Off-roading is a challenging form of riding for anyone. For those whose bikes aren’t prepared to take the extra beating, though, it can be downright dangerous to both riders and their motorcycles. Instead of just jumping right in, read on to find out how to prepare a bike for taking it off-road.
Know the Bike
The most important thing is for riders to know their bikes and what they can handle. All off-road motorcycles come equipped for trail riding, but not all of them are well-suited for dirt bike racing, and none come factory-ready to take years of wear and tear. Things as simple as buying decal kits for Hondas that can protect the plastic from flying dirt, scratches from tree branches, and UV damage due to heavy use can make a big difference.
Riders who are taking new bikes off-roading for the first time should start with easier trails. That way, they can get to know how the bikes handle and decide what kinds of changes they should make before signing up for trail races or getting into hardcore training. Remember, it’s a matter of protecting not just the bike but also its rider.
Install a Kickstand
Riders who aren’t familiar with extreme sports like enduro racing usually think of things like suspension upgrades as being the most important mods for maximizing performance. However, real enduro racers know that even a perfectly tuned bike won’t do them any good if they can’t stop and make minor repairs on the trails, and that requires a kickstand. Even if riders aren’t planning on immediately jumping into long-haul off-road racing, they’ll still be able to benefit from this basic mod when things go wrong.
Change Out the Tires
There are a variety of dirt bike tires available for trail riding and racing. Finding the right ones can make a big difference when it comes to both comfort and performance. Most casual off-road riders prefer intermediate surface dirt bike tires, which feature rubber that’s an equal mix of stiff and flexible for good performance on a variety of different surfaces. However, they’re not the best option for every rider.
People who plan on riding primarily on soft terrains like loose gravel, sand, or loam will want harder tires that have tall lugs and wide-spaced tread patterns so the tires can keep their shape. Those who anticipate riding on rocky or tightly packed soil may prefer tires with tighter tread patterns and softer, more flexible rubber for increased traction.
Install Wraparound Handguards
Motocross riders tend to prefer independently mounted handguards, but the situation is different for off-roading. Wraparound handguards protect both the bike’s levers in the event of a crash and the rider’s hands during normal riding conditions. Not having to worry about avoiding every branch or kicked-up rock makes it much easier to focus on enjoying the off-roading experience, and having the extra protection during a crash can mean the difference between getting up and getting back on the trail and having to take the bike in for repairs before it can be used again.
Hit the Trails Comfortably, Safely, and in Style
The minor modifications described above can go a long way toward preparing an off-road motorcycle for trail riding and racing. Riders who are on a budget can start at the top and then make individual modifications, trying them out on easier trails as they go to determine how they will impact how the bike handles and how it might stand up to more challenging conditions on harder trails.