If you're after some solid dirt bike riding tips... then read on. The best thing I ever did to improve my riding was ask for advice from more experienced riders. And if your riding ability isn't where you want it to be... then this will be one of the best things you can do too, to improve your skills and ability on the track or trail.

I've been advised by much better riders than myself to concentrate on my technique rather than speed. If you get the technique right, the speed will come naturally. And you'll be much faster than you otherwise would've been... and safer!
There are so many small things that the pros do that make them so incredibly quick and smooth. I'm not going to pretend I know what they all are, but I will share some fundamental dirt bike riding tips that I have learned from experienced riders and motocross schools... beginning with your standing position.
Your body position on your bike is the first thing you need to get right.
When I started riding, I used to sit down a lot with my elbows dropped and I'd get nailed over rough ground. You see these poor twits around occasionally - getting thrown around like rag-dolls.
Most of your riding (esp. over rough, hard terrain) should be done in the standing position. Just watch the pros and you'll see why.
To do this...
•    Have the foot pegs in the middle of your feet for easy access and control of your foot levers.
•    Grip the bike with your knees slightly bent near the bottom of the tank.
•    Your back should be slightly arched with your bum towards the rear. Keep your arms up, and elbows forward with your head over the handle bars.
•    Try and keep either 1 or 2 fingers on the clutch and brake levers as much as possible.
Practice riding like this over rough terrain and watch your speed, control and enjoyment increase!

Off-Road Basics—Riding Your ATV
Riding Techniques

Turning

Consult your owner’s manual for information on turning your ATV. In general, when riding at low to moderate speeds, you should:

Riding Uphill

Climbing hills can be dangerous if you don’t follow the proper procedures described in your owner’s manual. You could lose control of your ATV or it could overturn. In general, you should:

• Use good judgment. If you think the hill is too steep to climb safely, don’t attempt it. Instead, you may be able to traverse the slope.
• Before starting the climb, shift into a lower gear and increase your speed.
• During the climb, increase the throttle steadily to keep your forward momentum.
• Slide forward on the seat, or stand and lean forward.
• Always lean uphill while leaving your feet on the footrests.
• If you can’t see over the top of the hill to check for obstacles, slow down until you can.

 

Riding Downhill

Before starting down a hill, select a route with a minimum of obstacles. Ideally, the route should require little or no turning. When riding downhill, remember to:

• Move back on the seat while leaving your feet on the footrests.
• Maintain a slow speed.
• Brake gradually.
• Stay in a low gear.
• Keep your eyes focused ahead.

 

 

Traversing a Slope

Some hills may be too steep to ride up or down in a straight line. If so, you may be able to ascend or descend the hill by riding across it at an angle—called traversing the slope. However, you should not attempt to traverse a surface that is extremely rough, loose, or slippery. When traversing, be sure to:

• Keep your feet on the footrests.
• Shift your weight to the uphill side.