Answer Racing Moto Tip | “Open Up” Corners
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Welcome to the new Answer Racing Moto Tips feature! Answer Racing has been producing the highest-quality motocross and off-road gear since 1976, and this month launched its new line of 2020 apparel. With riders like Alex Martin, Kyle Peters, Ryan Villopoto, Nick Wey, and Mike Sleeter flying the Answer flag, there is a wealth of knowledge and know-how when it comes to riding a dirt bike efficiently and effectively in the Answer camp. Each week, Answer will bring you some riding tips to help you become better at the sport you love! Have a specific skill you’d like to improve? Comment below and we will cover it in a future post!
Jump for show, corner for dough. The age-old saying has new importance in the four-stroke era, as many riders assume that can hammer the throttle and make up for any mistake. But the best way to lower your lap times is with smooth entry, consistent speed, and a steady line all the way through the turn. Most coaches call this “opening up your corners” and it’s a skill that can be improved with little risk. For this week’s tip, we asked Nick Wey to explain the importance of maintaining flow through a long turn. Take it away, NYK…
Opening up your corners is an easy way to lower your lap times. By turning in from the outside, you can get on the brakes a little earlier and maintain more momentum. Typically, this is a more efficient way to keep consistent lap times.
Going inside to miss the bumps that are at the entry of the corner is usually a little easier for some riders because they feel most comfortable braking in a straight line. The biggest thing that a rider might feel uncomfortable is braking at an angle, because you need to trust your tires and maintain speed as you enter the corner.
When you are approaching the corner, it’s important not to come in too hot. A lot of riders have a tendency to come in too fast, which affects your speed in the middle of the corner and takes away possible speed at the exit. A lot of guys that we consider to be really smooth riders don’t come into corners very fast and they don’t have to apply the brakes as hard.
It’s best to keep your body position as neutral as possible, if not a little further back on the seat because it’s easier to keep your leg up. The deeper the rut is, the further back you can sit on the seat because front-wheel traction is not as critical because you are either in the rut or you’re not.
It’s important to look ahead so that you can pick the place you will pivot in the corner and spot the exit.
Sweet🔥