“Getting the Dirt on Off-Road Riding”, Part 2.

Q: What should I look for when considering dual-sport training?

A:  I have been a part of the motorcycle community since the early ’80’s, riding, exploring, selling.  This question has come up often in many variations.  I would get asked about this from new riders on their first motorcycle, also from veteran riders with their first dual-sport motorcycle and looking to ride off-road for the first time.

My answer was always the same; depends on what you’re looking for.  Simple considerations like how far you’re willing to travel, how much you’re willing to spend, what kind of riding you’ve done so far, what kind of motorcycle you have and what you are looking to accomplish with the training all factor in.  The fact is everyone is different, each of us has different needs.  And while there is a commonality amongst techniques, training methods differ.

But those are just the initial considerations. Choosing training should be as informed a decision as choosing the motorcycle itself. Consider reputation, performance, reliability, value and price. Websites, marketing materials, on-line reviews and commentary are readily available but don’t be too quick to rely on that information alone.  Talk to people you know who have had training and get their opinion – even if their focus is different from yours they can offer insight on the actual experience.

Call and talk to training companies yourself.  Establish a rapport with the folks doing the training.  Talk to the Instructors, ask questions, answer theirs, have a conversation, start the relationship, and find out first-hand if the training offers what you need.  That one-on-one interaction will help you to make an informed decision better than any website or you-tube video or on-line information can.  Most training will have some value, and it’s difficult to gauge what will work best for you until you’ve tried it.  Ride your own ride, reach out, and ride safe.

– Michael Spencer