Cornering is one of the most crucial skills for motocross riders. Proper cornering technique allows you to maintain speed and control through corners, which can make all the difference in a race. In this article, we’ll go over the correct techniques to apply when cornering a motocross bike on various types of corners.
Body Positioning
Proper body positioning is essential for successful cornering. You should approach the corner in a standing position with your body weight evenly distributed on both footpegs. As you enter the turn, shift your weight to the outside footpeg and lean your upper body towards the inside of the corner. This will help you maintain balance and control throughout the turn.
Weight Distribution
Your weight distribution plays a crucial role in cornering. You should shift your weight to the front of the bike before entering the corner to help maintain traction on the front wheel. As you exit the corner, shift your weight to the back of the bike to help accelerate and maintain traction on the rear wheel.
Braking Proper braking is key to entering a corner at the right speed. You should apply the brakes before entering the corner to slow down to the appropriate speed. As you approach the apex of the turn, release the brakes and focus on accelerating out of the turn.
Lean
The amount of lean you apply during cornering will depend on the type of corner you’re approaching. For flat corners, you should lean the bike and your body towards the inside of the turn. For bermed corners, you should lean the bike and your body towards the top of the berm. For rutted corners, you should follow the line of the rut and lean the bike and your body accordingly.
Clutch Usage
The clutch can help you maintain control and accelerate out of the turn. You can use the clutch to control the power and traction of the bike as you enter and exit the corner. Feathering the clutch can help prevent the bike from stalling or losing traction.
Traction
Traction is critical when cornering. You should focus on maintaining traction throughout the turn by applying the right amount of throttle and brake. Too much throttle or brake can cause the bike to lose traction and slide out of the turn.
Acceleration
Proper acceleration is key to maintaining speed and control through the turn. You should focus on accelerating smoothly out of the turn, shifting your weight to the back of the bike, and applying the throttle gradually.
Power and Wheel Spin
Applying too much power can cause the rear wheel to spin out, which can lead to loss of control. You should focus on applying the right amount of power and avoiding excessive wheel spin.
Approach and Exit
Approaching and exiting the corner correctly is crucial to maintaining speed and control. You should approach the corner in the correct position, brake appropriately, and apply the correct amount of throttle to maintain traction and speed through the turn. As you exit the corner, focus on accelerating smoothly and shifting your weight to the back of the bike.
Practice Drills
Improving your cornering technique takes practice. Here are some drills you can use to improve your cornering skills:
- Cone Drill: Set up cones in a figure-eight pattern and practice cornering around them.
- Slalom Drill: Set up cones in a slalom pattern and practice cornering through the cones.
- Rutted Corner Drill: Find a rutted corner and practice riding through the rut and maintaining control.
- Hill Drill: Practice cornering uphill and downhill to get used to the different techniques required for each type of corner.
In conclusion, mastering the art of cornering is crucial for success in motocross. By practicing proper body positioning, weight distribution, braking, lean, clutch usage, traction, acceleration, power, wheel spin, approach, and exit techniques, you’ll be able to tackle any type of corner on a motocross track with ease. Remember to practice drills regularly to improve your skills and gain confidence on the track. With patience, dedication, and the right technique, you’ll soon be able to corner like a pro and enjoy the thrill of motocross racing to the fullest.