How to Ride a Dirt Bike Through Sand
If you're riding along and encounter anything boggy, don't slam on the brakes and turn around.. quitters do that.. how are you going to know what"s on the other side of the bog if you don't go through it?.. , If a bog , look for the most shallow...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: If you're riding along and encounter anything boggy
Maintain speed and keep your butt as far toward the rear of the seat as you are comfortable while standing up in the attack/crouched stance .
Roll on a little more throttle just before the bog . , NEVER shift down or dump the clutch as this will tend to dig in the bog .Ideally have the throttle from 50-75Ā % not wide open. , Dabbing one foot down or dog paddling is OK if you have to , but chances of getting stuck go way up and its not a fast way through . , Gas it hard right up to the aberration , bounce on the pegs to get the most spring off the aberration .
Keep the bike level and clear the bog in the air .
Gas it a micro second before the rear wheel hits the ground . , In more typical sandy conditions , stay on the gas everywhere .
Drive harder into turns carrying more momentum .
Think of sand as a dragging front brake. -
Step 2: don't slam on the brakes and turn around.. quitters do that.. how are you going to know what"s on the other side of the bog if you don't go through it?..
Leave the rebound damping as is . , Forget using the front brake in sand .
If overshooting a turn , drag the rear brake a bit and stay on the gas , even if you only apply 20-30Ā % throttle . , Stay on the gas .
If there are a lot of whoops try to get enough momentum to shift up a gear higher .
This keeps the rear suspension less loaded so it can work better and it will tend to make the bike get on top of the sand .
Stay on the gas always .
Even if you drag the rear brake in whoop or out of crash fear . , If you crash , don't emphasize catching yourself .
Try to roll your body even before you hit the ground . , Traction will be very good , much easier to keep the front end light and the whole bike more on top of the sand . , -
Step 3: If a bog
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Step 4: look for the most shallow
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Step 5: straight rut .
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Step 6: The second you hit the bog you'll lose some speed which is why you must stay on the throttle .
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Step 7: Try to keep your feet on the pegs and weight back all the way through .
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Step 8: For advanced ridersĀ : Look for a rock
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Step 9: hump or small log in advance of the bog .
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Step 10: Ruts don't matter unless they are over hardpack.
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Step 11: If the bike has adjustable fork compression settings
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Step 12: add one or two more clicks compression resistance to help prevent plowing and to help keep the bike level in whoops .
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Step 13: Its OK to use light clutch in turns and a little wheel spin is O.K.
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Step 14: Stay loose
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Step 15: breathe regularly and let the bike traverse side to side as it hunts though the ruts on straightaways .
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Step 16: If the front wheel plows abruptly you may crash but often its saved by muscling it somewhat straight and adding more throttle simultaneously .
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Step 17: If you ride in sand a lot and not on paved rods or hard pack
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Step 18: try a paddle tire on the rear .
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Step 19: Sand riding is great fun once you learn how to do it .
Detailed Guide
Maintain speed and keep your butt as far toward the rear of the seat as you are comfortable while standing up in the attack/crouched stance .
Roll on a little more throttle just before the bog . , NEVER shift down or dump the clutch as this will tend to dig in the bog .Ideally have the throttle from 50-75Ā % not wide open. , Dabbing one foot down or dog paddling is OK if you have to , but chances of getting stuck go way up and its not a fast way through . , Gas it hard right up to the aberration , bounce on the pegs to get the most spring off the aberration .
Keep the bike level and clear the bog in the air .
Gas it a micro second before the rear wheel hits the ground . , In more typical sandy conditions , stay on the gas everywhere .
Drive harder into turns carrying more momentum .
Think of sand as a dragging front brake.
Leave the rebound damping as is . , Forget using the front brake in sand .
If overshooting a turn , drag the rear brake a bit and stay on the gas , even if you only apply 20-30Ā % throttle . , Stay on the gas .
If there are a lot of whoops try to get enough momentum to shift up a gear higher .
This keeps the rear suspension less loaded so it can work better and it will tend to make the bike get on top of the sand .
Stay on the gas always .
Even if you drag the rear brake in whoop or out of crash fear . , If you crash , don't emphasize catching yourself .
Try to roll your body even before you hit the ground . , Traction will be very good , much easier to keep the front end light and the whole bike more on top of the sand . ,
About the Author
Susan Thomas
Brings years of experience writing about creative arts and related subjects.
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