martin_nj said:
General consensus is to learn on a lighter, cheaper bike - but part of me questions if the things I learn on that bike will apply to the S10?
For example the suspension travel difference is huge, the tires are way different, etc
Everything applies.
The s10 is pretty darn capable offroad but the stakes are very high. Damage to the bike can be very expensive and/or catastrophic. It's heavy. So is a XT250. Obviously the XT is MUCH lighter.
All of the skills you develop on a lighter and smaller bike will translate. Further more, you will learn to appreciate the limits of whatever bike you are riding.
You'll also learn what you can recover from and when to bail. You don't want to end up under a S10. You don't want to bail from one, either.
Skills progression on a dirtbike looks something like this:
1. Crash a lot and have no idea why. Go home with a broken bike and a limp and hurt wrist.
2. Crash a lot. Go home with broken bike.
3. Crash a lot. Go home with scratches on your new stickers.
4. Low speed crashes, maybe even keep the bike running, maybe just have a few oh shit moments.
5. Think you have it all figured out and pick up the pace.
6. Crash so hard you go to the hospital.
7. Don't remember the last time you crashed.
8. Think you have it all figured out and pick up the pace.
9. Don't remember the last time you crashed.
10. Crash so hard you go to the hospital.
11. Buy a S10 and SLOW down.
12. Miss your dirtbike.
13. Don't remember the last time you crashed...
