[crf lover]

i have an 2004 crf 450. my question is i have a tough time with flat corners with little or no rut. the front tire always seems to push in the corners i have adjusted the sag to help in the corners but im just not happy. i have installed race tech suspension and i am just a hair softer than stock. any help would be great.

[124]

Body positioning is key. I suck at flat corners also, a lot to do with the 450 power and inability to use it. But, what helps me is to sit as far forward as possible (like...hurting the boys on the gas tank cap). Apply weight to the outside peg. Try to control a slide. Tire inlfation seems to make a big difference as well (maybe just me).

I have less trouble on high speed flat corners because applying power and controlling the slide is easier. Practice, practice, practice...

[crf lover]

what is the lowest tire pressure that u have ran up front

[Armpump]

Crf lover,
Flat cornering does suck, if you don't know what you are doing. First, learn the proper technique, and practice, practice, and yes practice. A very good tutorial DVD is Gary Semics #7: All about cornering. He teaches some really great practice techniques which is where you need to start. I have an '05 450, and I can turn on a flat piece of ground as fast as other guys (not Ricky) can using a rut. You need to learn the breaking point of your bike, and be willing to allow your bike to slide through the turn. The more you practice, the faster you'll get at it. I hope this helps, b/c I remember when I was younger I had the same problem. Good Luck.

[MX Fred]

i have an 2004 crf 450. my question is i have a tough time with flat corners with little or no rut. the front tire always seems to push in the corners i have adjusted the sag to help in the corners but im just not happy. i have installed race tech suspension and i am just a hair softer than stock. any help would be great.

Your problem is very common! Let's take a look at cornering.
There are two keys to cornering:

1.smoothness – smooth is fast...

2 Breaking the corner down into three segments – 1.braking, 2. cornering, and 3.accelerating. (Maintaining smoothness doing all three).

Each corner and track conditions are different, but each corner breaks down into those three segments. With each corner, you'll spend a different amount of time doing each, but really try to break them down into three distinct actions. Later this becomes a rhythm and looks like one motion all flowing through the turn.

1. Brake as late as possible before the corner and still make it.
Stand up, butt back, arms straight. Look up and aim for a spot to turn, a “pivot spotâ€￾ This spot is where you want to be down to your corner speed and start to actually turn.

2. Then, you are going to make the actual pivot. Take your time doing this. You want to get the bike pointing in its new direction. Slide all the way up on the seat/tank. Weight the outside peg. Use your butt. Get it over the side of seat - try to feel the side panel with your butt.

3. Then, once you have made the pivot, you want to start accelerating. Smooth is still key - use the clutch to help measure the power out to the chain and rear wheel. As soon as you begin to accelerate, look up to the next turn or down the next straight. This keeps you from focusing too much on the ground in front and opens up you vision to allow you to pick the best line to the next corner. Once you get the hang of it, you'll want to accelerate the same as you would on a start - weight forward, chest over the bars, and butt in the middle of the seat to maintain balance.

Make sure you are not sitting in the middle of the seat on flat corners. Get your butt crack on that edge.
You'll be amazed at how well you'll be able to corner.
Try it and let me know how it works!
later,
Fred

[systemnt]

"To go fast in a corner, brake only when you see God." - Jeremy McGrath

[Red_Rider]

CRF lover, I'm not sure exactly how you ride so I'm not sure if this will help or not.

Will your foot slide along the ground? If so, try keeping your inside foot flat(that is parralell to the ground) and put as much pressure on that foot as possible through the turn. Push on the ground hard with your inside foot.

good luck

[chief]

CRF lover, I'm not sure exactly how you ride so I'm not sure if this will help or not.

Will your foot slide along the ground? If so, try keeping your inside foot flat(that is parralell to the ground) and put as much pressure on that foot as possible through the turn. Push on the ground hard with your inside foot.

good luck

hmm i need to try that also

[ev]

try keeping your inside foot flat(that is parralell to the ground) and put as much pressure on that foot as possible through the turn. Push on the ground hard with your inside foot.

what good is this supposed to do?
or did you get this idea watching flat track?
how many cruciate ligament knights do you know?

guess I'll stick with my mix of trials and MSF: standing on the outside peg, counterbalance and keep the inside leg on the peg no matter what

best training ever: follow hubby, weekend after weekend, he is just slow enough to make the ride boring, so I (try to) ride without using brakes or clutch, this makes you go slower on the straight, faster in the turn, pick lines you normally would not ... all in all it makes your ride smoother - why do you think I can keep up with the boys on my TLR (<9 horses + no brakes)