Equipment Outfitters

Off-road riding is a popular pastime with many motorcyclists, and involves the dual-purpose trail bikes — motorcycles that are at home on both roads and the dirt. They are designed with greater ground clearance, greater clearance between tyres and mudguards, higher footrests, longer suspension travel and ‘knobbly’ tyres.

It is an excellent hobby and can be a very good way of keeping fit. A tough ride requires a lot of physical strength and endurance.

1. When riding in sand the bike should be kept under power to keep the front end light and avoid it digging in.
2. Never ride into water without knowing its depth or what’s on the bottom. Keep the engine revving all the time and dry the brakes after leaving
3. In order to negotiate a log, or similar object, it is necessary to lean on the bars to depress the front forks, then pull back and blip the throttle in order to lift the front wheel. As the rear wheel touches the obstruction it will climb it as the front end descends
4. Power is applied on the approach to the slope and maintained until the front end clears the rise. As the bike starts to climb the slope the rider should stand up and lean slightly forwards, keeping the handlebars towards the chest and the weight directly down over the rear wheel spindle
5. Avoid using the brakes when descending a steep slope. Select a low gear and keep your weight towards the rear (over the rear wheel spindle) as the bike moves over the edge and down

Motorbike Where to Go

Whilst the number of ‘trails’, or green lanes, is decreasing slowly, especially because of problems with vehicular traffic, there are still many miles of nice rough tracks that can be explored by motorcycle. They provide a challenge to the demanding rider, especially when the way is made difficult by mud, sand, fallen trees, water, rocks, steep hills, etc.

If you are not sure of which ‘green lanes‘ you can ride along in your area, you should contact either the local Police or the local motorcycle club:

Don’t forget — take litter home and respect the countryside.

Motorbike Courtesy

The reason that many green lanes are being closed to vehicular traffic is that other groups, hikers and horse riders, complain about the conduct of car drivers and, more important, motorcyclists. Inconsiderate riders on noisy motorcycles create many problems for the considerate, and comparatively quiet, discerning riders.

Slow down on the approach to hikers, picnickers, farmers and horse riders ; give them a wide berth and a friendly wave. If you have time you could even stop and have a friendly chat, it does the world of good.

Motorbike Preparation

Some green lanes can take you miles away from civilisation, so it is essential that certain preparations are made. Top up the petrol tank before leaving, and know how far you can go on reserve. Carry a spare inner tube and valve inners, or a can of Finilec (tyre sealant/inflater). Make sure the bike’s toolkit is complete and that there are enough spanners, etc. for all the nuts and bolts on the bike.

Most important preparation job, especially if it’s a long ride, is to ensure that regular and proper maintenance is carried out. This will reduce the risk of a breakdown miles from anywhere.

Be sure before you go — it will be too late once under way.

Motorbike Clothing

Trail riding is warm work and it is usual to wear lightweight but protective clothing. Ideally you should wear a jumper with padded elbows and shoulders, and jeans with padding to the knees and hips, in a similar style to those worn by motocross riders. Spills are frequent, and you need a bit of protection.

It’s the boots, helmets and gloves that are the really important articles of clothing.

The boots should be near knee length and offer a lot of ankle support. The best sole is of the ‘Commando’ type, to give better grip in awkward situations.

The open faced style helmet is the type normally used — it keeps the rider cooler and allows goggles to be worn. A visor on a full face helmet will soon steam up when the going gets hot.

Hands are frequently whipped and bashed by bushes and trees, and it can be very painful. Choose gloves that have padded fingers and knuckles.

Motorbike Tyres

The semi-knobbly tyres used on trail bikes are a compromise for a dual purpose. The knobbles are not big enough, or widely enough spaced, to be very good in the dirt, and likewise they are too big to be very good on the road. Whilst being under-tyred on the rough is no major problem, it can be dangerous on the road. Cornering is not as good as with road tyres, and road holding (grip) is very bad in the wet.

On the dirt it is better to lower the tyre pressures to about 15psi, for better grip, but remember that this would be illegal on the road (even crossing a road from one track to another), and it is essential to have some means of blowing them back up at the end of the trail.

Motorbike Braking

Stopping, or even slowing down, can often be a problem. Using the brakes on loose, muddy or sloping surfaces can cause a total lack of control, or even a spill. Make full use of the lower gears and deceleration.

Keep the front wheel straight when braking on most dirt surfaces — if the wheel is turned, or the bike leaning over, the chances are it will ‘break away’ and slide.

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