Preparation is a necessity when it comes to preparing for off-road riding on a motorcycle, especially when it comes to your suspension. Not maintaining or updating your suspension setup can turn your bike into an uncompromising and uncomfortable ride. Maintaining your suspension is key to excelling your riding experience and improving your skills.
Got all the Gear?
Before you even think about riding off road, it is important to have all the correct gear in place.
When it comes to helmets, most off-road riders are split between adventure helmets and dirt bike helmets. What’s the difference? Dirt bike helmets
have better ventilation and weigh less, but do not come with a face shield. Adventure helmets are designed to resist wind buffeting better than
dirt bike helmets and come with face shields but sometimes aren’t as sturdy or lightweight. This decision really falls on the rider.
A good jacket is also an essential part of off-road riding, riders need to ensure the jacket is armoured in some way, waterproof, and made from an
abrasion-resistant material.
Oh and gloves! Don't forget the gloves!
The Spring and the Damper
What are they and why are they important?
A bit like chalk and cheese but need each other to function properly. Spring holds the weight of a motorbike and absorbs impacts from the ground when
riding. Damping is used to slow the compression of the spring and how fast it returns to the original dimensions.
Here is where off-road bikes are elevated, At the rear, most off-road bikes will run an external spring on a single centrally mounted shock absorber.
And at the front, the springs are held inside the bike and up to recently, within both legs.
Want your bike to handle well? This is your reminder to get your suspension set up correctly!
Do not hesitate to get in touch to discuss your riding experience and suspension setup, the suspension setup depends on rider abilities and needs.
Prep is Key
Taking advantage of advice from fellow off-road riders is the best way to get prepared. What do you need to take with you? What should you bring in the event of a repair being needed? Best conditions? And what are the best techniques to apply?
Riding off the beaten path is extremely different from your average road. For example, when keeping your weight back in deep sand, you’ll need to keep your speed up and use the clutch’s friction zone to help with delivery and traction.
Test, Test, and Test Again
We can't stress how important it is to test your bike before taking it for an off-ride journey. If you ahead of time, need any advice regarding your bike and its suspension. Get in contact.
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