It takes perseverance and practice to learn how to jump with a dirt bike; read these instructions to make the learning process a little easier.
Steps
Step 1. Approach the ramp at high speed
The speed will give you the push to jump.
Step 2. Open all the throttle before take off and squeeze the suspension to keep the throttle steady off the edge of the ramp:
in this way you do not tip forward and you do not lose speed. This is called front loading or pre-loading and helps you pull the handlebar up with greater force when you leave the ground. In motoring jargon, giving full throttle is called "pinning". You should experiment and launch the bike at full speed before making the jump.
Step 3. Decide where you want to land while in the air
Step 4. Put both feet on the platforms at the same time to have a good handling of the vehicle during landing
Step 5. Land with your weight centered on the front or rear wheel
If you land "flat" the impact will be entirely transmitted to the body. Try not to land completely on two wheels, as this increases the chances of crashing and will make you look like a beginner. If there is a landing ramp, try to put the front wheel down first, if not, land on the rear and place your arched feet on the footpegs.
Advice
- Start with small jumps before tackling the higher ramps.
- In small jumps: When the front wheel is already in the air and the rear is still on the ramp, you need more acceleration than in large jumps because the rear suspension loads by pushing the front wheel down.
- If in mid-air you realize that you are about to land with the front wheel, give the gas! This counteracts the forward momentum and raises the front wheel. If that's not enough and the slope is too wide for a landing, go for the sides in a "superman" position. A front wheel landing is extremely dangerous. It is caused by insufficient acceleration and takeoff can turn out fatal because there is a good chance that the bike will fall on you. This is a situation that occurs when one doubts / hesitates at the last second. This means that if you think you are in trouble but are already too busy jumping to stop, you don't have to be a coward! Otherwise you will find yourself in a much worse situation!
- If possible, go up the ramp slowly a couple of times, so you will realize the necessary acceleration.
- Be careful when you land. Make sure there are no dangerous objects in the area and that there is enough escape route to stop you.
- If you start spinning in the air, aim always the front wheel in the direction of the landing zone. If the angle is excessive to be able to do it in time, then throw yourself to the side of the bike and assume a position that is safe for impact.
- Make sure the ramp is stable (it's not a good scene to see the ramp collapsing below you).
- If when you are in mid-air it is evident that you will land too unbalanced backwards, pull the rear brake, this counteracts the thrust and causes the front wheel to drop. Do not forget to use the clutch and not to let the engine stop, otherwise you will lose control! This is a bit complicated to do and it really only works on long jumps. Remember to release the brake before landing or you will hit the handlebar with your face. If all this does not work and you are about to do a half upside down, go for it sideways. A too unbalanced landing on the rear wheel is caused by excessive acceleration during take off. To minimize this effect you can stretch out towards the tank and push on the handlebars to balance the wheels.
- If you are landing too fast on a rather steep descent it is best to put both wheels on, if you land on the rear and it hits a rock / bump you will tip forward.
- On large concave ramps, unless you want to flip backwards, use little acceleration for take-off compared to jumps on flat ramps.
Warnings
- There is a possibility of falling or missing the landing point. You could be seriously injured or die in this activity. But "Who does not venture does not win."
- If you do a lot of motocross, sooner or later you will go crazy and want to jump, everyone does. To reduce the risk of injury, always wear the right protections: helmet integral cross, back protector and chest / collarbone protection, cross boots and gloves.
- Finally, make sure that the grips of the bike are made of foam.
- Never leave the bike, unless you want to get hurt or are a professional.
