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Dirt Bike Course Frequently Asked Questions



Call 508-247-9593 for more information or to register.


Who developed the training program?
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Dirt Bike School was developed from the MSF Off-Highway Motorcycle Program. Designed as an introduction to off-highway motorcycle riding, the school is taught by a nationwide network of Dirt Bike School coaches.

What types of dirt bike courses do you offer?
We offer several types of dirt bike courses: one day course, kids summer camp, after school program, birthday parties, family & group courses.

How do you organize your courses?
To make our instruction as effective as possible, Planet Dirt separates the Dirt Bike courses according to the ages of the participants.

  • Kids: 6 to 11 years olds
  • Youths: 12 to 15 years olds
  • Adults: 16 years old and up
  • Families: Special arrangements are available for family groups. Set up to accommodate riders of different ages, a Family dirt bike course can include everyone, from children through parents!

Call 508-247-9593 for more information or to register.

How many students do you have in a course?
Ages 6-11 courses can have up to 4 students max. No one over the age of 11 is allowed in this course unless it is a family or private group course.

Ages 12-16 courses can have up to 6 students maximum.

Age 16 and up can have up to 8 students maximum.

How much does it cost?
Based on the number of participants in your group, the fees range from $139 to $249. The fee includes use of a dirt bike, helmet and goggles. You can bring your own dirt bike to the course but it is not necessary. Special private and group courses can be arranged for clubs, organizations, birthday parties and other groups. Call to set up a course for your group.

How much riding do we get to do?
Courses vary from two to six hours depending on weather, course size and the abilities of the students. You'll be on the riding course the entire time with plenty of hands-on instruction in real-world riding situations.

Call 508-247-9593 for more information or to register.

What will I learn at Dirt Bike School?
The MSF Dirt Bike School is a great way for adults to learn how to ride off-road motorcycles. For new or experienced street riders, Dirt Bike School will open new opportunities for riding. And for those considering street riding, many adults find it is an excellent first step toward taking the street-oriented MSF Basic RiderCourse.

The school begins with the basics: sitting on the motorcycle, location and operation of controls, and straight-line riding. When you are ready, you'll learn how to ride in circles, make sharp turns, and how to ride on hills. Additional exercises are available for more experienced riders. You'll also learn about responsible riding practices, including risk management and environmental awareness. By the end of the school, you will have a solid understanding of the techniques every off-road rider needs to stay safe, act responsibly, and most importantly, have fun.

Can I send my kids to Dirt Bike School?
Definitely. The Dirt Bike School is a great way to make their first step the right one. In fact, there is no better way to show your kids how you value safety than by attending the course together. Students as young as six years of age are allowed to enroll. Currently over 50% of Dirt Bike School students are children age 16 and under.

What materials will be given to students?
Students that successfully complete a course will at a minimum receive an MSF Dirt Bike School completion card and the "Tips and Practice Guide for the Off-Highway Motorcyclist" booklet; riders under 16 will also receive the "Parents, Youngsters and Off Highway Motorcycles" booklet.

Call 508-247-9593 for more information or to register.

Can a six year old child really ride a dirt bike?
Yes. Children are often the safest students because they don't have any pre-existing "bad riding habits." An experience like riding a dirt bike can give a child self-confidence that will spill over into other areas such as school and team sports.

Will I be taught to race?
No, but you will be taught the skills necessary to safely ride an off-highway motorcycle. Where that takes you is up to you.

I have never ridden a street motorcycle before. Should I take a Dirt Bike course first?
That is a great idea. You will learn how to shift, balance, maneuver and stop a motorcycle, plus some mental skills to help keep you safe. This will be a huge asset if you decide to take the Training Wheels MSF Basic RiderCourse for street motorcycles.

Do I need my own dirt bike?
Training Wheels has dirt bikes for your use included in the tuition. In the event that you have your own dirt bike, you are welcome to use it.

What size dirt bike will I be riding?

Kids Course: 6 to 11 yrs

50cc - 70cc, four stroke engines
automatic clutches
3 & 4 speed transmissions
approx 21" - 26" seat heights
Youth Course: 12 to 15 yrs

80cc - 150cc, four stroke engines
standard clutches
4 & 5 speed transmissions
approx 26" to 31" seat heights
Adults: 16 and up

80cc - 250cc, four stroke engines
standard clutches
4 & 5 speed transmissions
approx 29" to 34" seat heights

Call 508-247-9593 for more information or to register.

What gear do I need?
During the course, you must wear the proper riding gear whenever operating the motorcycle. This includes:

  • DOT-approved motorcycle helmet (loaner helmets are available at no charge)
  • Goggles or face-shield (loaner goggles are available at no charge)
  • Over-the-ankle boots
  • Full-fingered motorcycle gloves
  • Long pants
  • Long sleeve shirt or jacket

Should I practice before the class?
No. Why not you ask? Would you practice sky diving? Probably not before you knew how.

Cool Dirt Bike Links

Go Baja Ridin LogoThis is a link to a really cool company in Baja California that specializes in Dirt Bike Tours. Many of our customers have trained with us and then participated in the tour.
Pilgrim Sands Trail Riders LogoPilgrim Sands Trail Riders is the foremost off-road motorcycle club in Southeast Mass. They are a Nonprofit Organization that plans different off-road riding events yearly; donating proceeds to local communities and time to maintaining forest trails.

Call 508-247-9593 for more information or to register.

North's Services IncNorth's Service has been around since 1964 in the same location, on Rts. 7/20 where Pittsfield and Lenox meet. The owner, Chris, is a great guy and a terrific resource for all things "dirt bike" in the Berkshires.
MX207

MX-207 is located at 53 Bartlett Bridge Rd. (RT 202) Lyman, ME.

They are open from Spring till Fall depending on when the snow comes and goes, this is Maine after-all. MX207 holds races that are sanctioned by various organizations including NESC, NEMA, NEMX, NCSC and the MMS.

They also are open for practice during the week.

They are located in the little town of Lyman, Maine just a short drive off Rt. 95 and less than two hours away from Boston. Our directions page has an interactive Google map and detailed driving directions.

They have two tracks at MX207, a minibike / pitbike track and our full size MX track. The big track has something for everyone from the super long table top that challenges the pros to the long straights that will delight the speed freaks to the supercross style double double section for the rider who wants to work on their timing. The entire MX track is watered by a powerful sprinkler system, in a few minutes they have the place watered to perfection.

Dirt Bikers' Den LogoDirt Bikers' Den - gear, apparel and accessories

Enjoy these free online dirt bike games.
Click to play 2 Dirt Bike! Click to play Dirt Bike Championship!
Call 508-247-9593 for more information or to register.
Training Wheels Online Logo