Moving bike around in the air

[99CR125OK]

What techniques can be used to move the bike around in the air? It seems that when I leave the jump whatever the bike is doing is what it's going to continue to do until it hits the ground. If I'm leaning, it leans....if the back kicks out to the side, that's the way it stays. I've tried to move it back or whatever, and I can't seem to get much movement.

I've watched other rider that can move their bikes much more than I can and I don't know what they are doing differently.

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks

 

[Yz426King]

I'm having the same problem as you. Mabye we can kill two riders, er I mean birds with one stone.;) How 'bout it wardy. :think

 

[High Lord Gomer]

Coming back from a little bit of intentional whip is easy enough, but I also have trouble correcting unintended sideways movement.

I have noticed that I get *much* less of that if I squeeze the bike with my knees/legs prior to and during flight.

 

[roostinbe]

You have to have your weight centered over the bike, or slightly to the side you are trying to correct to, and it will just go naturally. As for whips that are intentional, you just have to lean over, and turn sideways as you hit the launch, then keep your weight centered, countersteer (cross it up) and enjoy the ladies in the pits when you pull off the track.:p

 

[wardy]

It sounds to me

like that rigamortis is setting in the minute you are in the air. Loosen up! If you lean one way and the bike does that, change in the air, let your legs move the bike and "steer it" with your upper body using the bars.

Being that I am from what they call the "old school" I may not be the best canidate to ask about whips. Gomer is somewhat an expert on whips (both literally and unintentionaly?) :) .

but the main thing is to practice corrections in the air on obstacles that are smaller and slower to keep from bailing at speed.


wardy

 

[High Lord Gomer]

Gomer is somewhat an expert on whips

You forgot the "and chains". :scream:

Besides, like I said, I don't correct very well, either.

 

[99CR125OK]

Haaa, good one Wardy. What's really bad though is that your probably right! :o I do tend to freeze in the air if it does something I don't expect. I have noticed also that, on occasion, when I do grip the bike more with my legs that it makes flight a lot more predictable like Gomer said.

I guess I just need to practice that more.

Thanks all!

ps. I don't think I need to hear about Gomer's "expertise", sounds kinda personal! HaHa

 

[dell30rb1]

sometimes i get un intentional whips too. I just loosen up and let the rear end whip out. When this happens try to land front wheel first. What is really scary is landing back wheel first during a whip. I havent crashed yet...but its sure scary!