Jumping a 2 stroke

When you jump should you try to hit the jump in the powerband or shift up a gear  

Depends on the jump and experience level, for new to jumping riders it is easier to hit a jump a gear higher using torque and momentum.  This will feel more controlled but you loose out on the advantages of being in the meat of the power curve.
I would suggest finding a table top and get comfortable with it in a gear that is manageable, once you've got your speed and confidence for the jump try taking it in a gear lower the suspension and bike will handle differently but you will gain the experience to know what gear works best for different jumps.  
.
.
Colorado

2006 RM-250

Glad you asked ktm, was wondering the same thing and I always forget to ask  
*****************
My feet start coming off the pegs and I feel like I'm going really fast.
NC

There's no difference between the 2-stroke and 4-stroke for the best way to jump.  The only difference is that you need to be on the gas to put the 2-stroke into its powerband more than the 4.  You need to look over the jump, realize your landing point -- that's the key.  You don't want to case the jump or overjump it.  That's where you get into trouble.  You need good power going in and realize where you need to be at the end.  Your body position is key as well.

A 2-stroke or a 4-stroke has nothing to do with it outside of getting on the gas.  You need to be at the right speed for the jump.  If a 2-stroke, you may want to throttle up a little more, as a 4-stroke has more torque, and jumps are typically made for 4-strokes today.  But it's the same premise -- roll the jump, walk it if need be, see where your bike needs to land because it's not the takeoff that's going to hurt you, it's the landing.  Watch others, and you'll know at that point whether you're on a 2-stroke or a 4, what speed you need to have to get a proper landing.  

I do not race, but I can jump.  You need to be on the center of the bike and keep that center of gravity, bringing your back tire down just a little before your front.  And that takes speed.  Hesitation on a jump is what usually gets you hurt.  So as I said, look it over, roll it, and then commit to the jump.  That's my best advice.  There is no difference between a 2 and a 4 when it comes to this, just need to be on the gas a little more for the 2.  Hope this makes sense.  YZWoods  
-------------------


DIABETES SUX!

Good advice from mark and woods.  The only thing I'd add is to stay calm and don't panic rev the bike.  Smooth steady throttle is key.  
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hudson Valley NY
KTM XC-W 250

"If you don't have a dream, how can it come true?"

I was just practicing some little jumps on a 125 2 stroke and this is what I did. First find a small jump. The idea is to see how the bike reacts in the air so start real small and work your way up. I just kept doing the same jump over and over till I got the hang of it. Kept it in 2nd and varied my speed to see how the bike would react. And what ever you do, do not try jumping while sitting down. You need to be up on the pegs and like woods mentioned try to keep a center of gravity.  


2 strokin till I die. Which I hope aint soon.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

1994 CR80

Good point 2ride. You do not want to be sitting! The bike will throw you off upon landing.  
-------------------


DIABETES SUX!

Well I have jumped some decent sized doubles and stuff before but everytime I jump I shift up a gear but I don't think that is the right way. It might butI don't think that is what the good riders do so I was just wondering if you are supposed to jump in the powerband  

2006ktm105sx:
Well I have jumped some decent sized doubles and stuff before but everytime I jump I shift up a gear but I don't think that is the right way. It might butI don't think that is what the good riders do so I was just wondering if you are supposed to jump in the powerband

As I said it depends on the jump and your experience level as to which part of the power band you jump in.

***The optimum for a two stroke is in the meat of the power band without having had the power peak this gives you the most options.***

However, this may not be realistic for you at this time, as I mentioned you need to develop your skill and comfort level, when you do that you will know where in the power band you want to be for a given situation.  
.
.
Colorado

2006 RM-250

I have found that sitting on the takeoff on some jumps helps you stay neutral then standing upon the lip of the jump. Just though I would throw that in here.  
*****************
My feet start coming off the pegs and I feel like I'm going really fast.
NC