Just because you know how to ride a road bike doesn't mean that you can just get on a dirt bike and enjoy some adventure. There are a few key differences you should be aware of first. Everybody knows that riding a dirt bike is more exciting than riding a road bike. However, not everybody knows that, just because you can ride a road bike, it doesn’t mean that you can just as easily ride a dirt bike.

How to Make the Switch to a Dirt Bike

If you currently own and ride a road bike and are looking for some tips on making the switch to a dirt bike, even just for weekend adventures, below is a post from Mooresville Synthetic Oil to get you started riding selfie.

The User Manual Matters

If you have ever bought a new phone or gadget then you know that the first thing you will do is to throw away the instructions. After all, how hard can it be to use a cell phone. And while this may be true, the same can’t be said for a dirt bike. For this reason, even if you don��t want to, it’s important that you sit down and take a bit of time to read through your owner’s manual to get a feel for the vehicle you’re about to get on and ride.

Are You Sure You Look the Part?

No, you don’t need to go out and buy a whole new set of gear, but it’s important you have a few new items and make sure your current gear is up to the task. Goggles You probably don’t usually ride with goggles on the road, but you can bet that it’s needed when riding a dirt bike. Why? Because on the road there isn’t much that will get in your eyes, however, on an off-road track there is anything and everything nature can throw at you which can be thrown up or splash on your face and in your eyes. When choosing goggles, be sure they can fit over your helmet. Gloves There’s a good chance that your current goggles can do the job, you just have to make sure that you can reach your levers and switches easily. Dirt bike lever placement can be a little different to what you’re used to, so make sure you have the reach. Body Wear Speaking of reach, you have likely noticed that dirt bike riders stand up much of the time and often lean heavily as they maneuver through a range of tight corners on a track. For this reason, make sure your road leathers give you enough room and stretch to get your body where it needs to be to keep your dirt bike going and prevent you from slowing down and, well, falling off! Click here to buy 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil and keep your dirt bike in good shape. If you are new to dirt bike maintenance and aren’t sure if this is the right product for the job, speak with somebody who can help. Call Mooresville Synthetic Oil today at (336) 247-0212 and trust in their expert advice to get you the right product for the job. If you prefer, check out the online store for the full range of high-quality AMSOIL products available.

Control Your Throttle

When you’re on the road, it’s easy to just throttle up hard and take off. However, dirt bike tracks don’t often consist of asphalt. For this reason, before you take off on your dirt bike, look down and give some consideration to the type of terrain you’re starting from and the type of traction it’s likely to give. You would be surprised at just how many experienced road riders fall off before they even have a chance to get riding because they throttle up hard leaving their wheel to spin and them to fall off.

Can You Stand?

Some riders may say that riding a road bike is comfortable. Some not all! This is mainly because your body is in a sitting position with little need to move. However, a dirt bike rider can be expected to stand up most of the time, balancing on their pegs, and leaning heavy from one side to the other to maneuver through tight turns and through mud pools. With this in mind, take it easy during your first few rides and don't go too hard too early, otherwise, you’ll end up getting tired and leave you open to losing control and causing yourself an injury.

Tinkering

A dirt bike demands a bit more maintenance than a road bike, largely because of the conditions it rides through. For example:

• Your air filter will need to be cleaned after every one or two rides, as it can and will quickly fill up with dust and debris and prevent the necessary amount of air getting through to your intake.
• The workings of a dirt bike are exposed to the elements as you ride, leaving them susceptible to damage. After each ride, give your bike a solid wash and dry before setting it aside for the night. This includes making sure your chains, levers, and inner body are free from oil, mud, water, and everything else which may have made its way onto your bike during the ride.

Every Vehicle Can Benefit from a Synthetic Oil Change in Mooresville, NC

Whether it’s a road bike or a dirt bike, it needs basic maintenance. A synthetic oil change in Mooresville, NC is an easy part of your bike’s necessary maintenance and can not only help to keep it in top shape performance wise but also prevent against engine damage. Call Mooresville Synthetic Oil at (336) 247-0212 to find out more and trust in their expert advice to get you the right product for your next synthetic oil change.