Motocross racing has become extremely popular worldwide thanks to the X-Games. This means that the competition these days is a lot tougher and you have to be really good to draw in any sponsors. Here are 5 tips that will help you get an edge over the competition and possibly send you on your way to becoming the next Ricky Carmichael.
Spend as much time as possible at the race track
When it comes to motorsports, it is amazing how much you can learn simply by hanging around the paddock at the race track. Devote as much free time as possible to visit the race track and study the experts. It gives you a good insight into what it is that the sets the best riders apart from the rest of the pack. Plus, it’s also a great opportunity to learn more about your future opponents. Knowing which rider goes too wide at turns and which rider is poor at jumps could make all the difference come race day.
Walk the track before the race
One thing that is common to all the best motocross riders is the fact that they study the track thoroughly before every race. Obviously you will have every corner and straight memorized before setting off, but walking the track before the race provides you with critical information, such as any dips or bumps you should be avoiding as well as how loose the dirt is. Using the information gathered, you will be able to pick the optimum racing line and know which spots will provide maximum traction.
Know when to slow down to go fast
In the adrenaline-pumping excitement of a motocross race, it is only tempting to have your throttle open all the way for most of the time. Curbing this natural instinct is one of the first rules towards succeeding in motocross. Too much speed and you will find yourself going extremely wide in the corners and missing your landing point after jumps; instead of charging through these sections at high speed, you will be leaving yourself vulnerable to be overtaken. Learn when to back off the throttle so that you don’t have to sacrifice grip.
Get the right equipment
There is a reason why professional motocross riders spend a small fortune on their equipment. You could have the best motocross bike in the world, but there isn’t much you can do with it if the riding equipment is shoddy and uncomfortable. Besides a drop in performance, bad equipment is also a major safety hazard. Realistically, you do not have to burn a hole in your pockets to get good motocross equipment. Just make sure that whatever you buy is certified and is the right fit.
Use both brakes simultaneously
You’ll come across a lot of people advising you about braking techniques which involve squeezing the rear brake first and then bringing the front brake into action as the momentum of the bike swings forward. However, what they don’t tell you is the fact that this technique only really works for the tarmac. When you are on the dirt, use both brakes simultaneously. Learning to apply the same amount of force with your right foot and two fingers of your right hand can be tricky, but the results are well worth the effort you put into it. Master this technique and you will never miss a braking point, allowing you to cut inside opponents and overtake them.
Follow these 5 simple tips and you will find yourself climbing up the ladder in the world of motocross.
Gary Laker is an avid fan of motocross racing. He loves to blog about it in his free time. On one of his blogs he has listed some certified bike accessory dealers who sell good quality
motocross helmets at discounted prices.