Clark County resident Aaron Bell has had a lifelong passion for dirt biking.
His passion for motorsports led him to help establish Goats Moto, a dirt and mountain bike dealership and servicer in Ridgefield, last year. As the dirt biking scene has grown in this area, Bell welcomes helping newcomers get started, offering advice on everything from choosing the right bike and gear to finding the best local trails.
Choosing the right bike, gear, and maintenance
Selecting the appropriate dirt bike is crucial for new riders, Bell said, adding the bike should match the rider’s experience level and size, ensuring that both feet can comfortably touch the ground. He recommends Honda or Kawasaki stock models for beginners, as these can be customized later to include manual clutches as the rider becomes more skilled. Bell has personally upgraded his own Kawasaki 110cc dirt bike with a 143cc engine and a throttle. He advises beginners to start with a semiautomatic model with a slower engine, which doesn’t require a manual clutch.
“I’ve seen it before, someone trying to start off [by] buying too much bike from the beginning. They quickly get scared of it … They call it whiskey throttle, [when] you get startled and you lean back and the thing takes off because your wrist is now being pulled back, and they’ve got a death grip on the throttle wide open,” Bell explained.
Electric dirt bikes are becoming increasingly popular among beginners, offering several advantages beyond their environmental benefits. One key advantage is that battery-powered bikes are easier to charge and maintain. While some hardcore bikers may dismiss electric bikes, Bell recommends the Talaria MX4 for novices interested in a quieter engine. This model is simple to control and offers customization options as riders gain experience, he said.
“I think it’s a lot of hardcore guys will kind of scoff at the E-bike side of it,” Bell said. “But my thinking is, it gives another opportunity for people to get into it that are kind of intimidated by the motors and the maintenance, and it gives another option for people to enjoy two wheels.”
Safety is a top priority in motocross, and Bell stresses the importance of investing in high-quality gear. While helmets, boots and gloves are essential, Bell also advises riders to use knee pads and a well-fitted chest protector that covers the back.
When it comes to bike maintenance, Bell believes that the air filter is often overlooked. He emphasizes the importance of regularly checking the air filter and consulting with a local motor shop about the recommended maintenance schedule. In addition to routine oil changes, Bell advises riders to ask their dealer about the best fuel for their bike, noting that while ethanol fuel lasts longer, it can crystallize and clog smaller motors.
“Dirty air grit is the No.1 killer of the motor. It’s easy to forget about it because it’s usually tucked away … You can have a little dust on the outside, you just wanna keep an eye on it and go to a shop that can show you the difference,” Bell said.
For those with additional questions about finding the right fit, Bell suggests consulting with a local dealer rather than relying on online forums, which can be filled with misleading information.
“I try to steer people away from online questioning and advice because there’s a lot of keyboard warriors on there … Everything is just so different. It just needs to start with finding someone that wants to talk that knows, knows motorcycles and go from there,” he said.
Best local spots for dirt biking
For central Clark County residents, the best dirt biking spots, in Bell’s opinion, require a bit of travel. Bell recommends Jones Creek ORV Trailhead, located north of Washougal, as an excellent trail for beginners with wide-open spaces for practice. Woodland Motocross Park on Lewis River Road also features a smaller dirt path suitable for novices. For those willing to drive further, Toutle Motorsports Park offers multiple trails for beginners and sometimes hosts trainers for dirt bike lessons. A useful resource Bell recommends is onxmaps.com, a website that highlights the best off-road trails for dirt biking, complete with mileage and difficulty ratings.
“You can look at [trails] in 3D, it gives you a really good starting point on some areas. It has all the, all the legal open trails on there,” Bell said.
