While we all see the superbikes out in the summer months, you may not be aware that off-road riding is very popular in the United Kingdom and if you do a little online research, there are many quad venues where you can ride off-road. Riding a motorcycle off-road requires a different set of skills to riding on the road and you are advised to seek out some basic riding training, which will equip you with the necessary skills to control your bike at all times.
Buying a Bike
The ideal starter machine would be the Honda CRF250L, a well-balanced bike with lots of raw power and with a Google search, you can find a leading Honda dealer. You should book a test ride the bike and that can be booked on the dealer’s website, which allows you to get the feel of the machine and if you take a trailer with you, you can bring the bike home. Prior to making any decisions, read the online reviews about the machines you are looking at and you can create a shortlist of bikes to test ride and the people at the dealership can answer any technical questions that you might have.
Competitive Finance
If you would prefer to spread the payments over a few years, the bike dealer can offer competitive finance, whether you are looking to buy a new or used bike. For more information, search online for motorcycle dealers and you can view a wide range of styles before finally making a choice. Click here for tips on taking out health insurance, which we should all have.
Protective Clothing & Equipment
Of course, off-road riding demands that you are suitably dressed, with a thick jacket, preferably leather, along with a good helmet, a pair of motorcycle gloves and a pair of goggles. A full-face helmet is not a good idea when riding off-road, as this limits your scope of vision, but you must wear eye protection and goggles are the best solution. A pair of hiking boots offer good ankle support and always carry a wet suit, just in case the heavens open.
Basic Riding Skills
The best way to approach off-road bike riding is to enroll in a basic off-road riding course, where a professional will teach you about the following:
- Safe braking techniques
- Negotiating rough terrain
- Balance techniques
- Riding through mud and water
Once you have your bike, why not visit a few riding venues and get some hands-on experience? This is the best way to become a competent rider, plus you’ll have a great time in the process.
Summer Camping Holidays
Many people in the UK like to go camping in the summer and you could combine your bike riding with camping, especially if you buy a street legal enduro-style bike that can ride on all surfaces. Holidaying like this saves a lot of money, as you have minimal accommodation costs and there are many great camping sites all around the UK. Of course, you will need to have the right driving licence if you are planning to ride on the UK roads.
Of course, safety is critical and with some professional tuition, you will soon become a competent off-road rider.
