Audrey HayesBy Audrey Hayes

Updated November 2026

Off road motorbike trails open up terrain that paved roads never reach, but a good ride depends on picking the right route for your skill level, prepping your bike, and carrying the basics. This guide walks you through choosing a trail, getting your motorcycle ready, and riding with the discipline that keeps you and others safe.

Step 1: Match the Trail to Your Skill Level

Most trail systems grade routes by difficulty, often using green, blue, black or similar color codes. Beginners should start on routes with wide, mostly smooth tread, few sustained climbs, and minimal off-camber sections. Save steep rocky climbs, deep sand and tight switchbacks until you can stop, balance and restart the bike reliably at low speed. A useful rule: if you cannot ride a slow figure-eight in a 20-foot circle without putting a foot down, the trail is probably too advanced for now.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Colorado 4×4 Trails Book: 5 Best Guides for Off-Road Routes.

Step 2: Plan the Route and Check Conditions

Before you ride, download the trail map to your phone and to a paper backup, since cell coverage in backcountry areas is often unreliable. Check the land manager’s website for closures, seasonal restrictions and wildlife-related limits. Many motorbike routes close during wet spells to prevent erosion, so a recent rain can make a trail off limits even if it looks passable. For background on route planning methods that apply across terrain types, see 5 Best GPS for Off-Road Trails: Top Picks Compared (2026).

Step 3: Prepare the Motorcycle and Your Gear

Off road riding puts more stress on a bike than road use, so inspect the basics before every ride. Check tire pressure, chain tension, brake pad thickness, coolant or oil levels depending on your model, and every fastener on the handlebars, footpegs and skid plate. Manufacturers typically specify a chain slack range in the owner’s manual, so measure rather than guess. Wear a helmet rated for your use, over-the-ankle boots, gloves, eye protection and chest protection.

Pre-Ride Checklist

  • Tire pressure set to the manufacturer’s off-road recommendation
  • Chain slack and lubrication checked
  • Brake fluid level and pad thickness verified
  • Handlebars, levers and footpegs tight
  • Fuel level sufficient for the planned distance, plus a reserve
  • Repair kit: tube or plug kit, multitool, spare tube, tire levers, and a small pump or CO2 inflator
  • Water, a basic first-aid kit, and a whistle
  • Offline map, compass or GPS, and a charged phone
  • Someone who knows your route and expected return time

Step 4: Ride the Trail with Control and Courtesy

Stand on the pegs with your knees bent and your weight centered, and keep your eyes up on where you want to go rather than on the front wheel. Use the throttle to maintain momentum through loose sections, and brake gently before corners rather than mid-turn. Stay on marked routes to protect vegetation and avoid trespassing, and yield to hikers, horses and other riders as the posted rules require. Trail etiquette matters as much as technique, and Off-Road Trail Etiquette: Stay on Route, Share the Trail covers the habits that keep access open for everyone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Riding a trail beyond your skill level instead of building up gradually
  • Skipping the pre-ride inspection, especially chain and tire checks
  • Riding alone on remote routes without a communication plan
  • Ignoring closures after rain, which causes lasting trail damage
  • Carrying too little water or fuel for the distance

A tire repair kit is a practical addition, since flats are among the most common trail interruptions. Look for a kit that includes plugs, a reamer and an insertion tool, so you can handle a puncture without removing the wheel. View on Amazon

A dual-sport helmet with a visor and good ventilation suits mixed pavement and trail riding well. Choose one with a fit you can test in person. View on Amazon

A compact tire pump or inflator lets you reset pressure after airing down for sand or rock. Keep it in your pack where it stays accessible. View on Amazon

FAQ

Do I need a special license to ride off road motorbike trails?

Requirements vary by state and by land manager, so check the rules for the specific area. Many public trail systems require a valid driver’s license and a registered, street-legal or off-road-registered machine, and some require a spark arrestor. Confirm with the managing agency before you ride.

What is the best time of year to ride off road motorbike trails?

Spring and fall usually offer moderate temperatures and firmer tread, though this depends on your region. Summer heat can be dangerous at higher intensity, and wet seasons often bring closures to protect the ground.

Can a beginner ride trails alone?

Riding alone is possible but carries more risk, especially in remote areas with poor phone coverage. Riding with at least one experienced partner, and telling someone your route and return time, is the safer approach.

Conclusion

Start with trails that match your current skill, inspect your bike and carry a basic repair kit before every ride, and stay on marked routes that are open. Build your technique gradually and your range will grow with it. Always follow the rules of the land you ride on.

Ready to choose one?

Audrey Hayes

About Audrey Hayes

Audrey Hayes is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our off-road trails & overlanding guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.