Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Texas Dirt Bike Trails

If there is one sport that is getting popular in the sports world it's dirt biking and the trails are getting really special as they get better. It's fun because the sport is able to be enjoyed by all. This means that for those who simply want to enjoy it without competing, they can. The reason it is so popular is because it answers the need that people have for speed. Dirt biking offers exactly that and the tracks in the USA offers every kind of tracks from easy to very hard. For some reason however, the most visited tracks are in Texas.
In Texas if you really want to see awesome tracks, you absolutely need to go in middle Texas. I guess it helps to have tracks when you have a lot of addicts to that sport. However, you need to be aware that not all tracks are public so you might be disappointed if you want to ride some. However, you might be able to see them on special occasion like an event. Another very important detail not to forget if you want to go on public trails... You absolutely need a sticker on your dirt bike that mentions "Texas Off Highway Vehicle". But they are easily accessible at any bike dealers. Just make sure that you're going on a public track. It would be a shame to drive 40 miles only to find out that you won't be able to ride because it's a private property.
Let's say that you decided that this is your passion and decided that dirt biking is what you will do, you might want to go to "Sam Houston National Forest". This is the most popular site for dirt biking in Texas. If you ever decide for some reason that you want to travel the whole trail in one shot, you butt may be a little sore as it runs for almost 130 kilometers. A word of warning: don't think it will be a walk in the park and that the roads are flat. In fact, it's the exact opposite. It consists of hills after hills of rocks and dirt and mud and sand is what awaits you if you have the nerves to handle it. If you like to meet dirt bike nuts like you, go at "Kelly Pond Recreation Area''. There are a lot of passionate persons about bike there. If you have ever been to Colorado or heard stories on how beautiful the scenery is. They have gorgeous places in Texas but you can almost see the splendor of the landscape of Colorado, but of Texas. Colorado Mountain (in Texas) is a great place to dirt bike. You can see ATV there but it's better if you have a dirt bike. A beginner will have a great time on the mountain because the trails aren't that tough to travel. But because the peaks are often covered in snow the trails don't stay open too long.
Because there are so many different trails that you can choose, look in your paper or the internet to see what is available in your location.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Dirt Biking Crash Causes

If you're a sports nut, and have watched extreme sports television, you might of come across a couple of daredevils on their dirt bikes. It's no wonder they are called extreme sport with all the danger they have when they execute their stunts. However, the feeling of adrenaline they get from doing a 720 flip or whatever has to be extremely exhilarating and there aren't too many sports that will do that. Like everything in life, if you want to achieve something great, you need risk. If you take a bigger risk, you could get a bigger the reward. In the case of dirt bike, the danger is that you can crash at any moment. Oh the crashes are spectacular of course especially to any spectators in the crowd of course (given you perform a show) but when your on the bike and you see the ground, the bike, the sky, the ground, the bike then the sky again all this in a matter of seconds, it isn't that cool. You can have all the training in the world, all the equipment in the world and have over 20 years of riding, if you crash, you crash.
Like any other accidents, they happen because the person driving the bike was distracted or did not see what caused the accident. When can this tragedy happen? It can be anytime. If you perform aerials it can be while you're in the air (ea. losing the handle bars of your bike) or maybe there's an oil patch on the ground and there's no time to avoid it. You could also crash if you're in a race against other people like you. You want to win so you try to get the inside corner and so does everyone else so the bikes touches themselves (ea. a wheel on a wheel). I'm not done yet. You could also be riding on the perfect trail when all of a sudden there's a rock sticking out of the ground that you don't see and then catastrophe strikes. It can occur at any time! Now that we know the when, how about answering the why? It could be any reason! For example if someone or you land a huge stunt and land but one of the bearings on the wheel falls of, the wheel could fly. Maybe you're a rookie and took a bite out of a course that presents many difficulties. Maybe you are tired. We already feel under productive after half a day's work; imagine when you're driving a bike. You'll agree that riding a bike is a dangerous thing but if your brain is 'away', then this becomes extremely dangerous, as your reaction time is not as sharp as it normally would be. So, make sure you are focused on riding and that's it. When you get on the track leave your personal feelings off the track. Also, if you are a 'wuss' then don't bother getting on the bike or you may get injured. It's heavy and hard to control especially at high speeds. Can you crash when you ride a dirt bike? Of course even the most experience of drivers can crash. But by following the advice I provided along the way and with common sense, you put all the chances on your side to have a safe journey.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Dirt Bikes for Sale

Today where extreme sports are getting more and more popular, one of the best piece of equipment is a dirt. It’s no wonder considering the high aerials and death defying stunts it can provide. Its no wonder their riders feel the most absolute rush from driving these things. I know that when we see Rocky train that we want to go train and become a boxer, but trying to imitate daredevils is a bit off the wall. However, done in moderation it is acceptable. If your heart is set out on buying a dirt bike go ahead but there are security measures you should know about before you buy anything. Number one is the right equipment (the bike equipment too.). But it’s one thing to have the latest equipment ever but if the lights are on but no one’s home, you won’t get too far. If you want to buy a used dirt bike, it’s the time because there are a number of them on the market. You should check in your area. The weekend newspaper should offer you all the shopping you can afford. But merchants are replying to this by lowering their prices also so a new dirt bike may not be that far. But everything looks good on paper so go check it out for yourself if you’re really serious and don’t want to get ripped off. But, there are more than one way to look for dirt bike and you must have a strong guess that internet is the next best thing. You should also know that there isn’t only one site on dirt bike selling. This is to your advantage because the more bikes there are the more discounts you get. The third option is the sites that are designed for dirt bikes. Most of them have forums where passionate people can talk together about their passion. It is possible that some are willing to sell their bikes because they want a newer one. Again this works better for you plus you can ask all the questions you have. These guys are almost more knowledgeable then the ones selling them in store so even specific questions for spare parts and how to make a quick fix if you ever get in trouble (ea. a broken part while your dirt biking in the woods) or an upcoming event you might be excited to attend. But as much as I said the best deals was to trade with someone else nothing prevents you from going to see a place that sell dirt bikes in your area. If the dealer specializes in dirt bike he will be able to answer your questions as well. You might get a good deal there too because every dealer usually accept bikes to be traded so when the customer who brought the bike in decides to buy a newer one, it won’t cost him as much. They usually try to sell a bike 1000$ more than they buy so they can make more money off it. If opportunity knocks and this is what you want go ahead. You can look wherever you want for your bike and how much you decide to pay is up to you, but if you don’t want to go broke, there’s still a way to enjoy your sport.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Checking Dirt Bike Parts

If you get a dirt bike than your playground will definitely include a mountain (or slopes), lot's of mud preferably and last but not least a trail that will be composed primarily of rocks, stones, sand and anything uneven to make it hard. This is the only bike that will take that kind of beating and will want to go back for more and more and even more because that's what it was designed for. Luckily enough, we're 'starting' to get an edge over mountains and trails because our technology advances and it makes us more able to do whatever we want. However, you know that nothing lasts forever. But in the case of dirt bike, it is possible for us to prolong the life of the bike by taking care of the parts on a regular basis. If you need to change a piece to make it run again don't be afraid, it won't cost as much as buying a new one.
If I came up to you and said that it could cost 12$ to keep your dirt bike as clean as a whistle, or at least running good compared to 1250$ to replace broken parts, would you take time to make regular checkups? Well this is exactly what you can do for your dirt bike every now and then for the excellent time it provides you. You still don't believe me? A linkage kit will cost you 90$. If you grease them they will last longer and will cost you a big $2. If you make an oil change for a transmission it will cost you a big 5$. If you decide it's too time consuming or expensive, how does 1000$ for a new transmission sound? Take another 5$ for cleaning your air filters and it will prolong the life of your top end gasket that can cost up to 175$. So do you believe me now? Obviously a vital thing to check before doing anything is to check your brakes and the grips as often as possible. You don't want to miss brakes when your going down steep hills believe me because you may injure yourself really badly or hurt someone else along the way. If damaged, don't waste time to get other one's. Another part you should check is the suspension. If by bad luck, you didn't check them and do decide to go biking, watch out because you may be in for the ride of your life because your shocks are in bad shape. Check the place where you put your key in (the ignition). If it's dirty, you may not get too far. Finally the last two things you need to check for is the carburetor (especially at the end of winter before you get ready for spring) and the engine of course. Sure the outside may look ok but you never know. You always should do these steps for your safety and for the longer life of your bike. Taking care of your bike 12$, having the time of your life: priceless.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Finding Motocross Parts Dealers

Forget Formula-1, forget Nascar and forget stock cars. The coolest thing today with a motor is dirt biking. The simple and obvious reason is that they can do those death defying stunts the others can't do (or at least not on purpose). The professionals making a life out of this to entertain you are aware that this is a sport that can take their life at any moment. So let's say that you decided to push aside all the good advice your mom gave you as a kid (about all the dangers you might get yourself into if you speed). You may want to become the main event in a show but you should at least learn all there is to know about motocross.
Don't get over excited so soon. You need to do a couple of precautions before everything for your physical safety. Well, you need to have a tune up (have the parts of your motocross checked out to make sure everything is all right) and have all the parts obviously. But the reason it is so important that you keep your bike in shape is that you will use your bike and really play hard with it, rough it up, bang it left and right etc. It's a wicked thing to be a motocross bike. If it could talk it would say, I'll give you the best of me if you take care of me. They were designed for taking a beating. But because this sport is getting popular we see more and more persons selling bike stuff (parts and bikes) and even though some may be used, you can find them almost new. Of course the most obvious place to look for is the newspaper in your region. Don't worry, the dealers are always at an appropriate location. Also one of the coolest thing is that you won't have to wait for a part if you want it.
It may be a shock for you but there is yet another place to look for if you want those hard to come by pieces. Just try your luck on the Internet. It may be your lucky day and someone may have exactly what you need. Because the supply is usually higher than the demand, you get the best prices ever. Inquire if they can deliver your part where you live because if you have no means of transportation, you can have a hard time carrying it with you. If you want to meet bike nuts like you then this is the place. No one will mind talking about their experience or tell you where you their parts. There is nothing wrong with asking people if they know someone who knows someone that may know how to find the part you're looking for. Because it is extremely time consuming, you may want to explore that last option to not get discouraged. Never forget that the most expert person for fixing your bike is mechanics that specializes in that. He will know what to do if it starts going 'wazoo' on you.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

History of Dirt Biking

Consider this: you’re sitting in a ‘comfy’ bench, you have 12 000 friends with you, there’s the smell of gasoline in the air, lights flashing everywhere then next thing you know the crowd goes wild as a biker on his dirt bikes makes a 720 and lands on his wheels and makes the jump! Now that is what we could call extreme. Can you imagine how the rider (men or woman) feels when they land this death defying stunt? To be remembered forever, you need to try new dangerous stuff and dirt biking is just the place to do it.
So, who do we have to thank for this incredible sport? I know you’re tempted to say he’s American but sorry he’s Japanese (and good businessman). You were close though because it really started in the U.S.A. Of course back then it wasn’t big as it is today. In fact no big industry giant started the way they are now. It took some time. The guy opened a shop in L.A. almost 60 years ago he tried to convince those surf boys to trade their surf board for a dirt bike. Let’s just say people weren’t impressed and he didn’t sell too many items. You also have to know that having a motorcycle back then meant you were in an outlaw band. It doesn’t end there; you should know that since it wasn’t popular, there was no need for tracks either. Even if you had a bike, you were looked weird so imagine one with a motor. But the guy had a brilliant idea. He figured that he would use the material he had and make the best of it. This is how the slogan of Honda got to be and how he used those L.A. girls to attract new clients and it worked incredibly.
These guys all dressed up and pretty girls also broke the ‘biker/thug’ image that motorcycles had. It had to because young drivers and older ones were now proud of owning a Honda bike and driving it around town. Then began phase two of the plan. Honda had to design yet another type of bike because of increasing demands for something else. His clients wanted to be able to go out in nature while enjoying there bikes which was almost impossible with what they had. So being the businessman that he was, he went back to the old drawing board. On of his greatest upgrade was with the suspension. It needed to be because a rocky downhill road with rocks and stuff would have broken the old one in a flash. With a few adjustments to the frames and the tires, Honda released his new bike to the clients delight. This was 1963 and this was the new generation of Honda’s. Let’s just say that this businessman was there at the right place at the right time. Not only did he listen to his customers need, he actually did something about it. This is why his sales went through the roof. Not bad for a Japanese guy that just wanted to make a few bucks to survive in this world. Today’s bikes are merely not comparable to back then, but it had to start somewhere.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Mini Dirt Bikes

Mini Bikes were first manufactured by Japan, followed by the Italian manufacturer, Polini and other Mini Bike Manufacturers such as ATM Vittorazi, Bi-ZetaBlata Pocket, Zocchi Sport Racing, ZPF Mini Bikes, GEM and others. As the sport spread to other parts of the world, innovative, high performance Mini Bikes came into production, which includes the Mini Dirt Bike.
Mini Dirt Bikes, though small in size, are not as cheap as some people thought it would be. For example, the Pitster Pro 125cc can cost you around 2,095 dollars. However, Mini Dirt bikes with less engine power, normally less than 90cc, are quite affordable with price ranging from 200 to 600 dollars only.
A Mini Dirt Bike has all the working parts and features of a normal Dirt Bike. It only weighs less, is much smaller and has a lot less power (about 49cc on average). Most Mini Dirt Bikes are built with a two-stroke engine, and since they are also designed to hold only half a gallon of gas on average, you also don’t have to spend much on fuel.
With hundreds of models choose from, the popularity of these little but comparatively powerful machines is still growing among children and adults alike. It is a fact that thousands of Mini Dirt Bikes are sold every year around the world, and the number is increasing.
Since these Mini Dirt Bikes can run up to 75 mph or so, precautions should be taken while riding them, especially for younger kids. Wearing helmets should be made compulsory and children should not be allowed to ride these vehicles on a speed of more than 40 mph. If you are an adult and plan to buy a Mini Dirt Bike for yourself, make sure that it fits you and supports your weight.