From Beginner to Pro: Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Started with Dirt Biking

Dirt biking is a lifelong sport. If you go to any motocross track in the country, you will most likely witness kids as young as three years old up to adults in their 70s getting after it. The age range is inspiring to see. Regardless of your age, you are never too young or too old to get into the sport if you have the will to do so.

Some riders start as a kid, go to college, and pick the sport back up 20 years down the road. Others discover the sport later in life or have it as a bucket list item during retirement. Whatever your story is, let's get you started!

20+ Years Since Last Ride!? Highland Park Resort KTM World
by Motor Bros.

In this blog post, we'll discuss the ultimate guide to getting started with dirt biking. You don’t have to follow these steps in this exact order, but we’ve found this to be a successful path for newcomers and riders returning to the sport.

1. Research: Before you get started, it’s important to do some research. You’ll want to learn about the different types of bikes, the gear you’ll need, the different types of tracks, and the tracks that exist in your area. You can find a wealth of information online, from websites and forums to YouTube videos and classes.
2. Find a Riding Location: Finding a place to ride used to be a challenge, but Full Throttle makes it easy. Simply plug in your region, utilize the map to find a track that is closest to you or has the features you are looking for. Most tracks list details such as experience level, track type (Veteran tracks are best for beginners), rental options, training services, hours of operation, and fees. Don’t hesitate to call if their information reads like a foreign language. Track owners and staff love talking about their facilities and bringing new riders into their facility. It’s helpful to find a track, dealer, or coach that allows you to rent/test ride a bike. It's an added bonus if they also provide introductory lessons on riding.
3. Get the Right Gear (Part 1): Having the right protective gear is essential when riding. This includes a helmet, boots, goggles, knee pads, roost protector, gloves, pants, and jersey. The gear costs add up quickly, so before you spend a fortune on all the proper riding gear, we recommend buying a high-quality helmet first, followed by a pair of goggles and gloves to use during your test ride. Whether you stick with the sport or not, a high-quality helmet is a good thing to have on hand. Be sure to purchase a helmet that passes the safety standards. In the United States, it’s DOT.
4. Rent a Bike and/or Take a Class: Once you've got your initial gear, we highly recommend renting a bike or taking a class with a certified coach that provides bikes to ride. This will give you an opportunity to see if dirt biking is the sport for you. In an introductory class, they will focus on the basic fundamentals of riding a dirt bike.
5. Buy a Bike: If you fell in love at first ride, welcome to the club! So you think you’re ready to buy? The first task is to determine your budget. In doing so, be sure to factor in additional costs for gear, gas, trailer, and track gate fees. The bike type and size will determine your budget. For an adult, $7,000 to $10,000 is a safe range that will get you into the sport with a good bike and all the riding essentials. Check out our article on buying used vs. new bikes.
6. Get the Right Gear (Part 2): Now that you have your bike, it's time to gear up properly. Essential items include: dirt bike boots, knee pads, chest/roost protector, neck brace, pants, and a jersey.
7. Take Lessons: It's always a good idea to take lessons from a certified coach, regardless of your riding level or ability. This will help you learn the basics of riding and give you the confidence you need to tackle more challenging terrain. Full Throttle features a few coaches who can help you improve your skills. If your local track doesn't offer any programs, you can search for local coaches at Motorcycle Coaching.

Dirt biking is a sport that spans generations, with riders of all ages embracing the thrill and excitement it offers. Whether you're starting as a kid, picking it up later in life, or pursuing it as a retirement hobby, it's never too late to get into dirt biking. In this blog post, we've covered the essential steps to help you get started. From researching and finding a riding location to getting the right gear, renting a bike or taking a class, buying a bike, and taking lessons, these steps can pave the way for an enjoyable and successful dirt biking experience. Remember, safety always comes first, so make sure to invest in quality gear and take lessons from certified coaches to improve your skills and confidence. With determination, practice, and a passion for the sport, you can embark on an exciting journey in the world of dirt biking. So, gear up, rev your engines, and let Full Throttle be your guide as you kick-start your dirt biking adventure!