Dirt Bike Sand Riding Tips – A dirt bike is meant to travel different terrains. Still, sand can be tedious to drive through. Why? Riding in the sand can be tough on your bike, causing wear on its moving parts as sand gets into every nook and cranny. What’s more, it can be intimidating for new riders to drive through sand due to the softness. Whether you are a newbie or a veteran, there are different tips to help you drive through the sand.
Before we dive into the best way to ride through sand, there are some preparations to help you out. First, look for damp sand—it provides firmer terrain, improving control and traction. Opt for a powerful bike, like a 250cc two-stroke or higher, for ample power, especially if you’re a heavier rider. Lower your tire pressure to 10-12 psi for better control, but be careful to avoid damaging your rims on hard objects.
Dirt Bike Sand Riding Tips: What to Do
Now that we have gotten ideas on what to do before driving on sand, here are some top dirt bike sand riding tips:
Be Smart with Your Tires
Choosing the right tires is vital for sand riding. Smooth road or 50/50 tires might seem okay, but when you need traction in the sand, they often disappoint, leading to getting stuck or tipping over. The open block pattern on the tire’s sidewall is key for effective sand navigation. While reducing tire pressure helps a bit, it doesn’t fully compensate for the advantages of proper tires. Smooth sidewalls are trouble in the sand, affecting your grip. It’s best to use tires designed for sand riding, but if not, lowering the PSI improves your tires’ grip on loose sand, making your overall experience better.
Reduce Clutch Use
When riding in sandy areas, rethink how you use your clutch. It’s important to treat the clutch like an on/off switch because slipping it doesn’t work well when your rear wheel is spinning in the sand. Instead, trust the motor’s power, and learn to ease off the throttle to reduce spinning and gain better traction. Quickly releasing the throttle can even make the motorcycle accelerate.
In sandy conditions, especially on looser sand, think of your clutch as a kill switch for your bike. Whether you use ‘less clutch’ or ‘no clutch’ depends on factors like the type of riding, sand conditions, and your experience with sand riding. Over time, you’ll develop a feel for when to slow down and use your clutch as you become more familiar with navigating through sand.
Remember Your Balance
Balance is essential when riding on sand to prevent the bike from wandering, handlebars from shaking, or the back end from wallowing. Stay loose on the handlebars, maintain balance, and position yourself over the bike’s center to use your weight effectively. Steering is done by weighting the footpegs, so stand while riding to influence the bike’s direction and counteract imbalances.
Sitting on the bike can lead to loss of control. Don’t mistake speed for balance; if you can’t ride slowly on hard dirt, it’s even harder in the sand. Start slowly in the sand for safety and comfort. Ensure a firm leg grip on the bike’s body and a tight hold on the handlebars for enhanced grip and stability. Efficiency is crucial in sand riding, so harmonize with your bike to maximize power and avoid unnecessary struggles.
Dirt Bike Sand Riding Tips: Common Mistakes
Riding too fast too soon
Accelerating too quickly in sand is a common error that often results in loss of control. Focus on mastering balance and traction control at low speeds before attempting higher speeds for a smoother, more controlled ride.
Too much weight on the rear
Placing too much weight on the rear of the bike is a frequent mistake. This causes the front wheel to dig into soft sand, making turning difficult and increasing the risk of the front end “knifing” easily. Maintain balance by adopting a neutral attack position and shifting your body only when necessary for actions like braking, accelerating, or navigating hills.
Poor clutch and throttle control
In sandy conditions, poor clutch and throttle control can lead to getting stuck. Quick clutch releases or excessive gas, especially during starts, result in the rear tire breaking loose and creating a challenging trench. Prioritize smooth clutch and throttle control, aiming for close to 100% traction, particularly at low speeds, to avoid unnecessary pitfalls and improve overall control in the sand.
Riding on sand is one of the many roads your dirt bike can encounter and there are different ways to prep your bike for it. Just as there are tips for riding on elements like sand, snow, and mud, there are tips for trail riding and motocross. If you want to explore other ways to ride your bike, you can check out the types of dirt bike racing you can try. You can check out other things you can learn about your bike like why it makes so much noise or how to stand on it.
