When you are first learning to drive a car, an automatic is an appealing choice, but if you learn to drive a manual transmission, you can easily transition into an auto. When it comes to motorbikes, a rider who has learned on a dirt bike is likely to find it easier to make the switch to a road bike.  For the road bike rider, however, there can be some adjustments.

Adjusting to a Dirt Bike from a Road Bike

If you are a road bike rider and are looking to make the switch, or just a curious dirt bike rider looking to know the advantages you have, TenEyck Distributing has some information to share to help you out.

Gear Changes

The light goes green; first gear, second, etc. until you hit your cruising speed and there's little more to be done. This is the general routine for a road bike, and it works quite well. One of the biggest challenges that a road bike rider will find is adjusting to not only constantly changing your gears, but learning to have the gear ready to engage at the right moment to pull you out of a tricky spot or tight maneuver. That means what while you're riding fast through tracks and turns; you need to be constantly looking ahead at what maneuver you will be doing to navigate the route, which gears it will need, and when you can start prepping for it without getting in the way of your current riding.

Balance

There is a reason why dirt bike riders are practically standing while they race around a track. Because of the loose and constantly changing terrain, dirt bike riders need to stay as agile as possible; and this position allows this. For most road bike riders, this is going to be one of the most uncomfortable sensations they have felt while on a bike. But, after a few rounds of a track or even a practice run up and down a dirt path, the benefits of riding in such a position will quickly become apparent.

Torque and Takeoff

Taking the gear change example above; taking off is pretty straightforward for a road bike rider. The sealed roads provide solid traction, allowing a smooth take off. When adjusting to a dirt bike, consider the ground you are on and adjust your throttle accordingly. You will likely spin out, or even fall over, a few times as you learn, but once you master the technique of reading the ground and your throttle speed you won't even forget it. Whether it's your road bike or your dirt bike, it will need maintenance and fluids. To make sure you are using the right fluid for your ride, speak with TenEyck Distributing at (208) 589-4660 and ask about the range of high-quality AMSOIL engine lubricants available for your bike.

Maintenance

Speaking of maintenance, the amount of maintenance needed when riding a dirt bike can often take road bike riders by surprise. Used to regular three or six monthly mechanic visits, road bike riders will find themselves providing more personal upkeep of their dirt bike, including items such as:

• More regular air filter cleaning and replacements due to the amount of dust that makes its way in.
• More general cleaning to remove the dirt and mud from the bike to prevent corrosion.
• Regular cleaning and adjustments of exposed cables which can quickly see build up and corrosion if not tended to.
• Higher tire replacement rate due to damage caused by debris and sharp objects
• Higher rate of body repair caused be general riding and debris

Safety

While there's nothing stopping a road bike rider from wearing their gear on a dirt track, it isn't likely to be the most comfortable ride. With the level of agility needed by a dirt bike rider, the right safety gear which allows for maximum movement is key, as opposed to something focused more on a safety/fashion mix. Also, goggles aren't usually a safety item which a road bike helmet can accommodate. This is a safety item most dirt bikers can't go without.

Maintenance Includes a Synthetic Oil Change in Blackfoot

Dirt bike maintenance includes fluids, and fluids need to be changed. To use the right products when performing your next synthetic oil change, whether it's a dirt bike, a road bike, or even your boat, speak with TenEyck Distributing at (208) 589-4660 and ask about which engine oil is best suited to your ride. Alternatively, check out the online store for more information and to place your order.