Top 10 Skills for Beginners EVERY Rider Should Have Mastered!

Today the IRC Tire Guy breaks down the top 10 practices every rider should have mastered.

[@MikeJones-vb1me]

I’m a late-onset dirt bike enthusiast, just started at almost 40, and I’m so glad I found these videos! My 6 year old son and I will be running these drills to learn how to handle our new toys. Thank you!

[@autismodonkey9151]

Better late than never

[@gardnerberry113]

I'm almost 61, retired trucker and have ridden street bikes for 40+ years. Bored in my peaceful retirement, I had a "Don't Die Wondering" moment and bought a Yamaha XT 250 that day. It has been VERY hard to get rid of my "Don't burn out the clutch!" mindset but like has been said: "Better late than never!" 😅

[@tryptaminezen3528]

So excited for my boy to get riding age. He’s only 2, so gives me some time to get cash around for gear and his bike

[@Johnny-rn7pq]

I'm the same bro, were almost 40 when I got into bikes properly ( brought my own bike and gear ext.) And I love brother. Welcome!

[@pebbles257]

They are not toys💀.I crashed my 110 by doing a highside

[@Harpoika]

Mr. Larsen, I took your suggestion to focus on static balance a year ago and it has significantly impacted my progress as a rider. Over the past 12 months, I've spent more time practicing on my bike in the garage than on the trails. To my surprise, I've managed to achieve a level of balance with my enduro bike on a hard floor that I previously thought unattainable. This skill has greatly contributed to my overall improvement as a rider. Hats off to you, sir!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

That’s awesome!! I’m stoked to help!!

[@caldeirone]

Top 10 drills: 0:30 - Static balance 1:50 - Clutch control 3:14 - Stepping on/off the machine from one side or the other 4:23 - On command balance 5:30 - Cone weave 6:58 - Full lock balance 8:20 - Target fixation 9:24 - Gate riding 10:30 - Getting unstuck 11:42 - Clutch up

[@dalepellerin]

This is great. Total beginner here, hardest part for me has been using the clutch. All the advice I see just gets interpreted in my head (and 40 years of driving manual transmission vehicles) as basically, ‘use and abuse that clutch.’ Its a big mental shift to treat a dirt bike clutch differently than much more delicate 4x4 and truck clutches. Very helpful

[@omicrondec]

Bikes clutches are bathed in oil. They're slippery masochists, thriving on sadistic riders.

[@shoruda]

Wet clutch is amazing you can slip forever

[@Chris-wy2bn]

Same here

[@connorwilson8078]

Dirt bike clutches are delicate lol bikes are way softer than cars or vans , won’t last nowhere near as long zx u get like 100 hours out most pitbikes and dirt bikes

[@giannibravo9092]

I love how patient and calming this dog is in these videos

[@JeffJeno1000]

I learnt in early days of riding that anyone can ride fast but the real skill is in these awesome slow drills whether on a trail bike or a road bike. I’m enjoying the theory content of this channel, and then seeing progress on some challenging trails near home 👍

[@andyabik]

Me too buddy

[@KTMGUNNER]

Anyone can ride fast ? Without crashing or dying ? 😅

[@Rocksaplenty]

Just rode a pitbike for the first time. Remembered seeing police doing clutch controls, and as a hidden blessing, this bike doesn't want to idle, so right at the start I'm learning clutch control! Came to learn how to stand on a bike correctly, and learned much more. Thanks Rich.

[@nzadvrydr]

As a relative noob, Im getting so much from these vids. My riding has improved for sure. Thanks Rich

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Great to hear! 🙌

[@LeMortso]

Getting back on a Dirt Bike at 70 is a challenge!! I’ve ridden big scooters for decades, so learning clutch again is a trip! This video is AWESOME and I’ll practice every move until I get it. Thanks!!

[@whileistillcan9338]

Nobody explains this stuff better! Thank you 😊

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

I appreciate that!!

[@posterlion]

I remember doing this sort of thing with a friend of mine at age 14. We just called all of it trials riding at the time back in the 70's. Fun Fact: I also did this on my GS1000 on occasion at age 17. Didn't always work out well, but it was very fun. One time I was coasting along as slow as possible in a parking lot while standing on the left foot peg without straddling the motorcycle. I came to a stop by pulling the front brake. It was great until it was not great. That is when the GS1000 slowly fell over on its right side. Boy that was embarrassing. 😀

[@asherlito3801]

I actually learned to static balance on dirt without ever riding on dirt. I ride my dual sport on the street. Everytime I come to a light I try to static balance. Never could get it down. Then I went to ride off-road and decided to static balance and I could do it for minutes on end, I could remove one hand, one foot and could shift my weight to almost anywhere on the bike. It was really weird considering I could never static balance more than 2-5 seconds on the street.

[@bennettsimpson799]

did you air down your tires at all?

[@asherlito3801]

@@bennettsimpson799 No, I practice balancing at stop lights riding on the street with no air is no bueno.

[@rustymansuetti2234]

Interesting. Thanks!

[@theredrider4017]

Maybe it’s because it’s much harder on pavement due to a low contact patch with the rubber making it easier on the grippy dirt

[@billerb2290]

Hey Rich your tips are awesome and actually work you're making me a better rider by the day I'm 50 and haven't been on a bike in 25 years but after I found you I bought one and have been following you and " practicing " with you I'm starting to get it back Thank you

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

That is awesome! Love hearing that!!

[@dirtbikediary]

Brilliant summary of all the points from the series! It's helped my riding so much. Just hanging on for some more of your great tips!!!! In anticipation, from your fans in Cambodia.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Glad it helped! Thanks for the support!

[@apexrtx1000]

Dude your good. Just getting back into the sport at 43yrs old. Purchased 2 new bikes for my son and I. Very helpful and well explained training videos on this channel. Great work!

[@yolandalindsay8368]

Clear and Concise. The only way to TEACH.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks you!!

[@thomaszhang1739]

Timestamps for my own reference: 1. Static Balance 0:33 2. Clutch Control 1:53 3. Stepping On And Off 3:21 4. On Command Balance - Slow Race Drill 4:29 5. Cone Weave 5:39 6. Full Lock Balance 7:00 7. Target Fixation - Switchback Gates 8:22 8. Gate Riding 9:29 9. Getting Unstuck 10:32 10. The Clutch Up 11:51

[@mikeladurner]

My dude, you are awesome at explaining. Thank you! Its so great to hear a calm voice teaching some very beginnerfriendly stuff from a office, instead of rushed talking directly on a bike. This really helped a lot!

[@krispewkrem3]

I hit some pretty nasty trails and it exposed all my weaknesses. I can rip sand and do basic off road. Bit big logs, winding uphill/downhill turns and rocks/mud require solid balance and clutch work. For anyone struggling, I can recommend doing these in some grass or dirt with normal shoes. Once you’ve got it all down, add in boots. I’d never recommend trails without boots because it’s just dangerous. I’m definitely gonna order some cones so I can start practicing these.

[@kyle1758]

Same here man! Been on quads my whole life then changed to dirtbike at 33 years old. I do fine on it but the first really technical trails I encountered were humbling. I'll be practicing some of these techniques first chance I get!

[@aldoreyn7]

Thank you for these lessons, Rich. You're the best! More power to your channel. 🔥

[@mario_on_e-odin2.0]

Great description and explanation, thank you !

[@1skinnypuppy]

Oddly these are skills was not taught as a kid, I have started working on them now and as I help friends get into the sport this is where we start. I thank you and my friends do as well especially considering we are a bit older now. A good system starts with a great foundation, leads to good times. Thanks again from all of us. BC Canada

[@eliaspergande2663]

Wealth of knowledge thank you brother!

[@dalas.on.wheels]

Brilliant summary indeed! Thank you!

[@williamhanchett5555]

Very good videos showing practices I haven't seen elsewhere. Thank you, I have a lot of practicing to do.

[@cameronmardis]

This is the best guide video I’ve seen so far! I definitely need to practice these!

[@flyinhawaiian9174]

Best dirt bike training vid I've ever seen. Thank you for putting this out there. Wish I had access to it 50 years ago. I've never done these exact drills, but learned most of it just by riding (and crashing) a lot lol. Playing around on a trials bike helped me a lot with my balance over obstacles.

[@illtrax]

What an awesome breakdown. Thanks for all the tips!

[@crazypyrokitty]

Nice! Thank you! Trying the first of these ASAP

[@jonathanlamper3204]

Unreal man. These videos are so great. Thank you.

[@Birdfeeder795]

If i ever win the lottery I will hire this guy full time for two years too be my trainer. I’ll pay whatever he asks for and throw an additional 20 percent on top of that. That is how much I appreciate this guy and all his riding tips. Also he seems like a genuinely good guy.

[@neillongtine8479]

Awesome,Awesome video Rich!! Thanks man.

[@christopherrichardson6092]

Great lesson!! Will follow more,!

[@isaacpalen2377]

Great video, I’ll definitely start practicing these skills and I think they will boost my confidence a lot.

[@pkuudsk9927]

Excellent video well thought out and to the point on every maneuver . Practicing static balance can be done daily in you garage, back yard daily the more you do it the easier it is to do moving slow. I have been winning slow races since the 80's using this trick/skill. Can also be used to pick your bike up off the ground

[@TPuffTree]

Man, such a great video. Thank you!

[@chrisboon4526]

Great video, thank you Rich!

[@dirtbagmoto]

What a great video! Thank you

[@MrCTruck]

Finally actual videos with helpful tips

[@leechunyendanielleecy2646]

Very clear verbal and video instruction - all of which are very entertaining too.

[@iToy80]

Absolutely perfect, Rich. This is exactly what the doctor ordered 😍 Thank you so much 🤟

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

You're very welcome!

[@SalSpaceKhan]

I would pay for this content. It's just too good. Thanks dude!

[@onerider808]

Track stands (static balance) seem to be key in dirt biking, ADV, and mountain biking. Good episode!

[@rodneystewart5481]

All the information you're giving me on your video is outstanding especially because I ride alone in the dirt looking for more Adventure Riders to ride with in Bullhead City Arizona

[@jodlen49]

thank you, good info

[@claytontycksen9472]

unbelievably cool video! THANKS!@

[@phillipball-reed8071]

So much great information shared!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

I appreciate the support!!

[@Matthew-zw9su]

Good stuff, thanks!

[@angelturborodriguez3023]

Great video mate!!

[@amannoonelistensto8615]

Great video!!!

[@maxflight777]

The best channel… superb advice

[@colleenbyrd7707]

Great step by step tutorials

[@rickbaca9248]

I bought a dirt bike a while back after not being on a dirt bike since my middle teens. We're talking a 45 year interval. I wasn't sure, which bike to buy, it was going to be a YZ but a 250 or a 450. I made the mistake of riding up to dealer on a BMW S1000RR. The sales dude said if I could ride the RR, I could ride the YZ450FX, WRONG! The bike rides me. I've been behind it and intimidated by since the 1st ride (an experience in and of itself, but that is another story). I have been watching the IRC Tire Guy since last summer but not riding the dirt bike very much but playing with the static balance ideas on my road bicycle. Track stands at stop lights are easy these days. Today, I tried the track stand stuff on the dirt bike. The change in my ability to control my YZ monster is nothing short of incredible. I'm a ski instructor and when a student goes from unstable balancing to pro level, in one go there is nothing like the feeling for, both student and I, of accomplishment. After about an hour of nothing but static balance drills, I can do slow turns in my drive way and not feel like the bike is ready to fly off to oblivion. I still don't get the single blip but I'm working on it. Chapeau to Rich, for the simple and clear instruction.

[@iconfitness8252]

You are the man, so detailed 🤙

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Glad to help!!

[@MrVlasek88]

😃 perfect summary 👍 thanks🙏

[@tedantares2751]

As always, almost a science-based explanation!

[@turtleinwhalmart8114]

Definitely appreciate the information Rich.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Glad to help

[@racerunnermx]

RIDE ON RICH ! RIDE ON

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

🤘🤘

[@rodneystewart5481]

Wow awesome video grade information , I ride a 2022 KTM 390 Adventure I will definitely start practicing everything you are showing me

[@eddiet1971]

Thank you man!!

[@usernametaken457]

What great advice 👏

[@TheJumpn]

Love the dog!

[@pawet2828]

Awesome chanel. Thank You for sharing that knowledge with us. Greetings from Poland 💪

[@gabrielasuaje5254]

excellent video. i have a lot to practice.

[@JohnyB1989]

absoluetly mind blowing!

[@user-ui8pu6nb7n]

Thank you always for the help video.I will practice step by step and try to ride well.A man in his 50s in Korea ^^

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks for the support!

[@rock_and_ro]

Best hard enduro technique breakdown on the internet. 🤙

[@JRodSMX]

These riding tips are great. Can be useful in many situations and more than just off-road. Also makes me realize I should get back out and practice lol

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Right on! Get after it!!

[@XJonAye]

I use to ride when i was a teenagerxl, but stopped after my bike blew up, my daughter was born and i couldnt afford to get it fixed. After ten years i was finally able to focus myself and save money, now i got a used bike. Its a yamaha 250x but its the indian not the arrow. Thank rich, i plan on practicing these techniques every chance i get.

[@andrewwatkins6109]

Great vid

[@borysdewar9741]

Thanks! I've just found those cones I bought 5 years ago and used multiple times (in my imagination). Great tips. The dog is the best though! ;)

[@maeshandicrafts7543]

Nice channel sir,,im your new subscriber here in philipines

[@spookyroofus]

It's a small point made at 6:22, but the idea of getting your outside knee out has been super helpful for me on tight, slow speed turns. I've had people tell me to drive the outside knee into the tank as your body comes around to the outside. Nope. Do the opposite -- get your outside knee out. It really does help with getting more counterbalance weight to the outside. Thanks for all of it, Rich!

[@alexrateliff4784]

Outside knee out only when uncoupled from the bike for very slow turns. At speed the outside knee should be tight to the tank.

[@spookyroofus]

@@alexrateliff4784 Yes, exactly. I should have been more clear.

[@blazeweaver7467]

I always copied Supercross guys with that inside knee poking out, and it pushed my turns wider, the outside knee out, inside tucked, it's the way...

[@vanhalenman60]

i just went out for my first ride on dirt on my new honda 300l in some socal mountain fire trails that have washed out really bad. i killed my battery stalling a lot (thankfully off road fire dept was 5 minutes away). i fell down a hill side and tried to keep the bike from falling with my arms fully extended up and hurt my shoulder a little. all in all i got about 30 miles both ways and dropped my bike probably like 10 times. by the end of the day i was good to get from a to z on some really tough trails but my biggest piece of advice is dont do like me. ride with some friends before you go straight to difficult trails, i was lucky i didnt hurt myself more than i did. luckily i found and experience rider to go out with me next weekend to help with my bad habbits.

[@bprice545]

Good video. Where was the footage taken? I’m trying to pinpoint the state. It reminded me of Morgan Utah.

[@othersideimages]

Brilliant ! I bet the dog knows it all, too 😮

[@jsmith8983]

This is the best video EVER for a beginner like me. Master at 0/10 but working on them!

[@alant779]

This is it! I've hit a plateau with the slow race because my static balance is bad.

[@vininio]

This Yamaha is very beautiful and Marc is getting better and better!

[@donnyvedder3260]

Can I ask what front tire you use, I've been running the ve35 but about due for a new one. And your dog has total trust in you 🤘

[@nuthintoprove]

Brilliant skill list, specifically designed for the needs of my riding biddies!!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks for th support!

[@RD-hz5nv]

same lol

[@ZenderStuzer]

This is gold.

[@bradleydavidgood9316]

good job

[@CurtisNormandy]

I loved watching the part where you pull your inside foot off the peg to allow the bike to lean further while using your weight on the outside peg. It’s something I’ve always done and get weird looks and comments about. Didn’t know it was an actual technique. Question though. There was a lot of focus on lateral weight shift or placement and I noticed the trainee having some issues with balance as we all do and I was wondering if what you thought about incorporating longitudinal focus as well? I often or maybe almost always shift my upper body anywhere from a few degrees to a marginal amount forward or back away from the lateral line. In your opinion do you think this is counterproductive and I should stick twisting at the knee or keep with what works?

[@mesrineqcc.2086]

thanks !! :)

[@michaelb.42112]

As a bass player, and a rider, you riders are the jazz fusion players of riders, because if you can ride this way, you can ride anywhere with ease.

[@captinwolff9924]

I'd put clutch control over static balance personally because even if you're not doing hard enduro-esque stuff clutch control is valuable everywhere even on the road

[@alfonsogarcia8967]

🤙gracias rich🤙I just bought a beta 300 at 57 years old, my husqvarna fe250 4-stroke was slowing me down, I needed the push of the 2-stroke.It's never too late to learn, since I don't smoke, I don't drink and I don't fuck, I dedicate more time to motorbike😁

[@BlackBuzzzard]

this guy is good! I cant even do half what he does on a trials machine,, that he does on an enduro bike.

[@johnberry2877]

As a replacement to putting the tire into a small hole, let some air out of the front tire to increase its footprint 😊

[@drmechristopher]

I love your videos. I hear you, work on the basics. I am practicing. I do do have a request for a future video series. I'd like to see a series on applying hard enduro skills to heavier dual sports or list adventure bikes. I ride a DRZ 400. Can you tailor advice to me and all the others like me who want to be able to take the really advanced trails without becoming a world champion or getting a lighter dirt bike. I don't care about speed. I just want to get to the other side. I get it, it mostly comes down to practice but any tips for the hard stuff someone riding a bike that weighs 320 lbs (more when loaded).

[@buddhistpriest1357]

Slipping the clutch will also work when backing down the ramp from the back of the truck. (Even with the motor off) Because there’s nothing like backing your bike down the ramp excited to ride and grabbing the front brake, the tire slides and you step back off the tailgate into oblivion.

[@bransonbasher6534]

I'm going to start recording my practice as I work through your training program. I'll call it the Rich Larson Program.

[@hernilsoriano4873]

Nice video..wish my 22 Yamaha 450fx has lighter clutch..it’s so hard my hands froze every 10 minutes..but I love it

[@vinc5840]

There are Clutch Levers with adjustable attach points for the clutch cable. Also on 24mx there is a EasyClutch that decreases the power you need to pull the clutch

[@uncletom1971]

Rich, do you have a flick where you briefly speak about tuning your suspension on the bike? From what I gather in these exercises one needs the simplest settings like no rebound nor compression limitation, and preload set rather stiff, right?

[@georgemikodesigns]

not a full dirt guy, but the medium sized ADV bike (VStrom 800DEA) will be going thru the same drills.

[@uncletom1971]

I'm watching this again, and again.

[@RC.56]

great lessons....where to even get a riding coach for these drills? is this a normal service riders offer? Im still trying to decide on a bike... was looking at a new ktm 350xcf, but, i haven't had much input from anyone, just my own research.. seems like a more aggressive bike, but cant i just putt around with it and do drills? hehe

[@Albisriede]

Great and valuable information. I recently watched a clip that demonstrated (claimed) that the "future of 2 wheel transportation lies with 'feet forward' bikes". For one, that makes for a much longer bike and keeps your legs at almost the same level as your butt. I would like to see anyone with such a feet forward contraption attempt what I just saw here. It would be fun to watch.

[@Dissentient01]

Crazy how tiring these drills are.

[@ryansmith7041]

Forearms on fireeeee