5 essential tips to improve your hill climbs

5 Essential Tips to Improve Your Hill Climbs (Off-Road Motorbike Lessons in Hanoi)

Posted by Ben – Dirt Bike Academy Vietnam
Keywords: Dirt bike training Vietnam, Motorbike lesson Hanoi, Hanoi enduro

At Dirt Bike Academy, we’re always pushing riders to level up their off-road skills. Two weeks ago, we hosted our monthly off-road motorbike training and tour in Sóc Sơn, just 20 km from central Hanoi — a perfect spot for technical trails and skill-building.

One of the key focuses of this session was hill climbing — a skill that’s essential for anyone serious about dirt bike training in Vietnam. If you’re struggling to climb efficiently or safely, here are five actionable tips that will help you master steep terrain with confidence.

1. Momentum Is Everything

The #1 rule of climbing hills: Momentum is your friend.

If you start from a complete stop at the bottom of a hill without any run-up or speed, you’re unlikely to reach the top — unless you're Billy Bolt. Get an appropriate run-up and find the right speed before you hit the base of the climb.

Too slow and you'll stall or slide. Too fast and you risk losing control — or worse, launching yourself into the trees. The key is smooth, controlled acceleration.

2. Use Your Legs — Grip With Your Knees

Ever finished an hour of off-roading and felt like your arms were about to fall off? That’s probably because you’re using them too much.

When climbing, use those powerful leg muscles (yes, even if you skipped leg day). Grip the bike with your knees to stay centered and balanced. This takes pressure off your arms and keeps you from getting pulled off the back of the bike — which could lead to whiskey throttle and an unfortunate crash.

Pro tip: Keep your head over the crossbar and stay centered.

3. Use a “Zap” or Clutch Pop at the Bottom

Here’s a technique we teach in our motorbike lessons in Hanoi:
At the bottom of a climb, use the clutch and throttle to preload the engine (sometimes called a "zap"). Engage the clutch, roll on the throttle, then release for a controlled burst of energy.

This technique reduces wheel spin and helps you generate power where it matters most.

In our latest training session, John gave us a perfect example of what not to do — he sat too far back, went in too slow, tried to power up mid-hill, and ended up launching his bike backward in a spectacular flip. Lesson learned: preload, position, and pace are everything.

4. Choose the Smoothest Line

Most riders instinctively go straight up the middle of the hill, but this is often where the most ruts, rocks, and bumps are.

Instead, look for the smoothest possible line, even if it takes you slightly off-center. A cleaner path means better traction, fewer surprises, and more consistent momentum.

5. Throttle Control Matters

We say this a lot, but it’s worth repeating: Don’t just grab a handful of throttle.

Too much gas = wheel spin.
Too little = stalling halfway up the climb.

Find the balance. Apply a steady, controlled amount of throttle all the way up, adjusting slightly if needed. Trust your traction and commit to the climb.

Ready to Train With Us?

If you're ready to put these tips into action, join us for an off-road motorbike lesson in Hanoi. Whether you're a beginner or looking to level up for Hanoi enduro tours, we’ll help you ride safer, smarter, and stronger.

📍 Book your dirt bike training in Vietnam now:
👉 Dirt Bike Academy Vietnam