Tuesday Tip: Slick Bowl Turns
Brendan Lutes
- December 09 2008
- 12,085 views
- 22 comments
There is a specific technique for most turns on any given motocross track. When that turn is a slick dry bowl turn, however, the proper technique becomes even more imperative. While shooting photos recently at the Rockstar/Makita Suzuki Supercross track we noticed this tricky bowl turn and decided to get defending AMA Supercross champion Chad Reed to fill us in on how he goes so fast through it. Take it away, Chad.
Entering the Turn: “The track we’re on is in Corona; it’s hard packed and slick and there aren’t any ruts or anything. Entering the turn, you just kind of want to try to get the bike set up and brush off as much speed as you can. You definitely don’t want to push it too hard in and lose the front or rear on the slick dirt.”
Braking: “I prefer to stand up coming into most turns, and then go immediately from braking to putting my foot out just because it loads the front of the bike for better traction. This particular turn, though, is really slick, so I’m just sitting down trying to get as much weight on the front end as possible in order to get the front end to plant. Because it’s really loose dirt, you need to keep the front end planted in order to turn. Depending on the dirt—like I said—I prefer to stand while braking, but when it’s really hard and slick, you need to put as much weight on the front end as possible.”
The Pivot Point: “Mid turn you need to try to look towards the exit of the turn and get back on the throttle. You don’t want to get on it too hard, though, and stand the bike up, or worse hit the gas and have the back end spin around on you. This turn in particular is a tough turn. It’s full of loose gravel and there is only one little line, so you have to be really careful to put the bike in it in order to keep a good flow around the turn. If you do this, you will be able to flow around the turn and get a good drive out of it and down the straight.”
Accelerating: “When you start going from braking to off the brakes, you want to try to pick up the throttle and slowly start turning it on. Like I mentioned before, though, you want to be careful to not get too much wheelspin on the slick dirt. If you do it correctly, you’ll get a good drive down the next straight.”
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December 9th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
hey that pretty chill but who doesnt know how to ride a bike!!! =>
December 9th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
dude yeah most people do but if u didnt realize its the key tips on how to go a little faster than the rest. id like to see sh*t from ur point of view but i cant get my head that far up my as* thanks transorld for the tips and keep them up
December 9th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
hahaha really!
December 9th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
yeee yeeee get at em
December 9th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
when your as good as Chad Reed you can afford to give tips wherever you want no matter how easy the technique
stupid sh*t
December 9th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
people shutup this might help SOME people
December 9th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Reedy, one sick-ass aussie rider eh!!
December 10th, 2008 at 12:39 am
i have a big wiener
December 10th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
braaaap
December 10th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
vamooo reed!!!
December 12th, 2008 at 8:09 am
I came to the US 4 years ago from Sweden after successfully applying for, and receiving a green card in the Diversity Visa Green Card Lottery on the web site http://www.usadiversitylottery.com
My Experience the last 4 years living here in Tallahassee Florida, is that Americans are extremely polite and friendly and hard working people and I am very impressed by the Americans I have met so fare. My opinion about Americans before I came to this wonderful land was completely wrong and I am happier than ever living here today and am not going back to Sweden any day soon and probably not at all.
Cheers,
Peter
December 15th, 2008 at 5:43 am
Not all of us are “PRO’S” like you “Thunder m”. However easy it may be to some, that tip and all the tips are great reminders for those that get complacent at times. It also helps those that actually want to go faster, or maybe are just getting into the game of riding. And until I see your Arse up on the podium, I’ll keep reading every last tip and practicing them. On a side note, welcome to America Peter.
December 17th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
me too, that’s awesome!
January 23rd, 2009 at 4:53 pm
With current technology, a little video feed would show this better, pictures are hard to follow. Maybe some real crashes if you go too slow would help too! ROCK&ROLL!!
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:44 pm
thanks for the tip i know i will keep trying to perfect it maybe doing it isnt so hard but doing it fast is the problem anyway thanks agian no complaints here. you guys are awesome!
February 11th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
mines really tiny. it makes me faster and i rak my balls on the tank alot less because they never dropped.
March 16th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Yeah i know how to ride but im a beginer and these tips are helpful because nobody in my family can ride a dirtbike and it helps to practice these things to get the self confidence if i might one day enter a tourney.
April 25th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Why are some people so ignorant? Do you really think anyone cares wether or not you need these tips. Bro your just as bad as those moms that write in complaining about the girls in bikinis. if you dont need it then why did you read it in the first place, or comment about it! SOME PEOPLES KIDS!!!
July 29th, 2009 at 4:34 am
hello all,, i completed 2 years of desert grand prix out here in california city , ca, i finished 2nd overall in the 40 plus novice class,i tried a few races at glen helen after the last nationals (09) these pro's make it look so easy,, they are true athletes!! i got my arse kicked by my own bike !! lol ,, ill take all the help i can get from who ever wants to give it, im not to proud to ask for advice , so keep the tips coming,, cuz track is riding is not as easy as some may think,, remeber,no matter how good you are , we all started at the same place, ride safe,,
August 16th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
eyy guys i know just a little english but talking about bikes not all the people are pro riders so this tips help alot for some riders like me and is true most of american people are GREAT
October 8th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
amen to that