What You Should Know About Motorcycle Stunt Riding

 

While motorcycle stunt riding isn’t new, not everyone is familiar with the basic ins and outs of the sport. While countless riders and enthusiasts embrace the sport, some don’t understand why riders seek out the thrills provided by stunt riding. Here are some of the facts everyone should know about motorcycle stunt riding before challenging themselves to complete any tricks.

 

Understanding a Few Basics

 

Stunt riding focuses on performing various tricks and maneuvers that test the skills of riders and their bikes. Most stunt riders use light, highly modified bikes that are extremely agile, as those bikes are easier to coax into unusual movements and positions. The goal of stunt riding is to push the limits of both the bike and rider while executing tricks like wheelies, burnouts, stoppies, high-speed drifts, and even backflips. However, no one has the skills to complete those tricks without training and lots of practice. In addition, a new bike isn’t cheap, so many riders choose to purchase used motorcycles when entering the sport to keep it more affordable.

 

Grasping the Skills Necessary for Stunt Riding

 

Would-be stunt riders must understand that performing tricks requires more than a simple desire to do so. Specific skill sets, physical strength and agility, and a positive mindset are all necessary when learning stunt riding skills. Here are a few examples of skills potential stunt riders must master.

 

• Riding Skills. Novice riders don’t have the riding skills required for stunt riding. Even many experienced riders don’t have the skills to finesse a bike through even simple stunts. Riders must master handling, maneuvering, throttle control, braking, clutch control, and other aspects of riding before attempting any stunts. That’s especially true when stunts are done at high speeds, as the potential for mishaps increases dramatically at higher speeds.
  
  
• Coordination and Balance. Riding a bike requires learning how to shift body weight, use both arms and legs to maintain stability, and remain balanced regardless of the bike’s position. While some skills are learned simply through riding experience, others require specialized training.
  
  
• Managing Fear. While some riders claim they don’t feel fear when executing stunts, most are more than willing to admit they feel some degree of fear when stunt riding, especially when they’re new to the sport. Riders must learn to balance fear and their skill sets to achieve the best results.
  
  
• Spatial Awareness. Virtually all sports require participants to judge distances accurately to avoid mishaps, and that’s undoubtedly true with stunt riding. Planning is a big part of stunt riding, and everyone involved must understand how much space is required to complete specific tricks and how to move their bodies (and bikes) during a maneuver.
  
  
• Physical Strength. Stunt riding requires physical conditioning. Even lighter bikes require significant strength to muscle through required movements. That means riders must take the time to build their strength before attempting any tricks. Most stunt riders spend a lot of time in the gym to ensure they’re fit enough to complete their routines.

 

Most experts recommend would-be stunt riders learn the skills needed from experts before attempting any tricks, as even a single error can result in injuries and a damaged bike. Accredited schools start riders with the basics and move to advanced stunts as the riders master those basics.

 

Staying Safe

 

Since stunt riding is, by its very nature, risky, stunt riding experts recommend all riders observe safety precautions when riding. Here are the basics riding experts recommend for all riders.

 

Wear Protective Gear

 

Always wear the best protective gear available. Since accidents are part of stunt riding, being properly prepared can easily make the difference between walking away from a mishap and suffering major injuries. Look at the pros when they’re running through one of their stunt routines. They’re always dressed to fall because they know that things happen regardless of how well-prepared a rider is.

 

Maintain Your Bike

 

Careful bike maintenance is a must no matter where the bike is ridden, but stunt riders must be even more attentive to their bikes’ maintenance needs. Bike manufacturers provide maintenance lists geared toward average riders. Stunt riders put their bikes through a lot more than normal riders, which means those bikes must be meticulously maintained and carefully examined before and after every ride. Stunt riding puts unusual stresses on tires, wheels, suspensions, and the frame, and those elements must be watched closely for any defects.

 

Get the Best Training Available

 

As already noted, no one should attempt stunts without having appropriate training. Numerous schools around the country offer classes, and some expert stunt riders may provide training for other riders looking for ways to enter the sport safely. If you’re unsure how to start, ask for help finding the best training in your area.

 

Ride in the Proper Environment

 

Far too many riders think stunt riding on public streets is acceptable. Doing so is not legal and puts innocent people at risk. Learn stunt riding at an approved school or from an expert who can provide a proper riding environment. While engaging in stunt riding on streets is tempting, keep yourself and others safe by limiting your activities to a proper stunt riding area.

 

Don’t Try Stunts You’re Not Ready to Perform

 

Stunt riders must always know their limits. Of course, stunt riding is all about pushing the envelope, but trying stunts beyond your ability is always dangerous and should be avoided. Once basic stunts are mastered, you’ll have the skills necessary to take things to the next level.

 

Getting Started

 

Riders who want to try stunt riding may feel they’re ready to try drifts or acrobatics right from the start, but that’s a temptation to avoid. Stunt riding isn’t something riders should engage in without proper preparations. Here are some steps to take when preparing to learn stunt riding.

 

• Considering your riding experience is an absolute must. Novice riders are not ready to engage in any level of stunt riding. Get some solid riding experience under a variety of riding conditions under your belt first. Again, think seriously about taking classes from accredited providers to ensure you’re prepared to try stunt riding.
  
  
• Shop for a suitable bike. Remember that stunt riding is generally done using lighter, agile bikes. That doesn’t mean some stunts can’t be done using a heavier bike, but most experts encourage new stunt riders to use a lighter bike. Ask about modifications necessary to beef up a bike’s components that tend to fail during stunts. Your dealer or instructor will have the information necessary to ensure a bike is ready for stunt riding.
  
  
• Learn from the pros. In addition to taking appropriate classes, take the time to watch how the pros ride. There are countless videos available to watch, which makes learning how the pros perform stunts easier. However, watching videos should never replace lessons from experts who already know how to stunt ride as safely as possible.
  
  
• Keep up with the latest trends. Like just about everything else, the sport of stunt riding is constantly evolving. New stunts are added, and bike parts are improved to make the sport safer. Follow what other riders are doing to improve their bikes and enhance their riding skills.

 

Of course, every rider is different, which means some will have to work harder to master the riding skills necessary before trying stunts. Some areas offer more options for courses, and not all bike dealers have experts on hand to provide the advice new stunt riders will need.

 

What Risks and Challenges Do Stunt Riders Face?

 

While stunt riding offers a rush that’s hard to match, there are inherent risks and challenges involved in the sport. Here are some issues every stunt rider must contend with.

 

First, there is a high risk of stunt riders suffering injuries. Stunt riding is dangerous, which is why taking steps to keep the sport as safe as possible will always be important. Always take precautions to minimize the odds of an injury.

 

Next, stunt riding isn’t cheap. Obtaining a quality bike and upgrading it for stunt riding is costly. In addition, stunt bikes need more maintenance and repairs than standard street or dirt bikes. Don’t bite off more than you can chew financially when entering the sport. If necessary, take additional time to save the funds required to obtain and upgrade a stunt bike.

 

Pay attention to local laws and regulations. As a rule, stunt riding on public roads is illegal, and riders who ignore the laws may face serious consequences, including significant fines and the loss of their license. Irresponsible riders make life harder for the rest of the riding community.

 

Is Stunt Riding Right for You?

 

While motorcycle stunt riding is a great sport, it isn’t right for everyone. Not all riders have the skills needed for stunt riding, and many are unwilling to put in the time and effort to acquire those skills. The financial aspect of the sport is also an issue, so evaluate your financial situation carefully prior to shopping for a stunt bike. Some riders are unwilling or unable to accept the risk of injury if a stunt goes sideways. However, many others are ready and willing to do what’s necessary to take part in one of today’s most exciting sports.