do however run risers though because like you I ride standing up 90% of the time and my bike, a yz250x, is a little cramped to begin with. At 6' 1" without my boots on, long rides were uncomfortable. The risers i run are Rox Speed FX 1 1/4" offset risers so they actually move the bars up and forward to place your body back over the front wheel and in the attack position. These are some great risers for anybody who likes to run them
One of my buddies went to a Shane Watts riding schools this spring. He HAMMERED on ALL bar risers unless you are 6'5" or taller.
I just bought a 15' ktm 300xc and it has carmicheal bars which are fairly low so I'm thinking of getting bar risers to stock height. I'm 6'3
How tall is Shane Watts? Just asking... Its easy to critique until you're in the seat!
Rich Lafferty ? Hey I know him. Great video.. thanks for props sir.. if ever in Jersey hit me up for a free school
Hey man! Just wanted you to know that your videos helped me feel confident in purchasing a 2022 KTM 300 XC TPI! Seems like there isn’t much negative said anywhere about it! I’m moving into it form a 2002 520 exc, so needless to say, I’m excited to ride something newer! THANK YOU for all the awesome and informative content! I’ll be using your video on tips to install the tubeliss as well! Look forward to more of your content!
Cheers from the PNW!
520 ?
@@yxd_ch1ps519
….yeah. My old bike was a ktm 520 exc
@@FurioSean sorry I didn’t even know that was a thing 😅
Great to see your clutch lever end cut off. I've done it for years and now I don't feel so guilty about this mod. This is not a common tip and until now I've felt unpopular. Keep up your tips. They're great.
Can't pass tech inspection at any race with a cut lever
This does help... I haven't been on a dirt bike in 30+ years. I've had 4 wheelers, jet skis, ski boats & fast cars but not a single dirt bike. Not since 1984. It took a divorce & me moving out to the family ranch to want another dirt bike. I'm looking for one right now.
Enjoy your new found freedom! ;)
Love the engine braking info/tip. I noticed a lot of my competitors in hare scrambles don't do this as I can see them let off the throttle and coast into a corner on the thumpers. Makes for good passing opportunities on my kdx😂. I need to win one of these newer 2t bikes you give away. Keep up the good content, Kyle.
Awesome tips m8 great great video not a dirt bike rider but an f800gs rider I think most of what you saying here also applies to heavier bikes like mine specially as mine got the fuel tank on the back and weight distribution is key Offroad also momentum super important on more beefy bikes as when you loose it you drop in traction straight after thanks for all advice very useful
AWESOME Tips,, Ive been riding for so long,, just about everything is second nature.. Its difficult to actually put words to all of it... Great Job!
SPOT ON!
(Although I do have Bar risers LOL (strictly for comfort))
Keep making great videos!
I have been riding for 40 years I still learn from the videos thanks for putting it out
Gday graham..bryan callaghan here in brisbane..east coast of australia
Best tip I've ever got was from Jeremy McGrath. Bend at the waist, try to keep your boots vertical. weight the INSIDE peg with all your weight, let the bike flop to the inside, center your mouth over the outside grip and bend the outside knee forward and grab a handfull. This is how he road all fast bumpy sweepers. I weighted the outside peg for 30 years, because everybody said to, it sucks!
This video helped me out an absolute ton
This was a great video! A couple of my buddies who've been riding for a while gave me some similar tips out on the trails, but you went in to more detail and explained the "why". I appreciate instructional videos like this one!
I've been watching a lot of videos lately to try and get better. I have to say that this is the best video that I have seen yet. Thanks for taking the time to make it. I'm sure I'll watch it a few more times between rides to keep fresh what I need to be working on. The area that I have the least confidence in right now is turning on gravel. i have to ride a lot of gravel roads to get to decent trails, and I just feel like my front tire is going to wash out in the most gentle corners. I am going to use these tips for sure. Is there a feeling or feedback that you look for to know when you are getting close to the washout point on your front tire?
look up what tires are good trail tires and don't wash out on fire roads (dirt/gravel roads). There are a lot of decent tires that do not perform well on gravel roads, and some that do.
When I was looking for a front tire i specifically looked for a good trail riding tire that I could run street legal (390 4stroke) and came up with a couple recommendations (been 4 years or more now so do the research based on today's tires). Practice practice practice and don't feel like you have to tap out in top gear to have fun on the way. Look ahead, really ahead when you ride. You go where you look...
Also check out CROSS TRAINING ENDURO SKILLS channel. Good for a LOT of laughs and good tips, too. Be sure to pause the vid when the full page tips come up so you can read them all. Then wipe the laughing tears out of your eyes and go.
I had been riding since i was in second grade and never really looked up tips on trail riding, which is strange considering im 15. Anyway im really glad i found this and cant wait to apply these next time im ride!
After you learn the body positioning, how to work the controls, weighting and such to the point it is like second nature, the #1 thing to do is-----relax! If you can't relax, you will never go fast on a track or trail. When you get that feeling that you are "one with the bike", using little energy, (a feeling you can't get on any other machine), you will probably be going fast. :)
Always solid content....thank you
Thanks for the tips. I'm sure even guys like myself who have been riding since the '80s can appreciate your advice.
Dirt Bikes & Ice Hockey hey I have a question I'm about 5 foot 10 and 220 pounds would a 250 or a 450 be better suited for me given that I have minimal riding experience
In general, I would go with a 250 either a 2 stroke or 4 stroke. Where you ride, what kind of riding and/or your experience should help in your final decision. If you have friends with different bikes see if you can ride them.
Dirt Bikes & Ice Hockey definitely leaning towards a four stroke because I don't feel like mixing fuel and I want better fuel economy and as far as the train I'm on is in mid to North Georgia so it's really hilly and a lot of clay type of dirt. So between the four stroke 250 and the 450 I was really wondering what would be best for my weight because I am heavier than the average rider
Austin Turner I will still go with a 250 or even a 350. I do here the new RMX450 is set up perfect for new to intermidiate riders. I think most MX 450s would be too much bike and you won't be happy. Again, I'm not sure if you are going new or used. One of my friends is 6' 2" and over 250lbs and he has an older husky 250 2 stroke and he has no problems in some of our hillier sections we ride. I know it's not the Appalachians but he has no problems. Ever think of a Beta 3 stroke with oil injection? Just a thought. You should be happy with a 250 4 stroke.👍
Dirt Bikes & Ice Hockey thanks
Thanks for this info it means a lot to newbie riders like me more power & God bless 🙏
MO (momentum) is very necessary lots2x of the time... Very good tips ... Most will help on track and trails...
Good tips. I think it really needs to be said the whenever you think you are in trouble, the loud handle is your friend.
New rider. What do you mean by that?
@@Redmow51 Right.
@@ljprep6250 I got it now. Not so new anymore. LOL!
@@Redmow51 Ready enough for WFO?
You make a pretty good riding instructor! Thanks for helpful tips!
Thanks for making this content! Just getting started and needed to know all of these tips.
I love the sintrippidle motion.lol
Never the less,good vid my friend.
Scrolled to find this comment.
It's called centripetal force. It's a thing
A tip Steven fordd taught me is a general rule of thumb, you should set your levers so they are in a straight line from your arm to your finger. If you know what I mean
Kyle thanks for the tips!! I’ve been trying a few of these the last few times riding and have noticed a huge difference!! Thank you!
I bought a dirt bike couple of weeks ago and because I come from mountain biking some of these tips seem natural to me. But on my first rides I was sitting down too much and I don't know why is that because you don't sit down while going hard on mtb either. It just feels like you dont have to stand up because that 300mm of suspension travel has your back on a dirt bike :D But then one of my friends told me to just stand up and now everything is much easier!
Lovin' the drone footage you incorporate in your videos. Rock on!
Great video man.. I really enjoyed it.. And im definitely going to try out these tips.. Thank you
Awesome video and great tips!
I just picked up a dirt bike after not having one for 6+ years so this will definitely help.
Tip number 11 buy a old trials bike and polish up existing skills then learn new skills to transfer to your enduro bike
Hayden W Mate of mine does that. Has an old beat up yz125 to learn and practice on. Then transfers those to his yz250
Tip number 12, buy any old clapped out air cooled 4 stroke above 150ccs. Tip number 13, take tips 1-12 and register for a local hare scramble/enduro race.
Absolutely!
@@joemoyle7867 have n4ñbi2jee 7uu87uuuurjjjjnkhhhh
Tip 12: buy a beginners bike, such as a cr500 or kx500 to learn on.
I practice on a really tight figure 8 track almost everyday and its a must to get on the tank to make these bikes corner right, When I get just a little lazy and get comfortable instead of getting on the tank the bike will stand up in the middle of the corner or the front end will push or knife on you, Practicing corners is Hugh if you want to improve, I'd say Corners are the hardest things to learn on a dirt bike,,specially rutted corners, Everything else will come with time but corners takes many hrs of practice to get right,