Number One

Navigation is key

Have a route in mind, know where it is you're going and how to get there. This way you'll avoid any downtime on your adventure if you get lost, trying to then find out how to get around a private property or across the other side of the river! If you don't know where you're going, look up a route - forums and social media are a good place to start. In addition to your route, if you are going off the beaten track make sure you share your proposed route with someone not on the ride and give them an estimated time of departure and arrival.

Number Two

Ride with a buddy

Off-road riding can be great limitless fun, but it is always good to have someone with you. If you do have a spill or fall riding somewhere, trying to lift a 300kg adventure bike to sort out the problem is no easy task alone. Unless you're feeling especially buff, it's not a good idea.

Having a riding buddy with you, allows you to have support where it's needed physically. It will also allow a quick response to any emergency situation you may encounter if, for example, someone has fallen unconscious, etc.

Number Three

Keep your feet on the pegs and stay loose

You have the freedom when riding off-road to remain sitting or ride standing, but always aim to keep both your feet on the pegs - keeping as much balance as possible within both left and right feet. You should have the balls of your feet roughly on the centre of each peg for optimum balance, keeping your knees bent and your body as relaxed as possible to avoid terrain impact or unwanted tension.

Number Four

Know your bike

Riding off-road requires smooth and responsive power wherever you are. Make sure you keep your bike clean, lubricated and serviced, making it ready for the terrain you'll likely encounter on your journey. A big adventure machine prefers a gentle change of speed and direction, although going hard on the throttle is thrilling for some, it will bite you one day.

Number Five

Head up and look ahead

When riding off-road it is hugely important to keep your eyes where you're going - look well ahead on the trails. It becomes second nature to look right ahead of your bike for debris, etc. but this is more dangerous than you think. Try not to get sucked into looking over the visor down at the front wheel as looking at your front wheel will not allow enough time to respond if an unpassable object gets in your way.

Number Six

Protect your beauty

Preparation is key! If you are new to adventure bike riding off-road, you'll probably drop your bike a few times. Make sure your pride-and-joy is protected from these little falls before you set off - you'll save hundreds on cracked fairings or damaged metal. Buy yourself some engine protection or crash bars as well as wrap-around handguards to stop you from snapping levers or expensive switchgear.

Number Seven

Don't forget your rubber

If you're keen to get off the road and it's mostly dirt, grit or sand in your upcoming terrain, investing in appropriate tyres may be a good idea. Dual-sport tyres that are 80% for on-road and 20% for off-road are going to let you down sooner or later due to the types of debris you may encounter. Find the ideal 50/50 based tyres, with bigger tread blocks which allow a more confidence-inspiring control rather than sliding all over the place.

Number Eight

Speed and force can be your closest ally

Often you'll find resistance to your actions from the machine beneath you - sometimes feeling like it's trying to do the opposite to everything you do! This is where you'll need to think smartly and plan for upcoming terrain ahead. For example, if you are going uphill, the bike will want to slow its speed which will make getting over rocks and roots harder. For this situation, you would want to take the momentum of the previous decline to help you bounce your way to the top. Remember inclines and declines are just straights... on an angle.

Number Nine

Steering with your feet

Assist your arms for those longer off-road ventures by steering with your footpegs too. You can practice this on straight, long trails by keeping a constant rpm and then pushing down on one side and then the other side. Feel the effect? Once you've got the hang of this you should flow smoother through the twisties, plus your arms will thank you for it.

Number Ten

Become mean and lean!

Using your own body weight can have a dramatic difference in the overall control you feel and practicality within your movements. On the climbs you'll need to lean forward, allowing the back of the bike to move about and find friction. On descents, you'll want to stand and move toward the back of the motorcycle, taking some weight off the front wheel. Finding the ideal position for you will come with time and practice but it won't be long before you feel like a pro.