Jumping question

[fisha69]

Simple question... Im new to jumping but one thing I'm having trouble with is that when I hit a jump I feel like my body is jumping higher than my bike wants to go.
Any ideas?

 

[Boozer]

are you gripping the bike with your legs?

 

[High Lord Gomer]

Are you also standing in a semi-crouched position? If you are sitting or standing stiff legged, it will throw you off in the air.

 

[fisha69]

Well when I attack a jump I sort of crouch but I don't think I am gripping the bike enough with my legs...

Also what do you mean by stiff legged, maybe thats my problem?

 

[High Lord Gomer]

By stiff legged I meant with your knees fully extended..sort of standing straight up, if only from the waist down. :confused:

If you have your legs bent, they will naturally absorb some of the shock of the impact when you hit a jump. This will bring you closer to the bike. Once in the air, your natural tendency will be to stand back up a little to regain your prior position. In doing so, you will push your feet down and keep them in contact with the pegs. As Boozer said, squeezing inward with your legs will hold the bike (as well as help control some other unwanted actions of the bike) while airborne.

 

[mkuder]

How's your bike set-up, you know sag, spring preload, rebound, compression, fork oil level and even tire pressure? That could be a huge factor in how your bike reacts especially if the front and rear are way out of balance.

 

[fisha69]

I will try these techniques next time I go ride... My bikes settings are all stock right now.

Thanks Ill let you guys know what happens next time I ride thanks!

 

[linusb]

I had the same sensation you are having...feet coming off pegs momentarily. Many suggested to grip the tank with my legs (which I still don't think I'm doing) but I think Gomer's recommendation is what worked for me. I think being new, you are tense so when the bike kicks up it tosses you a bit.

I'm just now starting to get some air and don't feel at all like I'm separating from the bike. Think it just takes some practice...practice small jumps and go faster and higher each time. The body positioning is starting to feel natural to me now and my landings are becoming much smoother also. It's great fun learning to jump. Have fun! :)

 

[fisha69]

Also when I hit the jump should I be leaning forward? Should my ass be on the seat or a little raised?

 

[linusb]

Butt should definitely not be on the seat....if that is what you're doing, that is why you are coming away from the bike in the air.

As I understand it, you should be loose, standing on the pegs (i.e. butt not on the seat), crouched (knees bent), leaning far enough forward that you can read the number plate on the front of your bike.

Disclaimer: This advice is from a newbie also, so take it for what it's worth. :uh:

 

[High Lord Gomer]

Originally posted by fisha69
Also when I hit the jump should I be leaning forward?

Usually, but not always...

Should my ass be on the seat or a little raised?

Usually a little raised, but there are situations when a slightly more advanced technique (called "seat jumping" or "seat bouncing") is needed. Do a search on "Seat bounce" OR "seat jump" if interested.

Also, check this for a previous discussion about position: http://www.dirtrider.net/forums3/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13706

 

[mkuder]

I have always tried to keep my body perpendicular (straight upright) to the ground and let the bike move under me, knee's slightly bent but not really gripping the tank, elbow up and with the balls of my feet on the pegs. I also have a tendency to prejump due to my BMX riding experience but that's another advanced technique.