Dirt Bike Riding Techniques Forum

The editors of the magazine want to get your input. 

What would you guys like to see covered in Pro Riding Secrets, Pro Wrenching Secrets, and Pro Training Secrets? 

Not long ago, SOV posted in a thread titled 'Sand Whoops,'

"How do you conquer BIG Sand Whooped Down Hills and BIG Sand Whooped Up Hills with Silt Pockets? This gave me fits at a race and I’m open to help."

Well, I spoke with the editors, and they liked this suggestion.  There is certainly no direct connection between suggesting something here and finding the article in the next issue of Dirt Rider in your mailbox (you are subscribing, right?), but this is your chance to influence the magazine.  Maybe down the line SOV will open his issue and see an article that he got into the magazine.  Wouldn't you like to do the same? 

So let's please stay on topic.  I want this thread to be something you can continue to add to as you come up with ideas, or get 'inspired' by obstacles on the track, trail, garage, or gym.   

Please don't post answers to the questions on this thread.  Please do feel free to open a new thread to address any specific issue. 

So this is your chance to be heard.  You are our reader and we want to hear from you.  Let this message board be your tool to shape Dirt Rider.  What would you like to see covered in Dirt Rider's 'Secrets' Departments?   

I would like to add:

How to prep your bike and self for a long race (like Vegas to Reno or the 1000) where more than one rider will ride.

(Pete: your doing a fine job, the site is looking better. Keep up the good work)

great idea pete. one thing i think a lot of members might ask would be how do you get the nerve together to commit to a large jump for the first time or coming off a jump on a two stroke with the throttle on?  what about large uneven dished out whoops? how do the pro's time the throttle to skim them?

tech question would be secrets to not scratching a wheel when changing a tire. do you always install a new tube with new tire? are there really any good octane boosters out there that will help improve the pump gas for "feel by the seat of the pants" power improvement?

On training, what is a good method to conquor arm pump and wrist cramps that you can implement into training. what about the new training grips that have levers attached- do they help in training? what about a trampoline for training like the bmx guys use?

well, you get the idea, I will try to think of some good questions for pro riders and post again.

If your asking for ideas, Im having fits trying to conquer the big jumps off the side of hills. Im unable to find a even balance with my suspension for absorbing the huge impacts and having having to much for the smaller stuff. I dont know if I am adjusting my bike wrong or if there is a secret that the pros have. Any suggestions would be great becouse my local MX track here on Oahu Hawaii is loaded with them and I just cant seem to find a balance for the overall track.

       

How about an in depth article explaining the various tires currently available and the types of dirt each is intended (designed) for. Picking out new tires can get really confusing some times!

hey, told you I would write back. how about lever and control placement. I love my asv levers but have a hard time finding the perfect spot for them for all conditions.  different tire pressures for different conditions.  i notice hardly any pro's wear chest protectors, are they weraing under the shirt protectors or are they crazy?  what maintenance do the pro mechanics do between motos, how do they get the bikes so clean?

Don't worry I will think of more.

What about an article on jetting your bike for riding thru deep sand, such as sand dunes and some deserts. I seem to remember that if you don't change your jetting it will destroy your engine.

ANYTHING to do with 2 strokes! You know alot of us still ride them! And now you would be hard pressed to find any mech tips, Parts evaluation, ect...! I know you have to keep up with the Jones, But dam; throw us a bone now and then! Mabey a (2 stroke corner) or somthing. I know somthing like that would bring back some of the enjoyment of looking forward to getting the new DR for me at least, And im shure for alot of us who still ride and enjoy these bikes, And dont really care how to do a valve job on a 450.   Thanks.  YZ WOODS.  
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It's called wash your bike stupid.

What would you guys like to see covered in:

 Pro Riding Secrets: Scrubbing (without killing yourself...), picking the right type of tires for your riding

Pro Wrenching Secrets: 2-stroke top end rebuild (the way the factory guys (used to) do it...)  Do they hone plated cylinders or not, how often etc.  Cleaning powervalves (best way).

Pro Training Secrets: Advice from trainers (plus Karel, he is old enough) for us senior vet class riders to stay in the best shape and prevent injuries etc 

As for Pro Training Secrets, I would like to know they're dietting habits.  What specifically does Ricky, Chad and/or Bubba eat morning, noon and night?

OK, I thought of another one:

If you’re supposed to change your oil at least every 10hrs, what do the teams like Campbell and Hengeveld do when racing longer than 10hrs? And are they changing air filters too? Or do they do like the trucks and have a layered filter that they just take off a layer when they pit?

You dont need a new filter when you are out front, :P. If not, you're screwed and left with eating dust. That would be a lengthy stop if you changed oil. They just go through the bikes 100 percent after each race so why waste time and change the oil? I dont get it. Plus those XR650's are near bullet proof, but they are starting to race the 450's.