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There's a compelling concept found in the world of sports: cross-training. An athlete takes up another sport with the idea of improving skills relevant to their main sport. Football players take ballet to become more agile and lighter on their feet, making it easier to avoid tackles. Runners begin swimming to strengthen their muscles in a low-impact setting, making them faster on race day. This practice of cross-training can apply just as well to the world of motorcycle riding!

Your core style of riding may be hitting the highway, but riding a dirt bike can be a great way to build up relevant skills. Below we cover the many ways you can improve your street motorcycle riding skills by riding a dirt bike. If you want more information or want to explore dirt bikes for sale, head over to ATVs and More in Salem, Illinois. 

There's a saying in the motorcycle world: what you learn in a few years of street riding, you can learn in a few months of dirt bike riding. That's because dirt bikes are more agile and easier to control than their street counterparts. Since the vehicle is more responsive, it'll be easier to practice skills such as turning and accelerating. The more you practice basics on a dirt bike, the easier it'll be to master those skills on a street bike.

Beginners can benefit from learning to control motorcycles. But advanced riders can also benefit from this accelerated learning. They can focus on improving their precision and performance, which they can put to use on the highway later.

Sometimes, the best way to learn your limits is to test them. But you don't want to do this on the freeway surrounded by other motorists traveling at top speeds! Instead, gain a better sense of your limits by riding a dirt bike.

After all, dirt bikes are made to withstand crashes (since dirt bikes crash more often) and this results in plenty of built-in safety features. It's also easier to crash on dirt than firm pavement. Plus, you won't be surrounded by other motorists so you won't need to worry as much about hitting someone else. Hop on a dirt bike and play around with speed and turning to better discover your limits, then take your newfound knowledge with you when you ride on the highway.

When you ride a dirt bike, you'll need to stay aware of the terrain. The off-road trails are much more unpredictable than paved streets. There's an increase in obstacles, such as potholes and sudden dips in the road. There are also obstacles you won't find on a paved road, such as a sudden batch of sand or a giant tree root in the middle of the path. Riding a dirt bike gives you a great opportunity to strengthen your awareness skills.

Riding a dirt bike is an incredibly athletic activity. This style of riding involves continually switching from standing to sitting to standing, which builds muscle strength. It also takes more stamina to stay balanced and in control of a dirt bike. As you ride your dirt bike, you'll improve your endurance and be able to enjoy longer city rides.

Ready to get your dirt bike and begin improving your riding skills? Check out the selection at our dealership in Salem, Illinois. If you aren't sure which model best fits your needs, our friendly staff can help. Tell us your budget and experience level, and we can recommend compatible dirt bikes. We proudly serve those in Mount Vernon, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri.