Moto Tip | Big Bowl Turns
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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, 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!
Sure, hitting a big jump is fun, but few things are more fulfilling than railing a big bowl turn with perfect technique. Tracks have started to add massive banked corners to their layouts because even guys that only ride once a month want to feel like they are a Supercross star. But barreling around the turn takes some technique, so we asked Nick Wey to explain the proper body position and importance of momentum. Never mind the fact that the photo is Fredrik Noren; the Swede is a proper example of Wey’s advice.
Bowl corners are made specifically to help you maintain momentum, so you should always take full advantage.
Going as far outside as possible will allow you to maintain speed because you will use the brakes less. As you enter the turn, you’ll want to maintain a smooth amount of power as you go through the apex, then accelerate as you get halfway through and prepare to exit.
As always, grip with your knees. This will allow you to maintain control over the bike while you engage your core muscles. Keep your outside elbow up and maintain an even grip on the outside of the handlebar, which will help you keep the correct body position.
The faster you hit the corner, the further back you’ll be able to sit on the seat, without going too far back. This will allow you to keep your inside leg up and knee against the gas tank, without dragging it on the ground.
If you maintain your body position and carry momentum without mistakes, you won’t have to accelerate as much at the exit of the corner.
Bowl corners can change, like all track surfaces, so there will be different techniques for hard-packed soil or soft, rutted soil. In deep conditions, you will want to go into the corner just fast enough to where you can accelerate all the way through the corner without having to let off, which would upset the balance of the bike. In hard and slick conditions, you’ll want to maintain an even speed and throttle all the way through so you don’t have to accelerate hard at the exit and risk wheel spin.
