Moto Tip | Cutting Tight Lines In 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!
Yes, another Moto Tip about turns. We’ve talked about opening up your corners, discussed the benefits of standing up when going through a curve, told you how to rip the perfect rut, and what to do when going through SX-style bowls. So what’s left to explain? The importance of taking the tightest line possible. As fun as taking the long way around a fast turn can be, the smoother line can sometimes be found on the opposite side of the lane. We asked Alex Martin to explain when, why, and how to cut it close through curves.
“Taking low and tight lines in turns is key, especially in situations when the races are long and the track starts to break down. Corners can be tricky and can change all throughout the day, so when you do a lot of laps, you might experiment and find new lines.”
“Sometimes you will want to avoid the tops of the berms, where it’s powder, because you can’t trust it. You can lay into it in certain cases when the top of the berm is soft, but other times, it will give out if you trust it too much.”
“The other thing about taking tight inside lines is that you’re not adding extra feet to the track. You can make the track shorter if you can do this in multiple corners, especially if doing this gives you a straighter shot into the next section. “
“You’ll want to always maintain a neutral body position and steadily roll on the throttle. You can’t stab it and dump the clutch in the corner, because doing that will upset the bike and get it out of control. You’re much better off to gradually get on the gas and steer with the rear wheel.”
“The clutch is useful in certain situations, but it can disrupt your corner, especially if you stab at it. It can cause the bike to pop a wheelie or will throw your body position off.”
