Moto Tips | Railing Outside Lines
Share
INSTAGRAM | @firepowerparts
INSTAGRAM | @alexray_83
Every corner presents an opportunity to either make up time or pass your opponent, and choosing which line to take can depend on several things. We asked SGB Racing/Maxxis Tires/Babbitt’s Kawasaki racer Alex Ray to explain what circumstances would lead him to choose an outside line, even though it requires you to cover more real estate. Take it away, ARay!
“In most cases, you would want to use the inside line in a corner because it is the shortest way around the track and it allows you to shorten up the track. But, if the inside line has a deep rut or if the rut has a nasty hook in it at the end, it is sometimes quicker and more efficient to rip around the outside, If you struggle with deep ruts, it might also be faster for you to go outside as it will reduce your chances of making a mistake. Outside lines – and especially ones with a berm like the one in this photo – can allow you to carry a lot of momentum and keep your speed up. Also, the outside line is good if there is a jump after the turn that is tough to make from the inside.
“When you’re going to the outside of a corner, it is key to look ahead to see where you want to go. Don’t stare at the track right in front of your front tire! Weight the outside footpeg with the ball of your foot; putting pressure on the outside peg will help the rear end track through the corner and lessen the chances of the rear tire skipping out when you accelerate. Keep your outside elbow up for maximum leverage to get the bike leaned over and turned, and position your head and chest over the crossbar to help the bike follow the front wheel.
“If there is a berm to hold you in, you can be more aggressive with the throttle. Once you feel comfortable with the direction change, you should apply the throttle. Again, if there is a nice power berm you can get loose with the throttle, but if it’s a flat corner you need more finesse with the way you apply the throttle so that you don’t spin out and high side. As always, practice makes perfect, so when you are just riding at the track don’t concentrate on only the inside lines: practice going outside so you will be prepared in a race when track conditions change!”
