Q&A for How to Ride a Dirt Bike

If you're comfortable with 2nd gear speed, you don't need to shift. You don't want to over rev the engine though, so you may need to shift up to bring RPM down.

When you are in neutral then no, but if you're starting it in first gear then yes; you need to hold the clutch.

Yes you do. If you are driving a 2-stroke, then you mix your gas with oil. The gas can evaporate, and then you have more oil than recommended. Other than that, follow manufacturer's instructions.

With proper instruction, supervision, and equipment, you can safely ride as young as 5.

You should know before you buy it, but if you don't, you can check by clicking the shifter up until you can't anymore and counting the clicks.

The higher gears provide more power, but you have to work up to them. Once you get to a high RPM in 1st gear, you shift up to 2nd. It picks up more speed, then once it gets up to a high RPM again, shift to 3rd and it will go faster. Keep the process until you're at the speed you are comfortable with.

Look in the tank and shake the bike gently. You'll be able to hear how much gas is in there. Most bikes can get up to 50 mpg.

First, find a bike that suits you. Not too tall, not too wide, but just about perfect and manageable. If you have experience on even a quad, start with about a 150. If you're more of a daredevil and like to jump, maybe even a 250 with up to five gears is perfect for you. In the end, discuss what is best for you with your parents.

It could be a number of things. If your gears don't work well, you should get the dirt bike looked at at your closest dirt bike/four wheeler shop.

Assuming it's a carbureted bike, not fuel-injected, it's usually next to the left handlebar grip. Usually a 1/2" lever that can be pulled in and out. Pulling, or tightening the cable opens the choke and pushing it back out closes it. It's only necessary when starting the bike cold. Pull the choke, start the bike, let it idle until it's warm enough to close the choke. You may have to play with the lever to find the sweet spot to not over- or under-rev the engine.

Try leaving it in neutral for a while. It may need to warm up. You don't have to hold the clutch while you do this. Another option is to open the choke if you aren't doing that. If your bike or the weather is cold, it may need the boost the choke provides.

Shift the gears repeatedly downward on the gear shift, all the way back to first gear, then hit up to bring it back to neutral if needed.

Yes. It's just a small peg in front of your right foot, and is not difficult at all. Just apply pressure and you'll slow down. Also, be sure to downshift or hold in the clutch as needed.

At low speeds, it just feels like being pushed to the ground. At high speeds, you might get injured or have some soreness that lasts a few days.

You may be missing the oil in the tank.

No, because a dirt bike transmission is sequential, so you must click through each gear. If you were to do that, you would over-rev the engine and cause damage to the internals.

There should be a kill switch next to the clutch on the handlebar; if you push it the bike will turn off.

You need to get comfortable on the bike before you start stunts. When you're ready, you can try a clutch-up wheelie. You start with a decent speed, pull the clutch in, and give the bike about a quarter of throttle, then let go of the clutch. Use your brake if you go too far back past the point of balance that you are comfortable with.

You can if you keep the revs at the maximum, but it is preferable to keep it in 3rd gear since it's easier to use and the revs are much more extended.

Tires usually have to have sharp tread also known as knobs. These knobs dig into the ground when you are moving, which gives you a more comfortable and easy ride. if they pop, or are missing, you can't ride the correct way.