Tuesday Tip - Sandy Bowl Turns
Chris
- November 11 2008
- 9,110 views
- 19 comments
Although the outside line in a big sand turn isn’t always the fastest, it may be the only one available. For today’s tip, we thought we’d have Ryan Morais remind you how to get through that outside line with ease
ONE: “When you are coming into a corner like this one, it is important to position your body in the center of the bike. Since it is a sand corner, you do not want to be towards the front of the bike because this can cause your front-end to push; however, you do not want to be too far back on the rear of the bike either. If you are too far back, there is a good chance that the front-end will jump out from underneath you if you get choppy with the throttle. By positioning yourself in the center of the seat it displaces your weight equally, allowing you better traction and control over the bike.”
TWO: “Once you’ve entered the turn, make sure you are steady on the throttle. If you come into the turn too hot and bury the bike in the sand, not only will you lose all of your momentum, but you’ll also lose a lot of time. To avoid this predicament, keep things steady with your throttle hand. Roll on the throttle and keep your finger on the clutch in case your RPMs begin to drop.”
THREE: “It is always vital to have your finger(s) on the clutch when you’re railing through a corner like this. There will be times when the turn is just too soft and your bike will begin to bog. This is when you will need to feather the clutch to bring up your RPMs; that way you don’t come to a complete stop, and you can keep your momentum”
FOUR: “As you are going through the apex of the turn you need to weight the outside footpeg. By keeping pressure on your outside footpeg it’ll save you from leaning it over so far that you may tip over. It’s also crucial that you have your inside foot pointed forward and out in front of you –not down and to the side. This is critical in keeping your balance through any corner.”
FIVE: “Lastly: always look ahead… Especially in a corner! Many amateur riders have a bad habit of looking down at their front fender when railing through a turn. When you’re looking down at your front fender it causes you to loose focus of what’s going on and the next thing you know you have either blown out the corner, washed out, or both. If you’re looking ahead, it not only gives you the opportunity to set up for the next obstacle that’s ahead of you, but also you aren’t so focused on the obstacle you are tackling at that moment in time. It’s a hard habit to break, but the sooner you can look ahead and focus on what’s coming up next the faster you’ll become and the more confidence you’ll have.”
To upload photos or videos, 
»
November 19th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Hey TWMX. I live in Canada and i’m going to by my first 250 to race locally. I love your magazine and your tips are awesome. Should i get a Honda, KTM or Kawasaki? Another thing that would be good, for not just myself, would be to put a video demonstration with your online How-Tos. Thanks Transworld
December 31st, 2008 at 1:49 pm
honda crf250r…. thats what i have and i love it
January 5th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
YZ 250-F handles amazing and easy to use power
January 15th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
honda dude, the best bikes
January 21st, 2009 at 9:54 am
Yamaha the best! Respect from the RUSSIA.
January 23rd, 2009 at 7:37 am
If you are speaking about “first local race” it doesn’t matter which bike you are gonna to buy. Full gas, seeing to next obstacle or next turn and ride forward. Till time you recognize your bike is lack of power, thinking about “the right one bike producer” is waste of time. Only if for example Kawa dealer is 5 minutes far from home. Good luck.
January 23rd, 2009 at 7:26 pm
honda
March 5th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
i have a honda 07 cr 250 09 crf 450. illl roost you from southern new jersey son son.
March 10th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Either Kawi 250F or Honda 250F both good bikes and perform very well.. my personal choice would be the kawi. but choosing a bike is one’s personal opinion
April 6th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
honda has the best build quailty through 2006 all new bikes are very good honda and yamaha best overall build and performance
April 25th, 2009 at 12:22 am
yamaha alllllllll the way
April 29th, 2009 at 10:19 am
whats with all of you honda die hards
all of the brands have their + and -
i’d say for now, get what one you like the most
July 8th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
yamaha are the best especially yz125 the are freakin awesome
July 8th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
two strokes are the best four strokes suck
July 16th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
The only bike a clapped out YZ125 can compete with is a 9 year old on a CRF150.
July 17th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
I will try this next time i go to the track
July 17th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
How dare you insult my 150rb it would kick a 125 butt's easilly in a drag or on the track
October 6th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
where the hell did that come from?
but i agree. lol