Do a Drag Start on a Motocross Bike
Here is how to do a drag start on any type of motorbike that's not made for the road—and kick up some dirt at the same time!
Contents
Steps
- Get yourself on some hard packed dirt if you can. The softer the dirt, the more that your wheels will spin—which is bad, unless you want to lose!
- Make sure that your bike is warmed up. Don't sit there and hold the throttle pinned, you're bound to spit something (i.e the piston) out the cylinder wall!
- Release the clutch about halfway (or as far out as you can without stalling or shutting off the bike). Pull the front brake in partially, this will load up the front suspension. Do this when the 30 second board turns sideways, or slightly before then. The later you do this, the less stress there will be on your clutch and gears. You sure don,t want a burned out clutch before you even start the race!
- Lean over the bars so that your eyes are parallel with your forks. keep you rear end in the lowest point on the seat (in the middle).
- If it makes it any easier, tuck your boots under the front of the foot pegs, this will keep your legs from flying backward as you quickly accelerate!
- Pull the throttle back about 3/4 open, depending on the dirt (or concrete) you're starting on, you should be in about second gear.
- As the gate drops, you need to react very quickly, releasing the clutch and front brake at the same time. when you reach top of the gear you are in (or when the power "signs off") shift up, continue until you need to start breaking for the first turn.
- As you come into the first corner, you should be riding on the furthest inside part of the track possible. That way you can pass riders on the outside, and possibly get the "hole shot", or the first rider out of the first turn.
- Be cautious of other riders.
Tips
- Start in second gear if you feel that it's necessary. This may help for Thumpers.
- Tuck your feet under the pegs until you need 2nd.
- Make sure the bike doesn't pop a big mono. If it does, either lean off the throttle or take your foot off the pegs toward the back, and lean over the bars.
Warnings
- Do not hold the throttle open if you wheelie.
