I was wondering how the weight of a rider effects the handling of a dirt bike and if heavier riders need to use different riding techniques than average weight riders. My average rider is the one in which dirt bikes are manufactured for: 5'8"-5'10", 150-180lbs, you know, the proverbial "average rider".
I own a KX500 and I weigh a little over 300lbs. Let me describe some things that I've experienced and you can let me know if its because I'm big boned and big assed or if its just my lousy technique and if its the former maybe tell me how I can modify my technique.
I'll start with downhills because there my biggest problem. As I start to go down I keep my weight back, grip the seat with my knees and lightly pull in the front brake while simultaneously lightly pushing on the rear brake and slowly descend the hill letting the engine braking take over. Is this right? Every time without fail the front pushes out on me, on all types of terrain not just slippery stuff. Although on leaves or mud my bike feels down right scary, and I'm left with a bruised ego after having to walk the bike down like a *****. So is it bad technique, my weight or did I not give enough info to make a decision?
Ok this ones about standing riding position. Im top heavy and when I stand and try to ride (even in a aggressive crouching position: knees bent gripping bike, but off the seat, head over heandlebars) the forces on my body want to rip me off the bike and the bike wants to wheelie, especially while accelerating hard. This makes me sit most of the time which forces me to carry most of my weight on the seat and obviously makes the bike handle crappy. So do you have any ideas about a modified position or technique I could use to help me weight the pegs more and improve standing , or crouching, stability?
Those are the two things Im having the most trouble with. Im still ironing out my technique flaws in other areas but if I cant do the two things above correctly, I'll never be able to be a truly proficient rider.
If you have anything else to add about extra weight and modifying technique please let me know. Any input from other big guys out there about modified technique is appreciated.
I own a KX500 and I weigh a little over 300lbs. Let me describe some things that I've experienced and you can let me know if its because I'm big boned and big assed or if its just my lousy technique and if its the former maybe tell me how I can modify my technique.
I'll start with downhills because there my biggest problem. As I start to go down I keep my weight back, grip the seat with my knees and lightly pull in the front brake while simultaneously lightly pushing on the rear brake and slowly descend the hill letting the engine braking take over. Is this right? Every time without fail the front pushes out on me, on all types of terrain not just slippery stuff. Although on leaves or mud my bike feels down right scary, and I'm left with a bruised ego after having to walk the bike down like a *****. So is it bad technique, my weight or did I not give enough info to make a decision?
Ok this ones about standing riding position. Im top heavy and when I stand and try to ride (even in a aggressive crouching position: knees bent gripping bike, but off the seat, head over heandlebars) the forces on my body want to rip me off the bike and the bike wants to wheelie, especially while accelerating hard. This makes me sit most of the time which forces me to carry most of my weight on the seat and obviously makes the bike handle crappy. So do you have any ideas about a modified position or technique I could use to help me weight the pegs more and improve standing , or crouching, stability?
Those are the two things Im having the most trouble with. Im still ironing out my technique flaws in other areas but if I cant do the two things above correctly, I'll never be able to be a truly proficient rider.
If you have anything else to add about extra weight and modifying technique please let me know. Any input from other big guys out there about modified technique is appreciated.