Video of a complete beginner in the whoops/rhythm section.. How do I look?

HazemG
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Edited Date/Time 9/26/2013 9:14am
Ride a CRF450R. Have ridden streetbikes and harley's my whole life (I'm 23) but never dirt. Here I am after 4 weeks (and 5th time ever riding dirt/mx) I usually only get an hour of actual ride time per day out at the track.

How's my form and technique look? I am trying to take it slow and don't want to ride over my head and wad up. Any more tips? Think i'm ready to triple out of those whoops? How about that doubling in that rhythm section? I'm landing in the face of the landing so should I just give it a little more throttle each time until I clear it?

Links below are two short videos and are public


http://instagram.com/p/en4TTDRyUv/

http://instagram.com/p/en7FquxyZk/


Thanks guys. Hopefully the Vitards won't be too ridiculous, I do enjoy a good laugh though so we'll see. Smile
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BBarnes720
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9/24/2013 4:39pm
The best advice I can give you is, search for the profile of Gary Semics and read his posts. He writes tips on here all the time about the questions your asking.
JW381
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9/24/2013 4:40pm
The best advice I can give is to not take any advice from anyone on VitalMX.
Torco1
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9/24/2013 4:44pm
Back up about 50 yards and get that puppy up into 5th gear......its easier to skim the whoops at about 65-70mph.
HazemG
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9/24/2013 4:46pm
Haha I was waiting for that. Wide open 5th gear it is.

In all seriousness, from the video do I look goony? or bad for my 5th time ever riding?

The Shop

Gabriel J
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9/24/2013 4:46pm Edited Date/Time 9/24/2013 4:47pm
See if you can borrow a 250f and give it a go again...You'll be able to open it up a bit more without risking the 450 "whiskey throttle of death".

You may find yourself faster on the 250, as you won't need to use as much caution. 450 is a seriously powerful dirt scooter for any beginner
peelout
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9/24/2013 4:47pm
form actually doesn't look too bad in the first photo.

but for some tips, try keeping your knees further out with your arches of your feet on the pegs (ability to easily hit the brake or shift if needed), and keep that neck relaxed (don't want to strain it).
HazemG
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9/24/2013 4:50pm
peelout wrote:
form actually doesn't look too bad in the first photo. but for some tips, try keeping your knees further out with your arches of your feet...
form actually doesn't look too bad in the first photo.

but for some tips, try keeping your knees further out with your arches of your feet on the pegs (ability to easily hit the brake or shift if needed), and keep that neck relaxed (don't want to strain it).
Click on the screen cap and you'll see they are both videos.. hope that gives you a better idea of my form going through the whoops and before a jump.

And when you say relaxed neck just try to stay loose?
JW381
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9/24/2013 4:52pm
peelout wrote:
form actually doesn't look too bad in the first photo. but for some tips, try keeping your knees further out with your arches of your feet...
form actually doesn't look too bad in the first photo.

but for some tips, try keeping your knees further out with your arches of your feet on the pegs (ability to easily hit the brake or shift if needed), and keep that neck relaxed (don't want to strain it).
HazemG wrote:
Click on the screen cap and you'll see they are both videos.. hope that gives you a better idea of my form going through the whoops...
Click on the screen cap and you'll see they are both videos.. hope that gives you a better idea of my form going through the whoops and before a jump.

And when you say relaxed neck just try to stay loose?
See my original word of advice.

Or, STFU noob.
HazemG
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9/24/2013 4:57pm Edited Date/Time 9/24/2013 5:18pm
peelout wrote:
form actually doesn't look too bad in the first photo. but for some tips, try keeping your knees further out with your arches of your feet...
form actually doesn't look too bad in the first photo.

but for some tips, try keeping your knees further out with your arches of your feet on the pegs (ability to easily hit the brake or shift if needed), and keep that neck relaxed (don't want to strain it).
HazemG wrote:
Click on the screen cap and you'll see they are both videos.. hope that gives you a better idea of my form going through the whoops...
Click on the screen cap and you'll see they are both videos.. hope that gives you a better idea of my form going through the whoops and before a jump.

And when you say relaxed neck just try to stay loose?
JW381 wrote:
See my original word of advice.

Or, STFU noob.
By completely ignoring you I am adhering to your original advice.
MX4EVR
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Canton, OH US
9/24/2013 5:48pm
Number one
Never ride on the arch of your foot
Period
Ride in the attack position on the balls of your feet
Way more leverage to control the bike
You want to ride the bike
Not the bike riding you

2 ride all the time and ride with faster people and you will never post this again

I thought you looked great!!!!
Parris
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9/24/2013 5:53pm
You need to ride somewhere else. I see a peer pressure moment Who ever took you there to learn to ride ?????????????
HazemG
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9/24/2013 6:55pm
MX4EVR, Thank you for the advice and kind words. Not sure who said to ride on the arches of the feet but that sounds dangerous and painful. I am always on the balls of my feet with toes pointing inwards so I can really squeeze with my legs.

Parris, It's my good friends track just a few minutes from my house. Easy drive and I feel like I can roll the huge hits so it's not too bad. They don't push me to do anything outside of my comfort zone. I hear you though, it's a pretty gnarly track!
Brapp
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9/24/2013 6:59pm
Best advice I could give would be to NOT ride a 450-

You would be much faster, more comfortable and learn quicker on a 250-
HazemG
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9/24/2013 7:05pm
Brapp wrote:
Best advice I could give would be to NOT ride a 450-

You would be much faster, more comfortable and learn quicker on a 250-
I used to ride a CBR1000RR and some pretty fast motorcycles in general.. I don't feel like the 450 is too much for me as I have good throttle control. I am steady on the throttle and at 6'1" 185lbs I feel the 450 is a good fit for me. Also I was afraid of a 250F blowing up on me.. heard they are ticking time bombs.

I do see your point though, I would probably be able to ride the 250 closer to its limits, but again that's a downfall as I'd be more prone to needing valve adjustments and other maintenance at a quicker rate.
Outsider
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9/24/2013 7:14pm
Advise would be to find a better place to practice, preferably with a LOT of turns, and no whoops or rhythm sections. Railing a corner, with good form and fast is a whole lot more impressive than butt whips and rolling whoop sections... see "Ddavis" for more info!
jathey
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9/24/2013 7:14pm
Ass over the rear fender and elbows up is what the pros have always told me. Sounded crazy until I tried it.

I didn't check out the videos because I'm tired of having to sign up for the new 'service of the week' everytime I want to look at a photo on the internet.

That and all the Rhianna selfies...
crusher773
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9/24/2013 7:17pm
The best thing you could do is sell the 450. Nobody needs a 450 if you aren't at the top level. Go buy a 250 or even a 250 2 stroke and you'll actually learn how to ride.
Camp332
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9/24/2013 7:20pm
Bro, heels on the pegs at all times.

Looking great though other than the heels.
HazemG
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9/24/2013 7:29pm
jathey wrote:
Ass over the rear fender and elbows up is what the pros have always told me. Sounded crazy until I tried it. I didn't check out...
Ass over the rear fender and elbows up is what the pros have always told me. Sounded crazy until I tried it.

I didn't check out the videos because I'm tired of having to sign up for the new 'service of the week' everytime I want to look at a photo on the internet.

That and all the Rhianna selfies...
Need no registration it's a public video! please check it out.

Also the 450 is fine for me not sure why people are saying I need a 250? especially a 250 2 stroke with the unpredictable power delivery... Why would one suggest that?

I'll put up a vid of the whole track, there are plenty of corners into straights that I have practiced, I am much better in the corners which is why I wanted advise on the whoops/jumps.

again, I am a lot better in corners as the first 4 times on the track thats ALL i practiced. Even on a corner track and just a field with two posts practicing left and right turns.

Go into corner standing, do all of my braking before the turn, sit down at apex and apply SMOOTH throttle out of the turn. Also leg up by radiator and weight the outside peg as I'm coming out. I'm pretty good at corners if I say so myself, as I dedicated all of my time on the track to cornering until yesterday, which is when i got my first air (the videos above)
HazemG
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9/24/2013 7:39pm
crusher773 wrote:
The best thing you could do is sell the 450. Nobody needs a 450 if you aren't at the top level. Go buy a 250 or...
The best thing you could do is sell the 450. Nobody needs a 450 if you aren't at the top level. Go buy a 250 or even a 250 2 stroke and you'll actually learn how to ride.
You're in louisberg, ks? I'm out here in Lawrence, ks
9/24/2013 7:41pm
If you're wondering why a lesser cc is being suggested, just come back and post after she wallops you into the ground once.

I can ride a 250 2 stroke tired and still push if need be, not so on a 450. They will punish you. Being very new to the sport you don't need the 450s power... However it's all about fun. Change the oil and filters after every two rides and have a blast.
Gabriel J
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9/24/2013 7:52pm
If you're wondering why a lesser cc is being suggested, just come back and post after she wallops you into the ground once. I can ride...
If you're wondering why a lesser cc is being suggested, just come back and post after she wallops you into the ground once.

I can ride a 250 2 stroke tired and still push if need be, not so on a 450. They will punish you. Being very new to the sport you don't need the 450s power... However it's all about fun. Change the oil and filters after every two rides and have a blast.
Well said.
HazemG
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9/24/2013 8:20pm
If you're wondering why a lesser cc is being suggested, just come back and post after she wallops you into the ground once. I can ride...
If you're wondering why a lesser cc is being suggested, just come back and post after she wallops you into the ground once.

I can ride a 250 2 stroke tired and still push if need be, not so on a 450. They will punish you. Being very new to the sport you don't need the 450s power... However it's all about fun. Change the oil and filters after every two rides and have a blast.
So you guys really think I'm not ready for the 450? In my eyes just because it has x amount of power doesn't mean I need to tap into it. I understand you guys have more time in the sport and that some beginners shouldn't start on a 450 but with my motorcycle experience and having dealt with larger bikes, I know it's all about throttle control. I also keep the brake and clutch covered AT ALL times and if I need to I can pull in the clutch instantly.

I really do not want to purchase a used 250F and roll the dice on the motor blowing up. My brother bought a KTM 125SX and I rode that a couple times before he sold it (had it for 2 weeks) but I honestly think not enough power can be more dangerous in some instances.

I've gone down a few times already but I don't believe it was due to the power. I cross rutted a few corners my first time out.. the track was real slick and ruts were pretty gnarly..

You don't think a 250 2 stroke has a pretty violent power band? I just pull off when I am tired to avoid any lapse in judgement due to exhaustion.
bayodome
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9/24/2013 8:38pm
I do agree with the idea of going with fewer cc's, but you already have the 450 and for a beginner, they are not bad machines. The issue is that they do have so much potential power that they can very easily get out of control, where a 250F or 125 is far more forgiving in that department.

How about this, if you continue riding for the next couple of months and don't see much progression, try going down to a smaller machine.

As for technique, it is very difficult to properly convey what you are doing right and wrong on the motorcycle with out having someone show you first hand. I strongly suggest either finding a local MX school, camp, or trainer OR just finding a local fast guy that might be willing to work with you.

You can rely on the web for learning technique, but there is nothing like having someone point out in person exactly what you need to be doing. The bike is definitely important, but not nearly as much as having the proper technique.
Joelessi
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9/24/2013 8:44pm
Don't worry about the jumps so much. Keep working on your form and corners and the jumps will come later. If you can't rail a rut your not ready to jump a double.
HazemG
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9/24/2013 8:52pm
- Thanks Bayo. I hear you on that. I have been progressing each time pretty rapidly so I feel confident that I can handle this bike. I am becoming more and more aggressive each time on the track. I have a couple A&B riders that are working with me each time out and they feel I'm ready to triple out of those whoops and double the rhythm sections.. they said my form is great, now I just need to roll on more SMOOTH throttle all the way through the face and I'll be fine.

- Joe, I appreciate the input. I am definitely hitting ruts pretty nice, 7/10 times I'll stay in the rut all the way through, the other times I'll pop out of it. I'll make sure to keep working on corners.
HazemG
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9/24/2013 11:21pm


Here is the rest of the track
FIREfish148
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9/25/2013 2:32am
That track is bad ass. Your goon riding... not so much.
86 honda
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9/25/2013 7:12am
Try to "Preperate" sooner. That's how my boy Rick did it.
9/25/2013 8:30am
Squeeze the knees look beyond them not into them and most important believe you can. Confidence is the best technique for whoops. Blitzing is faster than rhythm. Get on top of them in a higher gear so you don't run out of motor and accelerate through them.

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