How to Climb Hills on Dirt Bikes

The primary dirt bike skills required to facilitate a safe trip up a hill are body position, acceleration and braking. As a rider becomes more advanced, these principal skills will serve as the foundation for tackling steeper hills and more challenging terrain such as sand, mud or gravel.

Instructions

    • 1

      Approach the hill and scan it for ruts, rocks, branches and other objects that may affect the control and direction of the dirt bike. If you see any of these objects, move them from the pathway you plan to travel.

    • 2

      Move 100 to 150 feet from the hill so you are able to gain momentum and speed on the dirt bike before you reach the hill and begin to climb. The steeper the hill, the faster you will be required to go to reach the top.

    • 3

      Accelerate as you approach the hill, and elevate your bottom a few inches off the bike. Shift your weight forward once you're climbing the hill to prevent the bike from flipping backward.

    • 4

      Begin shifting to lower gears as you climb the hill to prevent the dirt bike from losing power and momentum. Although when to shift is a judgment, as a general rule do it when the engine begins to whine like a chain saw.

    • 5

      Maintain a consistent speed of no more than 10 mph until you reach the top of the hill.

    • 6

      Begin braking at the top of the hill to avoid unwanted movement and losing control of the dirt bike.