Martin Michek is a European Champion in the enduro EMX open class and has recently started his career in Dakar.
That experience behind the handlebars in the motocross field has certainly paid off. He managed to finish the 2020 race in 23rd position which certainly isn’t to be scoffed at.
Being from Europe, not much is known about this seriously skilled compeititor. Frontaer has done some research to bring you the facts.
Let’s begin.
Martin Michek Overview
Martin started riding dirt bikes from the moment he was out of the diapers. With clearly a love for the sport, he developed his skills over many years and won numerous competitions as a teenager. From here, he was quickly into the professional enduro competitions.
For many years he competed across Europe in the closed-circuit racing scenes. It’s only recently that he’s had a change of pace…and a serious increase in his top speed too. He has set his sights on finding himself on the podium rankings at Dakar in this decade.
Certainly the experience on the race tracks will come in handy for the dessert sands.
The Reality of Dakar
Dakar is gruelling and the very fact that compeitors sign up for this is worth commending. While everyone else hides at home, only a few brave souls are able to finish the rally each year.
Some succumb to breakdowns or injuries, and Martin Michek is no stranger to injuries. He’s certainly broken a few body parts in his years of competitive enduro racing, but it’s been worth the struggle.
What we really look forward to seeing is this man continue on this journey. We’re sure he’s perfectly positioned to take a final podium position in this decade, or at the very least, a stage win. Armed with a KTM 450 Rally Replica, we definitely see some potential here, so watch this space.
Have you ever shopped at DirtBikeBitz? We recently had an experience that we wanted to share in this unbiased review.
They aren’t too well known outside of the United Kingdom, but we did want to shine some light on whether they are worth buying from.
Let’s begin.
DirtBikeBitz Review
DirtBikeBitz is one of the leading dirt bike stores in the United Kingdom. The industry is small and so we’re glad to see a company supporting the local industry and sponsoring some events.
We did our research into this company to check if they’re legit. Fortunately, they’ve been in business now for around 15 years and they’re doing what they’ve always done – source the best gear for riders who demand excellence.
Their prices are reasonably low and they look to constantly seek new products from suppliers around the world, including Australia. What we love is the ethics with this company as they support children’s dirt bike skills development and training, while making it more affordable for parents to get the gear they need.
Customer Service
A key selling point with any dirt bike store is whether they can engage with their customers both before and after the sale. Fortunately, we can see this quite evident with TrustPilot and a few other sites that we checked.
They are certainly way beyond standard in the rankings there. When we chatted to their team, they were very knowledgeable about what they were selling and recommended us some gear that would suit us very well, namely bags for riding.
We mentioned before about ethics. What’s unique with DirtBikeBitz is their Modern Slavery Statement. You should really have a read of that one if you’re mentally prepared. After all, it’s a complete eye-opener to the realities of product manufacturing.
DirtBikeBitz is owned and operated by Internet Fusion Group. They are a lifestyle brand that owns other sites like Magic Seaweed, so you know you’re dealing with a legitimate group.
Customer Complaints
Given the professional reputation behind DirtBikeBitz, there are so few complaints online. You often see a key message with complaints in that the individual had a rare experience, such as a lost parcel or out of stock item.
Generally what happens is that someone is far less likely to leave a 5-star review than a 1-star review, yet this company has found a way to really prop themselves up to the high 4’s and provide a better representation of their reputation.
The best part is that they have a professional customer service team who deals with issues as they come up. If you have a problem, help is always just one phone call or message away.
In Short
While the UK dirt biking community is small, we’re glad that gear and parts are merely a few clicks away. Instead of paying the import duties, shop locally and support a local store.
Sure, not everyone is happy but the vast majority are. After all, they’ve been in business sin 2006. We look forward to being on the shelves real soon.
Enduro and Supercross dirt bike riding are two very different types of competitive 2-wheel motorcycle riding.
Essentially, the differences are:
Supercross riders compete in a stadium at slower speeds while doing stuntwork as part of their race, while enduro riders compete at higher speeds over numerous miles, with spectators spread out. An enduro event may only be singular, while supercross events may be part of a seasonal race calendar where competitors compete at a number of race tracks each weekend.
It’s considered that enduro riders are speed demons while supercross riders are stunt demons. If you’re looking for entertainment, most people look at supercross while enduro riders truly have it tougher.
Comparing Supercross and Enduro
There are clear and distinct differences between these two forms of riding, yet some similarities too. We’ll cover both the shared characteristics and unique points of differences here.
Close Similarities
There are some obvious things which makes these two types of competitive racing similar:
Both riders use dirt bikes and are sponsored by major brands with race teams
Competitors must be physically fit to go through the demanding nature of riding aggressively
Injuries are quite common and most riders don’t finish a season without some battle scars. Such injuries can be mitigated through wearing some protective gear including neck braces.
Most competitors have been riding their entire lives and have a genuine love for the sport. It’s not just about the trophy but about pushing themselves beyond the limits.
That’s on the generic side of things. They are some of the same ideals but are quite different.
Distinct Differences
This is most likely what you’re looking for. What makes them unique?
Well, the diferences between enduro and supercross are that:
Supercross riders use smaller dirt bikes. These are typically 250cc 2-strokes.
Enduro riders use larger capacity dirt bikes. These may be 250cc but generally are 300cc to 450cc with 4-stroke being much more popular than 2-stroke due to the better gearing ratios. In years gone by, 600cc was more popular with enduro riders but performance benefits and the lower weight of the 450cc class has made them much more popular today.
A supercross rider will have obstacles to jump over to impress the crowd, while an enduro rider may or may not have obstacles to conquer including hill climbs and river crossings. Tabletops and jump sections are rare in enduro competitions.
Top speeds are quite different. An enduro rider might average 50 miles per hour in a race and might see 70+ miles per hour in open sections, while supercross riders might max out at 45 miles per hour. This is due to track designs.
Enduro riders have open track designs which can go on for many miles. On the other hand, supercross riders are fixed tracks inside stadiums.
Enduro competitions generally run during the day, though overnight racing is becoming more popular. Supercross riders are there to compete as well as impress the spectators, especially the kids. Therefore, you’ll find them competing in the evening under the bright lights.
As an enduro motorcycle has a larger engine, it has a larger fuel tank and sometimes navigational aids. Supercross bikes don’t need large fuel tanks and the focus is on being as light as possible.
There is a difference in the demographics too. Those racing in supercross events are generally 15 to 30, while enduro racing competitors are often 25 to 45.
In Summary
Both ride dirt bikes but supercross bikes are small and are designed for torque, aggressive cornering and jumping over tabletops on the track. Enduro riders have bigger bore motorcycles which are designed for higher speeds and gnarly conditions with many more miles to cover.
The younger crowd prefers supercross while the older folk (competitors and spectators alike) much prefer the enduro racing scene.
Ever wondered what the difference between Adventure Bike and Dirt Bike boots are? Well, there are some variances.
Essentially, an adventure motorcycle boot is more rigid and designed to withstand impacts at higher speeds. They also last much longer than dirt bike boots given they are used for expedition trips. Dirt bike boots, by comparison, are used for casual dirt bike riding and motocross racing which means they are more flexible and lighter for the rider to throw their bike around in the corners.
When racing about, you’ll want a light boot that can last a season or two. For global adventures, an adventure boot that can last for miles and miles is better suited.
The Differences in Riding Boots
We’re a mix of adventure riding and dirt bike thrills and spills here at Frontaer. This gives us the viewpoint of being able to serve both types of customers.
In addition, we’re big on safety. If you’re going to spend thousands on choosing a dirt bike or adventure motorcycle, you’ll want to spend a decent amount on protective gear. It’s this stuff that will save your backside in the event of an accident.
It’s fair to say then that we know what we’re refering to. If you’re a beginner to the world of taking your motorcycle away from the beaten path, then this guide is for you.
The following table fairly compares adventure motorcycle vs dirt bike riding boots:
Dirt Bike RidingBoots
Adventure Motorcycle Boots
Flexibility
Lots of Flexibility
Minimal Flexibility
Materials
Solid with Flex
Very Solid – Hard to Break
Colors
Lighter Colors
Darker Colors
Styles
Modern
Traditional
Buckles
3 to 4
1 to 3
Longevity
1 to 2 years
3 to 5 years
Waterproof
Some Models
Most Models
Price
$100 to $300
$170 to $400
Demographic
Riders aged 15 to 35
Riders aged 30 to 70
Weight
3lbs to 10lbs
5lbs to 14lbs
Seasons
3 Seasons
4 Seasons
Kids Versions
Yes
No
Female Versions
Yes
Yes
This is a fair comparison of the two main types of offroad riding boots in the western world.
You’ll also find that adventure motorcycle boots have a front kick-plate and sometimes a steel-toe cap. This is missing for some dirt bike boots.
Why are dirt bike boots cheaper and lighter? Because they are designed to win races and to help riders enjoy a great day out on the trails. The additional heat gets uncomfortable and leads to refunds.
Additionally, dirt bike riders have less money to spend than richer adventure riders who are generally 50+ and are happy to spend up on quality gear.
Yes, adventure riders demand durability and longevity over thousands of riding miles, both on the road and on the dirt. They’re happy to deal with the heavier weight if the build quality is stronger and lasts the distance. If it does – then they’ll be happy to buy a 2nd pair from the same manufacturer.
Buying Your 1st Pair
If you are buying your first pair, then it’s best to go into a dealership who deals with both dirt bike and adventure riding apparel. If you’re riding dual sport and enjoy the best of both words, then they can recommend the right boot for you.
Sizing is everything and so is the comfort rating. Bring in a pair of comfortable motorcycling boots and try out a few different brands in the store. Trust us – look at the price last! Yes, they can be expensive but a cheap pair of motorcycling boots are the same pair that will tend to break down after a few years.
If you’re on a budget, then look through your local classifieds such as Facebook Marketplace and eBay. You’ll find some riders who went for a few rides and found themselves with a pair of boots that weren’t comfortable to them. Thus – they’ve decided to replace these with another pair and will offer their used boots for up to 90% off retail prices. Neat!
Again – you should really try on some boots instead of evaluations online. Much like buying a helmet, the right pair of boots for your feet profile can make or break your riding experience out there. Invest in the right gear and you’ll be wearing a smile for years to come!
Common Questions
Can I use Dirt Bike boots for adventure riding and vice versa?
Yes. It’s not ideal and best if you can get 2 pairs of boots, but you certainly can use dirt bike boots for going on camping trips with your motorcycle. In fact, thousands of dual sport riders do this because they find these boots to be lighter and prefer the airflow for summer riding.
Are there brands you would recommend I go with?
Stick to the major brands that big names stock. These include Alpinestars, TCI, Forma and Fox. If you see other riders wearing this gear out there on the tracks, then choose these boots. They are proven winners and will live up to expectations as opposed to the cheap versions that you might find on eBay and Amazon.
Do I tuck my trousers inside or outside the boots? I’ve seen both.
You’ve seen both versions as there are 2 versions of trousers. Dirt bike and MX trousers are thin material and don’t taper at the base so they are tucked inside the boots of the rider. On the other hand, adventure riding trousers are wider and go over the top of boots so you can only see the base of the sole and the front toe. This is to stop water from getting inside the boot on long rides int he rain, as well as the occasional water crossing.
That said – some adventure riders do wear jeans or MX trousers when riding and so you’ll see them tucking these in, so it’s not a hard-fixed rule.
How do I handle wet riding boots?
There are several ways to deal with riding boots that you got wet. While stuffing newspapers inside works (overnight) as does the hair dryer, you can get rice socks that achieve this same thing.
Read More
We’ve created to seperate guides to help you choose the right boot for you.
Take one of these boots and don’t wear your normal steel-capped boots or hiking boots. These just arne’t enough to safely get out there given the build quality of motorcycling boots.
Catch you out there on the local tracks and trails, and stay safe!
A 250cc dirt bike is a very fast motorcycle which is idea for teenagers and adults alike, both for trail riding and touring the world.
KTM, Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki 250cc dirt bikes can reach between 70 and 76 miles per hour (110km/h), though with some performance modifications, can reach 85 miles per hour. That said, these dirt bikes aren’t really designed for top-end speed and are best suited for tight technical trails through the forest, as well as motocross racing and stunt shows.
If outright speed is your preference, then we’re inclined to recommend a big bore 450cc KTM or even a 600cc dirt bike. For the more adventurous riders, a 1200cc motorcycle from BMW would be even more exhilarating.
Higher Speeds on the 250
In the dirt bike world, we refer to 250cc dirt bikes as a ‘250’. Such motorcycles are really designed to be fast enough that it puts a smile on your face, yet light enough in that you can get through the twisty tracks and trails.
Their suspension allows them to be ridden by both adults and teenagers, and we’re often seeing females riding the 250’s given the lighter weight of these motorcycles compared to the 450cc monsters.
While the 250cc dirt bikes are certainly up to highway speeds, they’re actually not the best at these speeds and aren’t so comfortable to ride. If you’re the type that’s going to ride these often on the highway, then we’d recommend a more powerful motorcycle paired with an adventure fairing.
Achieving higher speeds on your 250cc dirt bike is certainly possible, so let’s see how that can be done.
Performance Modifications
To get higher top speeds on a 250cc dirt bike, we’re recommend the following enhancements:
Replace the stock air filter to one by a reputable aftermarket brand
Change the rear sprocket so the rear tyre isn’t maxing out so early
Reduce the weight of the motorcycle as much as possible
Use premium fuels. We’ve noticed a mild performance upgrade from choosing 95/98 gas
Change the tyres to a fresh set. Older tyres can actually drag your speed down a notch
Use an adventure fairing to deflect the wind and create a personal wind tunnel
We can also recommend that you wear all your protective gear, even if it slows you down a little. Your riding stance also places an important factor as you cut through the wind while placing more weight on your rear tyre.
The Reality Behind a 250cc Dirt Bike
As we’ve noted, 250’s are generally best for those who aren’t looking to claim speed records on the dirt but rather those who enjoy the simple nature of cruising around on offroad forest tracks and trails.
While some people have used 250cc dirt bikes to see the world, they are only just able to keep up with highway traffic. Even the very popular Honda CR250L isn’t the best highway machine but certainly is a reliable piece of work that is light enough to get through most obstacles.
Essentially, if you want to maximize top speed and you’re above average on the weight scales, then you’ll want something a bit beefier. You can still get a 250cc dirt bike but consider a 2-stroke instead of a 4-stroke as they are seriously fun to throw around on the tracks.
For the adventure rider, the upgrade to highway gearing will be a lifesaver as will an adventure fairing. Certainly, you can keep up with highway traffic though you’ll probably be out of revs for fast overtaking maneuvers. For many riders, they simply cruise quite comfortably behind the trucks until they reach a great offroad riding spot.
In Summary
If this is your first dirt bike, then a 250cc motorcycle is certainly enough for most people. They’re light enough to throw around yet there’s enough on the throttle to have some genuine fun.
For most people – they never actually outgrow the legendary 250. Technology for these smaller motorcycles has improved year after year, with performance often surpassing that of 450’s from 20 years back.
These are an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned riders, and we wouldn’t yet the top speed as the sole metric in choosing the right size motorcycle. Take one for a ride and we’re sure there’s enough on that throttle to keep a smile on your face for years to come.
