Woods riding survey - improvements?

[sspmxc400]

I was wondering about 'practical' tips for riding improvements (bike & technique). I thought the following format might be interesting to see what people had to say.

2 most useful improvements made for your personal riding improvement:

(mine):
1. Wear all protective gear - improved my confidence which increased speed.
2. Better decisions on when to stand and sit. I was trying to stand too ofter (per normal recommendations). I find that sitting in the tight stuff that isn't too rutted/whopped makes me faster.

2 improvements you think you need to make.
(mine)
1. Conditioning - my biggest obstacle -
2. Controlling the front end so I can be more agressive in turns

Anybody else interested in sharing?

 

[CNM]

If I had to pick one...

Your front brake is your best friend. Learning to use it has probably been the most helpful thing so far. You know what they say, you can only go as fast as you can stop!

 

[LocoCD]

I was really surprised at how big an impact putting high quality footpegs had on my riding. I added IMS Pro Series pegs and really eliminated a lot of slipping.

A good technique I am working on.... relaxing while riding.

 

[ToddHawaii]

Geez, woods-riding is pretty much all I do! I have:

1. Changed gearing from stock 14/48, to 13/52.
* Husky has six gears, allowing for EXTREME low first gear.
2. Flywheel weight
* WR husky models already have heavy flywheel weight for smooth
power band - more traction
3. Tires - Mud-terrain tires (take is easy on the MX track!)
4. Steering Dampner - GPR (my preference)
5. Armor - Bark-busters, radiator, rear disc, skid-plate, etc.
6. Get in shape!
7. Remember..."Forward momentum."

Many others, but don't want to bore you...

Aloooha!:)
TrailTramp
989'87'74'Husky

 

[Lemming]

Best improvements so far:

1. Standing up with my weight towards the back of the bike while braking (allows me to be much more aggessive on the brakes without going over the handlebars).

2. I bought a real bike:)

Improvements to come:

Condition both mind and body so that I can run at near 100% for an entire enduro.

 

[MARK IT]

I found that dialing in my suspension in helps alot. and as stated gettin to know you front brake.

 

[bud]

1. Wear all protective gear - improved my confidence which increased speed.
2. Better decisions on when to stand and sit. I was trying to stand too ofter (per normal recommendations). I find that sitting in the tight stuff that isn't too rutted/whopped makes me faster.

Those are good ones and helped me too. I'd also add a couple of simple things like practicing a lot - trail riding, and riding with faster riders.

Two improvements... There's a lot of things I know I could do better, eg maintaining speed into rutted single track corners. Approaching and exiting corners is a problem for me. I do all right in the corner, but I can't quite put it together consistently yet. Hillclimbing, especially bumpy, rocky rutted ones. Braking more effectively. Lots of small things that all add up ;).

 

[xrsforever]

all the above are good,I would add choose the RIGHT LINE.

 

[DahlElama]

I totally agree with conditioning being an obstacle and has a huge impact on how I ride.

For me, a couple things helped me greatly early on. One thing that has really helped me to ride faster and with more confidence is changing where my eyes are pointing. My riding buddies noticed that I focused too close to the front wheel and tried to avoid obstacles :eek: , instead of looking further ahead and letting the bike suck up the bumps. It was a weird transition at first but it helped me alot. Part of this I believe was due to the fact that it had been 14 years since I had a dirtbike, and the equipment has changed alot. I can trust my bike to soak up almost anything in my way. I takle things harder and faster now, and looking further ahead lets me pick a good line, stay on the gas longer, and brake later :cool: .

One other thing that has helped me is not just riding with faster riders, but actually taking the lead on trail rides. My riding buds started making me lead instead of just riding my pace and catching up when they stopped. When someone is pushing me and trying to pass, I just simply ride faster :debil: .

I don't know if any of this applies to you folks, but they were marked improvements in my riding and fun factor.

e.

 

[MN KDXer]

Suspension, suspension, suspension....

If you are going to increase your cornering speed (who needs much help on straightaways?), you MUST be confident of your machine in the corners. If your bike is kicking, bucking, kniving, plowing, etc and misbehaving while cornering, you will be forever timid and terminally slow. Parking it in the timber is tough on the self-confidence! Granted, an improvement in riding style can mask some suspension ailments, but generally, it has to be in the ballpark. Note that the longer you ride an ill-handling machine, the more bad habits you will develop... And, the longer it will take to shake those habits.

Good luck with it!

 

[Rippfmc]

The best thing i have noticed about trail rideing is the bike i ride really helps... i ride a ttr 225 it is lower to the ground so i can take turns really fast. it has a lot of torque and BEST OF ALL it hAs an Eletric START!!.i know you guys remember those tiimes when you are hill climbing and all of a sudden your bike stalls on that really steep hill about mid way up it. well that eletric start really helps

 

[Rippfmc]

The best thing i have noticed about trail rideing is the bike i ride really helps... i ride a ttr 225 it is lower to the ground so i can take turns really fast. it has a lot of torque and BEST OF ALL it hAs an Eletric START!!.i know you guys remember those tiimes when you are hill climbing and all of a sudden your bike stalls on that really steep hill about mid way up it. well that eletric start really helps.
if you want to talk about low 1st gear. i can ride my bike at idle i can go down t he road at 2-3 mph without stalling!!!:)

 

[fatty_k]

I used to get nervous on steep hillclimbs but I find that if I just say "whats the worst that can happen? not much. Maybe loop out" ( i try to keep that one in the back of my head) I seem to make it up no problem now. Also, I hate logs with a passion! I used to get scared when I came up to a big log but I just think the same thing as I do on hillclimbs and just gas it and wheelie over them.