Dirt Bike Moves and Jumps for Beginners

Tips to Get Started

The pleasure of the outdoors, skill, and adrenaline are all combined in the thrilling sport of dirt biking. Bali provides the ideal environment for you to learn and have fun with its rocky paths and picturesque routes. This guide will introduce essential dirt biking moves and jumps, and how to master them safely and keep you on track.

#1 Dirt Biking Moves and Jumps

It’s good to know Dirt Biking jumps and movements before delving into methods. By mastering the basics, such as the tabletop and double and triple jumps, riders can build a solid foundation for more advanced moves in the future. Developing proper body positioning, speed control, and landing techniques will help prevent injuries and improve overall performance on the track. Once these foundational skills are mastered, riders can then progress to more complex manoeuvres like whips, scrubs, and heel clickers.

  • Cornering: Leaning and steering through sharp turns while keeping control.
  • Little Jumps: Practice catching air and landing safely.
  • Wheelies: Raising the front wheel off the ground to develop throttle control.
  • Riding Whoops: Getting around a track with a string of tiny, sequential bumps.
  • Tabletop Jumps: These jumps are ideal for novices since they offer level landings, which lessen the possibility of harsh hits.
  • Scrubbing: This is a more difficult technique; you can start by learning how to angle the bike in the air to lower the jump height.

If you do not have the time to practice every day, do it consistently; over time, this will help you enhance your abilities. Keep in mind Rome was not built in a day and neither will your track skills. There are many roads and tracks around Bali that will be the perfect practice ground for you.

The secret to being a proficient dirt bike rider is commitment. If you don’t immediately master a new move, don’t give up! With each session, you’ll see progress, just keep pushing yourself.

Never forget to put safety first, dress appropriately, abide by the regulations, make sure your bike is well maintained, and pay attention to your coaches. You will quickly become an expert at those jumps with hard training.

#2 Balance and Posture are Key

Your balance and posture on the bike are the fundamentals of Dirt Biking techniques; without mastering this, attempting more complex moves or jumps can lead to mistakes or even injuries.

  • The Neutral Position:
    • Stand slightly on the pegs with your knees bent. This position absorbs shocks from bumps or jumps and gives you control over the bike.
    • Keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed to maintain balance. Avoid leaning too far forward or backward.
  • Weight Distribution:
    • Your weight should shift dynamically based on the terrain and move. For flat sections, keep it centred. When cornering, lean outward outward while keeping the bike tilted inward.
    • For jumps, slightly shift your weight backwards as you approach the ramp, then forward upon landing to stabilize the bike.
  • Hand and Arm Position:
    • Grip the handlebars firmly but not too tightly, allowing for movement.
    • Keep your elbows up and out slightly to help with bike control during turns and jumps.
  • Foot Positioning:
    • Place the balls of your feet on the pegs, which helps absorb impacts and enhances bike control.
    • Avoid pointing your toes outward; keep them tucked to prevent snagging on the ground or obstacles.
  • Vision and Focus:
    • Always look ahead at where you want to go, not directly down at the track. this improves reaction time and balance.
    • On jumps or ramps, focus on the landing spot to anticipate your next move.

#3 Cornering Like a Pro

One of the most basic dirt biking skills is cornering, which calls for a blend of technique, accuracy and self-confidence. It’s normal to be nervous while attempting tight bends as a beginner but getting the hang of this move quickly will greatly enhance your control and riding ability.

To become a cornering pro, start by reducing your speed as you approach the turn and stopping before the bend, lean your upper body into the turn and shift your weight slightly to the outside peg for balance. To steer the bike smoothly through the curve, keep your elbows up for handlebar control and your eyes on the exit. Controlling the throttle in a steady and smooth motion; ease off a little as you enter the bend and progressively accelerate as you depart.

Thinking about the change in terrain is also very important, particularly on Bali’s paths, which frequently have loose gravel, mud, or dirt. Reading the surface and adjusting your technique will help maintain control. With consistent practice, cornering will become second nature, allowing you to navigate turns with precision and establish a natural flow in your riding.

#4 Small Jumps: Getting air safely

Although they are among the most thrilling parts of dirt biking, jumps can seem frightening, you can improve your technique and gain confidence by beginning with basic jumps.

  • Starting Small: Look for beginner-friendly jumps or natural ramps, these are typically lower and less steep.
  • Steps: Approach the jump at a moderate and consistent speed, stand on the pegs with your knees slightly bent, and maintain steady throttle control. Try to land evenly on both wheels and shift your weight slightly backwards after takeoff.
  • Safety Gear: Ensure you wear a high-quality helmet, chest protector, gloves, and boots. These provide crucial protection and boost your confidence as you tackle jumps.

For advice on learning the fundamentals and advancing at your own speed, see our Beginner’s Guide to Riding a Dirt Bike if you’re just starting out, or join us on one of our Bali tours to start your dirt biking adventure.

#5 Wheelies: The Foundation of Control

Wheelies are a great way to enhance your throttle control and general bike balance, in addition to being an entertaining dirt biking manoeuvre. You can perfect this skill by beginning with short, controlled attempts, even though they can initially appear difficult. How to:

  1. Start on level ground at a steady speed and pull up on the handlebars softly while shifting your weight slightly backwards. In order to raise the front wheel off the ground, slowly boost the throttle at the same time. DO NOT pull hard on the throttle, as this will result in a loss of control of the bike.
  2. Choose open spaces where you can concentrate, such as fields or quiet Dirt Biking tracks in Bali, where you can focus without distractions or obstacles.
  3. Always wear gloves and sturdy boots to protect against falls. Start with short, low wheelies and gradually increase the height as your confidence grows.

With consistent practice, wheelies become a fun way to build your riding skills and set the stage for more advanced techniques.

#6 Riding Whoops and Ruts

Tracks for dirt biking often include whoops and ruts, which are areas to test your control and balance. Whoops are a succession of tiny bumps that are closely spaced apart. To get over these bumps easily without losing control, you must have a steady beat. Ruts are small pits or grooves made into the track as a result of tyre markings that are repeated. They act like natural rails, guiding your bike but demanding precision and stability to navigate your way around the track effectively.

#7 Tabletop Jumps and Scrubbing: Mastering Control

When it comes to getting comfortable with jumps, tabletop jumps and scrubbing techniques are good skills for beginners to explore. These moves build confidence but also help lay the groundwork for more advanced jumps.

Tabletop jumps are perfect for beginners because they feature a flat top that provides a safe landing area; this reduces the risk of harsh impacts. Approach the jump at a steady speed, stand on the pegs with slightly bent knees, and maintain a neutral body position. Let the bike’s momentum carry you over the flat top, and aim to land both wheels simultaneously on the flat surface.

The goal of scrubbing is to reduce airtime by angling the bike sideways during takeoff, allowing you to stay closer to the ground and maintain speed. Beginners can practice this by slightly tilting the bike and shifting their weight during smaller jumps, keeping the movements controlled and minimal.

By practising tabletop jumps and scrubbing techniques, riders can build their air control skills in a safe way, setting them up for tackling more complex jumps in the future.

#8 Building Confidence through Practice & Patience

Developing Dirt Biking skills takes time, and the key to improvement lies in lots of practice and patience. Every rider progresses at their own pace, so focus on gradual development rather than trying to perfect everything at once. Check out our blog on How to Improve Your Ride as a Beginner in Bali.

To develop confidence and master skills, start by concentrating on a single action or ability at a time, like cornering or quick jumps. Set aside time on a weekly basis to practice, even if it’s only for a brief period of time. The more you ride, the more it will become second nature. Celebrate small victories, like nailing your first jump or navigating a tricky section, to stay motivated.

Put your newly learned skills into practice and come join us for an experience you will never forget.

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