How to stop crashing your dirtbike (in vietnam)
How to Crash Less and Ride Better Off-Road: 4 Game-Changing Tips
At our Off-Road Academy, we’re all about helping riders build confidence, stay safe, and have a great time on the trails. In this post, we’re diving into four key things that will help you make fewer mistakes and reduce your chances of crashing—whether you're new to dirt biking or have been riding for a while.
Let’s break it down.
1. Ride Smooth, Not Aggressive
Yes, aggressive riding looks cool—but it often ends in a crash. Smooth riding is the real skill you want to develop.
So what does “riding smooth” actually mean?
It’s all about gentle throttle control. When you whack the throttle open too quickly, your rear tire can lose traction, causing the bike to step out or slide. That leads to fatigue—or worse, a crash. Instead, roll on the throttle gradually to maintain grip and control.
The same goes for braking. Slamming on one brake (usually the rear) will cause the bike to skid sideways. Hammering the front brake can make the front end tuck under. To stay upright and in control, use both brakes together, engage the engine braking, and brake smoothly and early.
Being smoother doesn’t mean being slow—it means being smart and in control.
2. Make Smart Line Choices
Too many riders just pin the throttle and go wherever the bike takes them. That might get you through easy terrain, but it’s a fast track to crashes when things get technical.
Instead, be deliberate with your line choice.
Slow down and assess:
What’s the best line?
Is there a straighter or smoother path?
Can I avoid that rocky, slippery section?
Choose the best line before you get there—and once you’ve picked it, commit to it 100%. Changing lines at the last second or getting drawn into a bad section is a common cause of falls.
Also, read the terrain:
Shiny, hard-packed dirt? That usually means it’s slippery.
Dark, softer soil? That usually offers more grip.
Make smart decisions and trust your judgment—line choice is everything.
3. Master Your Body Position
We have full-length videos and lessons on this (and we definitely recommend checking them out), but here are two crucial takeaways that can immediately help reduce crashes:
a. Stand on the Bike
When you're seated and you hit bumps, all that energy goes straight into your body. It shakes you up, drains your energy, and makes crashes more likely. Standing creates space between you and the bike and allows your legs to absorb impact. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about control.
b. Grip with Your Legs
“Grip with your knees” is common advice—but it’s not quite enough. You need to grip the bike from your boots all the way up your legs, creating multiple contact points.
You can't control a 130kg+ dirt bike with your hands alone—they’re too small a contact point. Your legs are the key to stability, control, and confidence.
4. Stay Calm Under Pressure
This one might sound obvious—but it’s a major reason riders crash, especially beginners.
When you’re faced with a challenging section—rocks, mud, steep hills—it’s easy to panic. You hold your breath, grab the brake, or swerve. That’s when crashes happen.
Here’s what to do instead:
Take a breath.
Stay calm.
Focus on where you want to go.
The bike will follow your eyes. Keep your head up, look ahead, stay in a strong body position, and trust your skills.
Final Thoughts
Improving your off-road riding is about building good habits—and it starts with riding smooth, making smart line choices, using the right body position, and staying calm.
If you want hands-on coaching and personal feedback, we offer off-road lessons in Hanoi—whether you’re a total beginner or looking to take your riding to the next level.
👉 book a session in our store
And if you enjoyed this post, make sure to check out the video below. Ride safe, and see you on the trails!
