Dirt Bike Riders

[Tuckman]

I have always been a snowmobiler but just recently picked up a cr250. To all you summer and winter riders do you have any advise for a new rider to ease the switch? While you are at it might as well post some cool pics if you have them!

 

[Racer220]

Powerband is a lot different than a sled. Once I got that figured out it was just like riding a really fast bike. If I could get another one I'd stock up on more rear fenders and a lot more fuel. Way easier to pull out of the garage and haul around then having to load sleds up and go somewhere. Good way to stay in shape during the summer too.

 

[av8er]

Be sure to invest in some good safety equipment

I wrecked my dirt bikes alot more than my sled. good boots, gloves, helmet-
I've had 4 concussions all from motorcycles.

 

[Mjunkie]

I don't think you can compare riding a snowmobile and a dirt bike very well. It's comparing an orange to an apple. Yeah, they're both round, and both fruit, but imo they're quite different animals. I've ridden both for years and no matter how much snowmobiling I get in, that first ride down at the dunes on my CRF450 always leaves me so sore I can barely walk. The opposite is true also, I can ride all summer and fall, and that first ride on the sled kicks my butt just as bad. The cool thing about the bike is that conditions aren't as important as they are on a sled. You have a great time if it's dry and sunny or wet and overcast. I do like how there are jumps everywhere (especially at the dunes) on a bike where on a sled they are fewer and farther between. The rush I get on my bike is good, but doesn't compare to a sunny deep powder day on a sled. So it's more quantity than quality compared to a sled, but still really good. I too have gotten pretty banged up on a bike WAY more than on a sled, so good gear is a must like someone said. And of course, the bike is soooooooooo much cheaper to ride!

 

[Jaynelson]

I ride a moderate amount of dirt bike in the spring/fall. I like techy single track the most, as roads and stuff get boring. My 450x is a bit of a piggy but it gets the job done. I would say there's not a TON in common with sledding other than general mechanical stuff and balance.

The variance in skill levels compared to sledding are RE-diculous too. I can go out with pretty much anyone on a sled and have a good time whether they suck or ride like Burandt. And I can pull the odd day out of my arse and ride above my average skill-set.

But guys who are "good" on bikes are on a completely different level than your average weekend warrior. There is no illusion of keeping up...

 

[mr.deeds]

I actually look at it different.... I think there's a ton in common. If you are good at sledding you should pick up a bike a little easier also. I think that always standing up on a sled really helped me feel more comfortable standing up on the bike.... and that helps a lot in the rough stuff. Also, weight transfer- bikes respond like sleds do. You don't swing your leg back and forth but in corners if you transfer more of your weight to one peg or the other it helps.

 

[Tuckman]

maintenance?

Thanks for all the advise so far. I have been on three rides so far (about 3 hours each) is there any regular maintenance that I should be worried about performing? Also its a two stroke so I run pre mix.

 

[Highmarker]

Good point about riding ability. I ride with a few guys year round who are average-good on a sled, but completely insane on a bike! Myself, think I am much better with a sled. Have rode bikes for a lot of years, but the fear of getting really banged up has overtaken my decision making more and more the older I get. Sleds hurt less!

I wouldn't say that I prefer one over the other or that I have any more fun, just feel more comfortable on a sled. Half of the challenge is always trying to prove though.

 

[Jaynelson]

They are different in the time as well. I can load my bike up, put $5 premium in it and go for a great ride.....all after work between 6pm and 9pm. Sled is way more of a procedure, usually drive farther, and make a big day out of it. I wouldn't dedicate 8-9 hours to riding my bike too often. Particularly if it's smokin hot out in the summer....rather go do something lake/water related. In the winter, there's nothing I'd rather do than sled...lol. So biking is "better" in that it's way easier to sneak out for a ride whenever you want....but sledding is much more of an event for me.