[WillCRF]

What is the recomended technique to raise the front end at slower speeds to clear a log in the trail. I can pop the front on my 250X in an open area with speed by simply hitting hard on the gas. Certainly would not want to hit the back tire on a log at high speeds. Is the key to pop the clutch, pull on the bars and position the body towards the back of the bike?

Thanks for your input.

Will

[EWP Zoul]

Will, Hitting a log at high speed is not a good idea. First you will want to practice getting the front wheel light at low speeds with out dumping the clutch. The best idea is to practice in an open area where you can make mistakes and not get into trouble. The key is throtle control. You will want to be standing as to keep the center of gravity as low as possable. Keep you knees slightly bent to work like a shock absorbor. lean back and give the gas a little twist. With practice you will be able tell how far to lean back and how much of a twist u will need. You objective is to lift the front tire just over the log. If you can bring the front tire up about one bike leingth before the log, will give you a good starting point. As soon as the back tire hits the log you will want to do kinda like a -bunny-hop- motion to help bouce the back tire over the log. Brace your self as when the back tire hits the log your bike will stop moving forward and you might get thrown over the bars.
As soon as the back tire hits the log give the bike a good shot of gas which will help carry the bike over the log.
Make sure you are hitting the log straight. If you are on any angel you will have a good chance of having the back tire sliding down the face of the log. Not a pretty picture.

Good luck

[WillCRF]

EWP, thanks for the detailed reply. I will try your technique in an open area over a small log to get the hang of move while maintaining control. Question on leaning back; do you suggest moving more of you lower body (hips) or upper body or both? Thanks again for your help.

Will

[EWP Zoul]

Will. i keep my arms almost stright and move my butt back as far as I can. Mind you I am 6'6 and might be able to move a bit more weight than you. First gear is all you need. The 250x should have lost of power to get you front end up no problem.
Best of luck

[X-Calibur]

You do want to get the front end up a short distance before the log. Also let your fron tire hit the log about 3/4 the way up. This will compress the forks and then push the front wheel into the air and help you get over. It will also reduce the affect of the rear of the bike wanting to pop you over the bars. As said before, start slow and practice.

[EWP Zoul]

X-Calibur"]You do want to get the front end up a short distance before the log...

X-Calibur, I get my weight over the back tire so it does not spin when i blip the throtle. wheel spin is no fun when it plants your front tire at the buttom of the log.
I usually let the rear tire hit the log to lower the front end, than use my knees to soak up the hit. This would be for a log from 8 to 18 inches, and speeds are slow in 1st. if the top of the log is 4 inch off of the ground, I usually will just wheelie over it, or as you said let the front tire hit the log, than blip the throtal as your rear tire hit the log and use it like a mini ramp catchin a little air.

[kingofthewoods]

First off this is how i do it and most of the guys hear have been doing this longer than ive been breathing (im 15). First stand up like they said because your body momvents are really key. It depends on the log, for example in my little trail i have 2 little logs set up that are proably a foot in diamter. Depending on how confortable you are with this and the sliperyness of the log, you really dont need to clear it teribly, i somtimes just ride with my wiehgt in the back and alittle more catious, right over without and lifting of the wheel. For bigger I think back to when you had that bicyle as a kid and would do that half- rear bunny hop over a curb. i think this is a good way to describe it. make sure you find either elaveted thing like a rock or root that makes it less of a wall and more of a ramp. For traction aim to go over a knot where your rear tire can bite. When it is slippery and muddy and the logs small i get speed and pull in the clutch after lifting the wheel to prevent getting stuck and falling