Answer Racing Moto Tips | Flat Corners
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Answer Racing Moto Tips | Flat Corners
Presented by Answer Racing
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 week launched its new line of 2020 apparel. With riders like 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 tip to help you become better at the sport you love!
Mike Sleeter is a former Supercross and National racer, and with over 20 years of test riding for KTM North America, TransWorld Motocross, and Swapmoto Live, he definitely knows his stuff. Sleeter has coached many up-and-coming racers through the years, and he is excellent at breaking down proper riding technique. In this week’s Answer Racing Moto Tip, Sleeter addresses flat corners, with little or no rut or berm to bank off of.
“The key to going quickly through a shallow bermed or flat corner is PATIENCE. It might feel faster to go through the corner with ton of throttle, but chances are good you will lose rear-wheel traction and lose control. Make the entire process as smooth and controlled as possible. Look ahead as you enter the corner, and get your braking done while you are standing up and before you enter the corner.
“Enter the corner in the attack position with your head over the bars to help the front end claw for traction. Have your fingers on the clutch and front brake, and use the balls of your feet to drive the footpegs down towards the ground. As you enter the corner, release the rear brake but keep the front brake applied to help set the front end as you go from standing to sitting in the pocket of your seat. Make the transition from standing to sitting as smooth as possible; plopping down on the seat will upset the balance of the bike.
“As you reach the apex of the corner, look ahead to the exit of the corner, keep your inside leg up and out of the way so you don’t snag or drag your boot on the dirt. Your outside leg should be pressing against the outside of the bike, and you should have the ball of your outside foot pressing down on the outside footpeg. Pressure on the outside peg helps the bike to get traction as you begin to accelerate.
“The key to executing a great corner is knowing where you are going, 3/4 of the way through. By that, I mean keep your eyes looking ahead at the next obstacle, whether it be a jump, set of whoops, the next corner, or even a rough straight. Apply the throttle as smoothly as possible until you are comfortable enough to give it full gas.
“Practice being smooth in corners at 50%, 75% and 90% speed before you go race pace. Make good use of your practice days at the track; don’t just pound laps as fast as you can. Work on proper technique and build your speed the right way.”
- Mike Sleeter
What sort of riding and/or bike tips would you like to see? Drop a comment below and we will do our best to consult the panel of Answer Racing experts!
All of the tracks in SoCal are changing their jumps into step up doubles with elevated landings. What is the best technique for negotiating them. Seat bouncing? Speed? Luck?