Last month, in Braking Part 1 - While Standing, you learned how to brake hard, while standing. So now, how do you control this increased entry speed? Part 2 will not only explain how to control it, but also, how to hit your exact transition and exit lines. The "Transition" is where braking and accelerating meet. There are two most common mistakes relating to this Part 2 topic:
- Giving up the rear brake as you go from standing to sitting
- Going from standing to sitting at the transition
The only exception to this number two mistake is when the track is very bumpy all the way to the transition. Otherwise, it's better to sit well before the transition. This is because the transition is the most important and critical part of a corner. It becomes more difficult when you have to do too many things at the same time. So, sitting early, when it's not too bumpy, makes it easier, more controlled and consistent.
In these not so rough corners, you should go from standing to sitting about a quarter way into the corner. You need to control the rear brake as you go from standing to sitting, and continue to control it until the transition. This way you are going from braking to accelerating, no coasting between. I estimate that 60 percent of your control, while entering a corner, comes from braking. Then, as you accelerate, 60 percent control comes from the clutch and throttle. Each time, 40 percent control comes from your body movements, in order to maintain the center of balance! If you coast before the transition, you are giving up 60 percent of your control. How do you compensate for this lack of control? You have to slow down!
The techniques for controlling the rear brake while going from standing to sitting are: As you go from standing to sitting, your right foot has to go from controlling the rear brake while your foot is weighting the peg on the arch of the foot. This way your foot is pivoting on the peg. As you sit, your foot has to go into the rear brake control position for sitting. This is very different from standing, as you have to take your right foot up off the peg, and control the rear brake by moving your ankle, while you hold the weight of your foot-leg up above the peg. As you are doing this it helps to lock your knee against the shroud. Control the rear brake this way until the transition and you will discover more controlled entry speed! You will also be, better able, to hit the line you want!
In order to speed up the learning curve on these braking techniques, practice them with your bike on the work stand, in a stationary position. There are many techniques that can be effectively practiced in this way. I've made two videos that show you how to do all the techniques, that can be done, in a stationary position. The second video takes you through a 20-minute practice session with me. You can have Instant Access to all my techniques, training, mx practice drills, fitness training for mx, weekly routines to follow and much more. Over 36 hours of videos and dozens of PDF files with illustrating photos, that are not found anywhere else! Access them on any mobile device, even download them.
Again, these "3 Step Rear Braking Techniques" just focus on the rear brake. As you learned in Part 1, the front brake is equally important. But, many times you can't get the most benefit from the front brake unless you are using the rear brake properly.
Make sure to check back next month for Part 3 and put the entire corner together. When you can control your momentum, you will discover a smooth, fluid speed!
Ride hard, ride smart and have fun.
About Gary Semics:
Learn our GSMXS time tested and proven practice and training methods to improve your riding skills and race results. How? Through our hands on Motocross School Group and Private classes, with located in six countries. Through our Techniques and Training DVDs.
