Moto Tip | Rough Sweeping 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!
We’ve talked about the ways to maintain speed through fast and flowing corners, but choppy and bumpy curves require a completely different technique. Your gear selection, grip, entry speed, and line choice will all play a part in how well you get through the rough stuff. Although the images are of Alex Martin, the advice typed below comes courtesy of Nick Wey…
I cannot stress enough how much you need to grip the bike with your legs when riding a dirt bike in general, but especially in rough sections where your body will g-out or the bike will dance around.
When entering a rough section it’s important to be in a taller gear, which will reduce the bike’s tendency to kick from side-to-side due to the square edges in the ruts.
It’s important to have a finger ready to grab the clutch so you can maintain control through a deep rut and to accelerate quickly to jump over a hole.
The worst thing that you can do in a section that you don’t feel completely comfortable in is to hit the brakes or the gas suddenly. It’s best to have smooth braking and smooth acceleration because if you get on either too quickly, it will usually result in a crash. As you get more comfortable, you will be able to go through it with more speed.
Riding in a tall gear in rough sections of the track will reduce the load on the rear suspension and the bike will react more predictably.
