Ok, I need some help on a concept/technique: the landing after a jump, small or big.
I am having a hard time controlling the bike (front end especially) when I land after even a relatively small jump.
I am also experiencing ( less frequently) a nose diving feel as well.
Is it just my lack of skills/strength and if so, what do I need to do to guarantee a better safer landing?
Or can it be my front suspension not yet being properly set up for my weight?
OR of course a combination of both and maybe other factors?
If the suspensions set up is part of the problem, what would be the best solution: harder or softer?
Is a lot of strength needed to hold the handlebars steadier (so to speak) when landing, what about clutch/throttle positions?
Any idea, suggestions, tips always appreciated and always respected.
Thank you in advance.
Landing a jump (Big or small)...
Started by
cesk
, Jul 20 2012 07:00 AM
5 replies to this topic
Posted 30 July 2012 - 05:59 AM
I think it needs more information - what kind of terrain? (sand, mud, hardpacked dirt, asphalt)
What do you mean by having a hard time controlling the bike? Is it bouncing, or the front wheel tries to slide out from under you? Are you trying to turn right after the jump, or just trying to go straight?
The nose diving could be too soft of a front suspension, too stiff of a rear suspension, letting off the gas too early, bad body positioning on the bike, or a bump on the end of the jump.
If you land close to both wheels at the same time, you shouldn't need a ton of handlebar input to keep it going straight, unless you're in soft terrain (sand/mud). The harder you hit with either front or back, the less predictable the results will be. I prefer to land front first if the landing is on a down hill, and rear first if the landing is on an uphill or flat ground. But even then it is only slightly - when one wheel touches the other is hopefully way less than 6 inches off the ground.
What do you mean by having a hard time controlling the bike? Is it bouncing, or the front wheel tries to slide out from under you? Are you trying to turn right after the jump, or just trying to go straight?
The nose diving could be too soft of a front suspension, too stiff of a rear suspension, letting off the gas too early, bad body positioning on the bike, or a bump on the end of the jump.
If you land close to both wheels at the same time, you shouldn't need a ton of handlebar input to keep it going straight, unless you're in soft terrain (sand/mud). The harder you hit with either front or back, the less predictable the results will be. I prefer to land front first if the landing is on a down hill, and rear first if the landing is on an uphill or flat ground. But even then it is only slightly - when one wheel touches the other is hopefully way less than 6 inches off the ground.
Posted 30 July 2012 - 02:43 PM
jqueen, on 30 July 2012 - 05:59 AM, said:
terrain: hardpacked sandy dirt
The front wheel tries to slide out from under me.
Just trying to go straight.
The nose diving could be too soft of a front suspension=probably, never adjusted from stock yet for my weight, too stiff of a rear suspension,
letting off the gas too early= possible,
bad body positioning on the bike= I try to stay in the middle position with my butt slightly off to the back of bike.
bump on the end of the jump= possible.
If you land close to both wheels at the same time, you shouldn't need a ton of handlebar input to keep it going straight, unless you're in soft terrain (sand/mud). Probably too quick on front wheel.
The harder you hit with either front or back, the less predictable the results will be. OK noted.
I prefer to land front first if the landing is on a down hill, -> Not on a downhill, totally flat land.
and rear first if the landing is on an uphill or flat ground. But even then it is only slightly - when one wheel touches the other is hopefully way less than 6 inches off the ground.
The front wheel tries to slide out from under me.
Just trying to go straight.
The nose diving could be too soft of a front suspension=probably, never adjusted from stock yet for my weight, too stiff of a rear suspension,
letting off the gas too early= possible,
bad body positioning on the bike= I try to stay in the middle position with my butt slightly off to the back of bike.
bump on the end of the jump= possible.
If you land close to both wheels at the same time, you shouldn't need a ton of handlebar input to keep it going straight, unless you're in soft terrain (sand/mud). Probably too quick on front wheel.
The harder you hit with either front or back, the less predictable the results will be. OK noted.
I prefer to land front first if the landing is on a down hill, -> Not on a downhill, totally flat land.
and rear first if the landing is on an uphill or flat ground. But even then it is only slightly - when one wheel touches the other is hopefully way less than 6 inches off the ground.
Thank you so much. This already makes me think....
Posted 02 August 2012 - 02:48 AM
Whats your body reaction to the landing... Are you forced forward, over the bars etc. If so... I maybe stating the obvious, but you need to be on the gas upon landing. Position your weight distribution for the landing & Lighten the frt end up with a good throttle twist, and power away. If your front end feels fine everywhere else, the solution could be that simple.
Posted 08 January 2013 - 04:54 PM
My first thought is your front suspension is not sprung for your weight and your bottoming out. I have had this happen and after respringing it is all good. When your suspension bottoms out it causes your front wheel/tire to loose traction because the suspension can not absorb the terrain changes however small they may be. The same holds true for all vehicle suspensions. My DRZ would seem to wallow all over the place after landing from small jumps jumps out on the trail but after respringing I am very confident about getting it in the air at least a few feet.
Posted 09 January 2013 - 09:50 AM
meanstreak, on 08 January 2013 - 04:54 PM, said:
My first thought is your front suspension is not sprung for your weight and your bottoming out. I have had this happen and after respringing it is all good. When your suspension bottoms out it causes your front wheel/tire to loose traction because the suspension can not absorb the terrain changes however small they may be. The same holds true for all vehicle suspensions. My DRZ would seem to wallow all over the place after landing from small jumps jumps out on the trail but after respringing I am very confident about getting it in the air at least a few feet.
Yes I think it is a combination of all the things suggested here. I definitely want to have my suspensions set up accordingly to my weight (fat ass). And definitely practice more. Thanks for all the suggestions.
