Nothing beats the adrenaline surge felt when doing wheelies, or dune jumps with your dirt bike in the KTM Dubai desert. And it’s even more gratifying when you can master the fine art of cornering trails during motocross racing. This could give you the advantage over your opponents, who find corners a tad challenging. You’ll have to take your throttle control, speed, the terrain, your body position, and traction into account for this. Here’s how you can carve your corners smoothly, when you rent a dirt bike in Dubai.
The Fundamentals of Cornering
Always expect the same corners to change with each lap, as other riders are constantly changing the terrain. Remember to keep your head up while observing though the approaching corner. You should also transfer your body weight forward while seated, but try not to sit down too soon.
Try elevating your elbows, and maintain a straight line from your wrist. Perfect your traction here by extending your inside leg. You should also hold down your outer foot peg.
The Art of Braking
Braking correctly is imperative as your approach your corner. Locking your brakes is not advisable, as when you do this, you halt the momentum of your back wheel. This will in turn make the back end of your dirt bike slide, and can make controlling the bike difficult. Remember that your objective is to slow down, and not stop altogether, and that locking your rear wheel while make you halt.
As you approach the corner, apply your rear brake slowly. You should also familiarize yourself with your front brake to prevent locking your front brakes. You’ll know you’ve improved here, when you can feel the front of your bike lowering when using your front brake.
Did you know that most of your brakes clout is derived from your front brakes? If you can master this, you won’t need to apply that much rear brakes. All braking should be applied before your reach your corner. Avoid twisting your throttle. Roll it instead, as you feather your brakes.
How to Conquer Your Rut Smoothly
Sitting is always ideal here. You should also place your inside leg towards your front wheel, in one swift motion. This will enable you to lean your bike into the rut with the correct balance. Achieving the right angle here is imperative. You should ideally strive to position yourself in the same angle as the corner. If you can achieve this, your bike will automatically fall into place as you enter your corner.
Ensure that your body weight is centered, as you lean into the rut. You should move forward, while weighting your outer peg. This enables you to load your back suspension, and promotes rear wheel traction.
Always strive to remain consistent with your throttle. This makes for smoother corners, and prevents your bike from toppling. Remember that riders often topple when they cease the bike’s gas, and lose speed. You should also avoid touching the ground with your inside leg. This usually causes a shift in weight, and your bike could become unstable.
Mastering The Various Types of Corners
There are three types of corners, with the bermed variation being the most popular. Here you can touch the corner more rapidly than other corners. This occurs as a result of more traction. Your dirt berm also serves as a guide rail here, so it’s less challenging than mastering a rut. However, you should always ensure that you use brake and throttle control. You may also have to opt for the outside line with these.
Your rutted corners largely resemble slotted berms turns. Always also look ahead here to line your bike up properly. Avoid going too fast when you’re in the corner, as the front of your bike may just do a wheelie. Your flat corners may be the most challenging, as there is minimal terrain to prevent your wheels from sliding. Try not to speed here, and apply throttle control and brakes.
No matter how challenging the trail or motocross track, you’ll be sure to hone your cornering skills with some patience, practice, and diligence. You should also just apply the right balance with traction, the controls, and your body.
