Dirt/Gravel riders

Trip · 03-26-2009, 11:36 AM

As I transition to more dirt riding, got any tips for me. Been an avid user of the front brake only on pavement, but transitioning to more heavy rear use has been rough. We got any dirt experts here?

Rider · 03-26-2009, 11:40 AM

Yeah get used to dragging the rear tire. As you corner, "back it in" then pop the clutch the spin the rear tire to get you turned quicker. Remember to stick your foot out and not just your knee.

ETA: Oh yeah and remember to get up on the tank when cornering and slide back on the seat as far as you can when going over small jumps and use your legs as shock absorbers.

Switch · 03-26-2009, 06:11 PM

Pretty much never use the front brakes on dirt. It's hard to get used to at first, but it will save your ass.

Also, going downhill, you will learn to love the rear and get used to it sliding around. Once again, awkward @ first, but you get used to it, then you like it

Throttle... well, usually more=better. The throttle is definitely your friend when getting out of a situation, unless you are on rocks, then it's probably not a good idea. I'm talkin' big rocks too, not gravel.

You will also need to learn to stand up and let your legs absorb most of the shock, otherwise your ass will be killing you.

Switch · 03-26-2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rider

ETA: Oh yeah and remember to get up on the tank when cornering

Also when climbing a hill.

Rsv1000R · 03-30-2009, 03:58 PM

I think there's still a place for using the front brakes, though it does depend a lot more on the surface you're on.

6doublefive321 · 03-30-2009, 05:01 PM

Front brakes are your friend. Your alcoholic, womanizing, partying friend. Great in the right places, deadly in the wrong ones.

Just remember the golden rule of dirt bikes... when in doubt, gas it out.

Switch · 03-31-2009, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6doublefive321

Just remember the golden rule of dirt bikes... when in doubt, gas it out.

How true.

03-26-2009, 06:11 PM	#3
Switch dadbod Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: East TN Posts: 1,215	Pretty much never use the front brakes on dirt. It's hard to get used to at first, but it will save your ass. Also, going downhill, you will learn to love the rear and get used to it sliding around. Once again, awkward @ first, but you get used to it, then you like it Throttle... well, usually more=better. The throttle is definitely your friend when getting out of a situation, unless you are on rocks, then it's probably not a good idea. I'm talkin' big rocks too, not gravel. You will also need to learn to stand up and let your legs absorb most of the shock, otherwise your ass will be killing you. __________________ It's fine. Last edited by Switch; 03-26-2009 at 06:13 PM..

03-30-2009, 05:01 PM	#6
6doublefive321 Resident Droog Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Northern burbs, Atlanta Moto: 625 SMC, '08 Tuono R Posts: 471	Front brakes are your friend. Your alcoholic, womanizing, partying friend. Great in the right places, deadly in the wrong ones. Just remember the golden rule of dirt bikes... when in doubt, gas it out. __________________ I'm sick and tired of being bored.

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03-26-2009, 11:40 AM	#2
Rider Moto GP Star Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 12,156	Yeah get used to dragging the rear tire. As you corner, "back it in" then pop the clutch the spin the rear tire to get you turned quicker. Remember to stick your foot out and not just your knee. ETA: Oh yeah and remember to get up on the tank when cornering and slide back on the seat as far as you can when going over small jumps and use your legs as shock absorbers.

03-30-2009, 03:58 PM	#5
Rsv1000R WERA White Plate Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 1,059	I think there's still a place for using the front brakes, though it does depend a lot more on the surface you're on.