tules said:
So I have a lot of experience on the street with sportbikes, and I have some experience on a dirt bike in grass/gravel. I'm going to be hitting up a private (backyard) track in the near furture. flat track/ small jumps. Anybody have any tips for my first time? Going to be on a 100. either my ke or maybe a crf100.
If you're big enough for a CBR, you're going to be too big for either of those bikes...
Regardless, just take it slow at first, and WEAR FULL GEAR! The chances of a crash are prettymuch 100%.
As for how to approach the situation, it's best to sit back and let someone else take a lap while you watch. If they take a section super slow, there's usually a reason for it.
I usually ride a complete lap on a new track *without* catching *ANY* air. This will give you a feel for the layout of the track, any obstacles that may be above your level of skill, and give a chance for the bike to warm up a little.
Really, the bare basic of dirt riding is the same as street riding. Keep your eyes up, and look through the corners.
This will be a lot harder in the dirt since you'll be worried about ruts. They have a tendency to "throw" smaller bikes around.
There's also a "loose" feeling, as if the bike is jumping around underneath you when you are accellerating and going through faster straight sections...It's also kinda unnerving, but if you keep your eyes up, and weight back on the bike, you'll pull through just fine.
Jumps can be deceiving. Some have a "lip" or "kicker" that can be hard to see. If you aren't prepared, they can kick your back wheel up, and you will nose dive, and that's never a great feeling. Take them slower at first till you get a feel for what's going on.
When you start trying the jumps...keep a steady throttle as you go over them. Letting off at the last second will cause you to nose dive. Be in an "attack" position, which means elbows up, and lean forward some. If you lean back...your front wheel may come up too high, and you may come off the back.
Or...like I manage to do some of the time...You'll land on the back wheel...and the reaction of you trying to pull yourself back on the bike by the handlbars, will cause you to twist the throttle...making you fall off the back even more...and this usually continues till you either hit another obstacle, fall off the back of the bike, or somehow manage to regain control (not as easy as it sounds).
Past that, Have fun!!!...smile when you take a crash...laughing even helps quite a bit too...Pick the bike back up, and have another go at things...that's what riding is about! :)