Looking to pick a motorcycle but not sure if it’s safer to ride a dirt bike or street bike?
In this article I’ll compare the differences between each type of bike, what makes each one dangerous, and which will be safer for you to start on.
Are dirt bikes dangerous?
Yes, dirt bikes are dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing or are just reckless. It’s easy to get out of control in a hurry if you’re riding over your head.
With that said, dirt biking doesn’t have to be dangerous – it can be just as safe as stick-and-ball sports, such as hockey or baseball. It just takes proper knowledge and learning how to ride in a step-by-step manner.
How common are dirt bike accidents?
It really depends on where you go and who you’re asking. There are so many variables involved, but there are many ways to prevent a crash that leads to a serious injury.
Dirt bike accidents are most likely to happen if you’re:
- Riding on non-dirt bike trails
- Riding with other people you don’t know
- A beginner that hasn’t gotten proper training on how to ride a dirt bike
- Riding past your comfort zone
- Not obeying the rules of the trails or area you’re at
Dirt bike accidents are not as common if you’re riding on private property with permission or on dirt bike-specific trails and you have learned the basic techniques of riding off-road.
Is riding a dirt bike hard?
It’s easy to ride a dirt bike on a flat road, but it’s hard once you start riding off-road on challenging terrain and need to keep the bike in control.
Starting on “the fastest dirt bike” is an easy way to make dirt biking difficult because you can’t stay in control. The bike wants to jump out from under you, so you ride tense and lack confidence.
Is it good to ride a dirt bike?
Yes, it’s very good to ride a dirt bike, especially if you plan on riding a motorcycle on the street!
Learning the basic controls and techniques at low speeds in the dirt will give you a huge head start once you ride on the road. You’ll know what it takes to have good balance and traction to stay safe and in control.
Are motorcycles dangerous?
Just like dirt bikes, motorcycles can be dangerous – even more so if you’re riding at high speeds without proper training or awareness of road conditions.
Riding a motorcycle on the street can be more dangerous because of:
- Other drivers (distracted or they didn’t see you on a bike)
- Animals
- Road debris/objects
- Gravel on turns or intersections
Dirt bike vs motorcycle
Dirt bikes are built to be ridden at lower speeds and have more suspension to absorb bumps and obstacles on the trail. Motorcycles are made for cruising at highway speeds and generally weigh a lot more.
The biggest differences are the weight, tires, size, and suspension between a dirt bike and motorcycle
Are dirt bikes safer than motorcycles?
So, which is safer? I believe that if you’re a beginner then riding a dirt bike off-road is safer than riding a motorcycle on the road.
Dirt bikes are lighter, which makes them easier to control and handle. It’s also easier to find an open field or yard to ride on and practice at low speeds.
Motorcycles are harder to turn and balance at low speeds. Falling on the asphalt also hurts more and generally does a lot more damage to a street bike.
Are dirt bikes safe for young teens?
Yep, also they’re a great way to get your teenager out of the house and get some exercise.
With that said, if you start your son or daughter, or any beginner on a bike that’s too big and fast, the risk is much higher.
How to make dirt biking safer
Going back to my first point, the first step to staying safe on a dirt bike is choosing the right bike – this is where so many beginners make a mistake.
They choose a bike that’s too big or powerful or both! I want to give you the simple steps to choose the right bike based on 3 simple factors, even if you’re on a budget. Click here to download my free guide.