DIRTBIKE 101:

Why a Racerchick Should Start Loving the Dirt?

By: Jonathan L. Walker

Why?

I was asked by a close friend of mine to write on a dear topic to me for her awesome web-site (www.racerchicks.com).  That dear topic is on the world of dirt bikes.  She asked me to write on this topic because she believes as well as I do, that women should know and love this wonderful sport.

Why I love the dirt & why you should too!

At age three my father bought me a three-wheeler.  From the instant that I sat down on the machine, I knew I would forever love this sport.  The family, including mom, would pack up all our motorcycles, hook up with our closest friends and track on over to the Michigan State Sand Dunes for a long weekend of playing in the sand.  Only we didn’t play with plastic shovels and buckets, instead we played with the metal machines beneath us.  I didn’t realize it at the time, but it made our family closer as a unit.  Who would think that these types of machines would do such a thing?  We would all ride over to the biggest sand dune at the State Park and spend half the day trying to get up the big pile of sand.  The rush of adrenaline we would feel as we made our attempts to get to the top only to turn back down, which was a challenge in itself.  Everyone would watch each other as they made their attempts, people you didn’t even know at the park would join in on the hill climbing experience.  But you know the best part of this experience is not just the actual riding.  It’s after the day is all said and done when everyone is together just telling each other about how they thought they did out on the trails and tracks.  Some would talk about how they were the King/Queen of the hill and others would talk about their crashes and attempts.  That is the best part of riding, the stories and being with your closest friends and family while doing it.

Now at my older age, I have grown from riding the big hills, still finding a time to go back, here and there, to racing out on the tracks and hair-scrambles.  I follow the professionals on ESPN and I even play the games like EA Sports Supercross, which by the way features two young women.  Yes, I have even chosen to be them in the game.  These girls in real life could kick my ass and my friends asses too.  Check it out if you can!

Why Women? 

So why should women get involved?  I’ll tell you why.  It is for the same reason they get into racing cars or any other hobby.  It is a time when they can master something and feel good about themselves.  This gives them time to think and enjoy life.  If they are the type that likes the smell of gasoline and exhaust fumes.  If they enjoy the feeling of being free then this sport is for them.

It is one of the more easy to do sports and to get involved in.  There are many recreational parks with lots of space to try yourself on.  Once you get to the point of no return there are also races that you can enter to get even higher off the sport.

 How to get started?

First things first, how does one get started?  I would find a friend or relative that doesn’t mind taking the time to show you what is what on the motorcycle and also doesn’t mind someone crashing on his or her machine.  Trust me when I say you will fall down.  Don’t worry because everyone does it whether they are professionals or not.  By using a friend or relative they can also give you tips as you go and it is always more fun and safe when riding with someone else.  If there is one important thing to learn about riding dirt bikes, it is always to go with someone else.  The reasons are as follows: 

(1)   You get to spend time with someone you care about.

(2)   You get the luxury of talking with someone that understands your experience.

(3)   If you get in trouble out on the trails, there is always someone to help you.  Although there are usually other riders where you will be riding, they don’t know you and are on looking after you. 

 Time for you to be on your own!

Okay now you got the hang of riding someone else’s stuff and feel like you are ready to purchase your own motorcycle, you will need to know the who, what, where, and how’s of finding the best motorcycle for you.  Well remember that friend or relative I told you to seek out who rides?  They are a great source to ask when purchasing one of these machines.  Plus, they know your riding style since you rode with them when you first learned how.  They will be able to tell you what is good and what is not.  If you don’t trust their opinion, then buy some dirt bike magazines like Racer X magazine, they will have lots of information on the different styles.  If you don’t get enough out of the magazines, you can always go on line and visit the manufacturer’s web-sites, or go directly to the dealers.  The problem here is they don’t know you and how you ride.  That is why you need to know more information on all the products.

How do I know what is the right motorcycle for me?

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when purchasing a machine like this:

(1)   How often do I ride?

(2)   What kind of riding do I like to do the most?

(3)   If I get better and better will I want something more than I already have?

(4)   How much money do I have?

If you don’t do a lot of riding you don’t want to go out and spend a bunch of money on a certain brand when you can go to a different brand for less money.  At a beginner stage you won’t feel the difference anyway.  Usually Suzuki’s are the cheapest and the best for beginners, this is referring to a 2-stroke 125cc motorcycle.  There are 4-strokes and there are higher cc motorcycles, but if you are just beginning I will only talk about the 125cc motorcycles.  

Now you bring 2-stroke/4-stroke into the equation, what does that mean?  Okay, okay, 2-stroke/ 4-stroke refers to engine types.  2-stroke dirt bikes are whineier in sound.  That is not all.  2-stroke engines require you to mix “2-stroke oil” to the gasoline.  In doing this you need to know how lean or rich to mix your gas.  That is a whole different story.  Ask your dealer which is best for you.  4-strokes (otherwise known as the “Thumpers”) are just like you car, you don’t have to do anything, but fill your tank up with regular old gas (preferably the highest octane for cleaner burning).  They are called “Thumpers” because they sound deeper and more throaty than a 2-stroke.  2-stroke motorcycles have what we call a “powerband.”  This powerband is like an extra boost at the end of the gear.  So when you are revving your bike (higher RPMs in a gear) the powerband will kick in and take you over the edge that you may need.  The “Thumper” does not have a powerband.  Even though this powerband may seem scary, remember that the 4-stroke is heavier and hard to handle in some situations than a 2-stroke.  The 2-strokes where known as the race bike and the 4-stroke was known as the induro bike.  But since the invention of the YZ400F (Yamaha’s 4-stroke race bike) that has all since changed.

2-stroke/4-stroke, who cares?  Just get me on a dam bike already!  Here are the main manufacturers to choose from: Suzuki as mentioned above, Honda (which I ride), Yamaha (which the current Jeremy McGrath 7 time Supercross Champ rides), Kawasaki, and KTM (American made as where the rest are Japanese).  There are a few others, but they are more pricey and harder to find local dealers.

Back to my questions at hand.  If you do more recreational park riding then a 4-stroke might be more for you than a 2-stroke.  The reason why is because you don’t need to be revving and as racy through woods and mud.  However if you go to parks that have sand dunes, the only way to get up those monstrosities is with that powerband I told you about.  Sure a 4-stroke could do it, but if you want to jump the peak, sometimes it helps to have that extra boost.  Since 4-strokes have come a long way more and more people use them out on the race tracks as you see on TV.  Locally you will see more 2-strokes on those tracks.

Whatever you go with, whether it is a 2-stroke or 4-stroke the bike will become old after a while so always remember that.  They become old in engineering and old to you because you have mastered the bike and might want to move up in cc.  Think about that before you buy.  You would feel pretty stupid if you made an investment on a slow bike when you do a lot of riding and get the hang of it real quick.  Trust me, if you are at the point of buying your own bike, you will want to do a lot of riding therefore you will get better and you will have the itch to go faster and faster.  About all I can say about which bike is good for you is to go out and try as many out as you can.  I have ridden so many different bikes and just know what I like.  So do the same.  Even if you are small try and ride a bigger bike.  Make sure you can touch the ground though.  Unless you like having people catch you every time you stop!

Now what do I do?

Okay now you have done your research and you found the bike you wanted and you made the purchase.  Now what?  Go ride it, what else?!  But before you go out on the trails and tracks, make sure you have the proper protection!  What protection?  Yeah I hear you; maybe I should have talked about this way in the beginning.  Make sure you go purchase yourself a helmet (DOT approved).  Purchase yourself some chest protectors (now-a-days most Supercross riders do not wear them, but you aren’t as good so wear them dam it!).  Buy some boots!  That way you won’t break a toe or ankle.  Most professionals wear Alpinestar.  I’ve worn AXO, Fox, and Alpinestar.  There are many different makes out there so try them all on.  You will also need some knee guards to protect yourself from a fall or anything else that might hit your knee.  Might as well through in some elbow pads too!  Also, don’t forget to buy those gloves, they help reduce calluses and if a branch or rock hits you, you don’t get all cut up.  Now if you want to look cool, like we all do, then buy a jersey and pants!  Now that you feel like a football player you can go out and ride.  Mind you safety is always key!  The reason why 3-wheeler ATV’s where faded out was because too many people would crash and get hurt because they didn’t wear protective gear.  Only when you are making the big bucks to race, can you not wear protective gear.  Unless you really think you ride better and feel more comfortable with out some of the gear.  It is all up to you, but as a first timer, I would wear it.  The money it cost you for the gear (which is almost half of the dirt bikes costs) is a lot cheaper than ruining your life!

What is a Nac Nac?

Now you are out on the track or trail of your choice, what do you do to impress your friends?  Do some tricks!  (Disclaimer, only attempt these if you don’t care if you get hurt or if you have been riding so long you can race in your sleep!).  What tricks do I do you ask?  Will why not a “Nac Nac?”  A “Nac Nac” is Jeremy McGrath’s patented jump trick.  This is when he pulls one leg off his bike and brings it over his seat and whips it out completely behind his back pretty much.  Or why not try a “Heel Clicker?”  This is when you take both of your feet off the pegs and click them together over your handlebars in mid air!  You will see Travis Pastrana or Kevin Windham do these mostly.  Now I could tell you another story on all these tricks, buy now you are ready to go out and try this whole dirtbike thing out for yourself.  (For more tricks check out the ESPN X-Games or Freestyle Championship).

One more tid bit why women should get involved in this sport.

 Guys think women are more cooler if they rid dirt bikes!!!  Also, you women out there might find a hot guy out there by doing this.  This sport is not just about riding.  There is a lot fashion that goes into it.  Just take a look at all the helmet designs and clothing designs.  People just feel cool when they get all dressed up to go riding.  Don’t ask me why, because I don’t know.  Next time I’m out on the track and trials, I better see more women!

Last words:  “HAVE FUN AND KICK ASS!!!!!!