Dirt Bike Jumping - What and What Not To Do

Dirt bike jumping can be one of the most amazing feelings in the world - or it can be one of the scariest things you've ever experienced. Most of us know what it's like to hit a jump and go into a nose dive, pull an air-wheelie or even worse, miss the down ramp! It's definitely a gut wrenching feeling and often has bone breaking consequences.

Next time you're out hitting motocross jumps, step-ups or natural hill sides - think about these tips...

Most often it's best to be in the central standing position. When approaching the jump it's important to choose a good line and the correct gear. You don't want to hit it at an odd angle which could kick the rear out or send you off to the side. And you want to have an even throttle, or slightly accelerating as you leave the up-ramp.

If you accelerate too much it can send you into an air-wheelie styled jump. If this happens, lean as far forward as you can, pull the clutch in and tap the rear brake to try pull the front of the bike down. Of course, if you're upside down already this won't work ;-).

If you back off the throttle when hitting the up ramp, this will send you into a nose dive. This one's scarier than the air-wheelie. To lift the front back up, you want to get the rear wheel spinning as fast as you can by accelerating in the air. These techniques do work, but only to a certain extent.

When landing, use your legs to help absorb the impact and remember to keep your shoulders, arms and wrists in line with the front forks. This spreads the pressure evenly through your arms, chest and shoulders, and won't damage your wrists.

Always accelerate just before landing. This not only makes you faster on the track, but directs the bike in a straight line (esp. important in rutted/uneven terrain).

If you are serious about improving your jumping technique, you have to check out Gary Semics MX Jumping Basics & Launching Techniques DVD.

DIRT BIKE JUMPING: EXTRA TIPS

If you cross it up (when the bike goes sideways in the air). Try not to panic, keep your body in line with the front suspension and accelerate on landing. You'll be surprised at what you can pull off by doing this.

If you come up short (or case out), stay on the bike. Use the bikes suspension to absorb the brunt of the impact - your legs can only take so much before they snap!

Most importantly... Check the jump and landing first! Ride next to it if you can or better yet, watch someone else jump it to get an idea of speed, entry line e.t.c.

Remember if you're jumping the ridge of a hill, make sure you know there's no one else coming from the other side. Two experienced riders here in N.Z died recently when they hit each other on their home track doing just this. Tragic.

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