Learn to Ride Off-Road Scotland

Thinking about trying off-road riding?

Getting into off-road motorcycling can feel like a big step if you have never ridden before.

You might not own a bike, you may not have any riding kit and you may have no idea what actually happens when you arrive for your first session.

This film visits Kingdom Off Road to show what beginners can expect and what support is available before they start riding.

Do you need your own motorcycle?

No.

One of the biggest barriers for new riders is assuming they need to buy a motorcycle before they can even try the sport.

At some beginner sessions, bike hire is available, which means you can experience off-road riding before making that kind of commitment.

That can be especially useful if you are completely new to motorcycles and are still working out whether off-road riding is right for you.

What riding kit do beginners need?

Proper protective equipment is an important part of off-road riding.

Depending on the venue and session, equipment such as helmets, boots and other riding kit may be available as part of the experience or to hire.

It is always worth checking exactly what is supplied before you arrive.

If you are planning your first session, BRAAP Scotland has a beginner's guide to off-road riding in Scotland with more information on getting started.

What happens during your first session?

A beginner session is not about being thrown straight onto a difficult course and expected to keep up with experienced riders.

Coaching allows new riders to build confidence gradually and learn the basics in a controlled environment.

That can include getting comfortable with the motorcycle, throttle and clutch control, braking, body position and basic off-road techniques.

The aim is to give riders a foundation they can build on rather than expecting everything to happen immediately.

Do you need previous motorcycle experience?

Not necessarily.

Some people trying off-road riding already have experience on road motorcycles, while others may be riding a motorcycle for the first time.

Those riders will obviously start from different points, which is why coaching and suitable riding areas are useful.

Sessions can be adapted around different experience and confidence levels rather than treating every beginner the same way.

Building confidence off-road

Riding away from tarmac feels very different from riding on the road.

The motorcycle can move around underneath you, the surface changes constantly and maintaining balance and momentum becomes a much bigger part of riding.

That can initially feel unusual, but learning in a controlled environment makes it easier to understand how the bike behaves without the pressure of traffic or competition.

Confidence normally develops as riders spend more time on the motorcycle and become comfortable with the basic techniques.

Finding off-road motorcycle training in Scotland

If you want to try the sport without immediately buying a bike and equipment, training centres and organised coaching sessions can be one of the easiest routes in.

BRAAP Scotland has a guide to off-road motorcycle training in Scotland to help riders find coaching and beginner-friendly opportunities.

Different venues offer different disciplines and facilities, so it is worth finding something that matches the type of riding you are interested in.

Could off-road riding be for you?

You do not need to be a racer or an experienced motorcyclist to find out.

A coached beginner session gives you the opportunity to try off-road riding, learn the basics and decide whether you want to take it further.

For some people it may simply be a one-off experience. For others, it can be the start of getting involved in Trials, Enduro, Motocross or wider off-road motorcycle sport.

If you have been thinking about trying off-road riding, the first step may be much easier than you expect.

Featured venue: Kingdom Off Road

This film was recorded at Kingdom Off Road Motorcycle Club and shows the coaching, bike hire, riding equipment and facilities available to riders attending beginner sessions.

Filmed and produced by BRAAP Scotland.