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If you're really fresh off road....get used to standing up everywhere, keeping your shoulders loose, elbows up and gripping the bike like velcro with your calves and knees. Give the front a good squeeze on various surfaces - you'll be amazed how hard you can stop and if you lock up, it's not really a big deal like on tarmac. If there's anywhere flat and open, practice kicking the rear out on the power - sliding a dirt bike is one of the most enjoyable damn things you can do on two wheels and is way easier than you might think. Totally essential skill for turning on loose surfaces.
Have fun mate - that's a proper weapon, you won't believe the stuff you can do with it. Sounds somewhat reckless, but if in doubt, gas it!
Jung-
Standing up is why I’m reluctant to get rid of the Tiger. It’s just fucking awesome fun. I’ll now do long stints mostly standing up. I’m learning to sorta track stand on it as well, surprisingly manageable.
Steering by pushing down on the pegs is a right gaff.
Power sliding was another nice shocker off tarmac…it’s…pleasant.Braking on the other hand is a different ball game.
@pdlouche glad to see it healing well.
These channels are essential. Learnt so much about bike handling -
Yep did lots of standing up today, was amazed how much putting weight on either footpeg affected the handling. For better or worse I often cover the front brake when accelerating and my wrist didn't like this when standing so will have to train myself not to do it. Got to 40mph (off road) which felt fast, but sure I'll build up to this feeling normal. Did think about trying to loose traction on the rear but then thoughts of A&E came to mind. Looking forward to learning though. Was amazed how much the front and rear moved around with the bike taking it all in its stride, like you say momentum seemed to be my friend in those instances. Thanks for all the tips, the bike felt happy enough doing 70mph on the road but unsurprisingly on the trails it really shined.
pdlouche
Chak
jambon
Looks like I'm subscribed to two of them already, so that's a good start. Shame Llewelyn's dad doesn't have his own channel but see Simon pops up now and again on Brake Magazine. I'll probably do an off road courses eventually, to be fair don't need any excuses to visit Wales. Thanks for mentioning Bret Tkacs, noted. I'm sure there will be lots of opportunities to lift it wrong, then hopefully right :)