Starting to jump motocross.

Question

I have a YZ 250F and I am just starting to jump. I was wondering if there are any good ways to make the transition from flat trails to jumps. I know about the suspension and that stuff, but i want to know how to ease into it so my bike and I stay in good shape.

Answer 1

The safest jumps to do first off are tabletops as if you make a mistake you are more likely to come away without an injury, so stick to those till you are jumping them competently.  Try to find someone who is on the same size bike so you can train with them.  That way you can gage what speed you should have to take the jump with by theirs.  Always look where you want the bike to go as looking sideways will only put the bike that way.  

Try not to be hesitant as it is more likely to go wrong not gassing it enough than over jumping.  

As you take off on the up ramp you preload with your weight press down on the suspension so that the suspension does not soak up your take off and this will stretch the ability of the bike to jump longer.

If you are hitting a jump too hard and want to reduce over jumping you unweight the bike as it goes up the upramp you let the bike come up to you so that absorbs the upramp so you don't go as far.

If you need to bring the front wheel up then Rev the bike in the air and to drop the back wheel tap the brakes.  

Make sure your bike is set up for jumping as having the correct suspension for your weight is very important.  

Also never try a jump in racing that you have not nailed in practice.

Answer 2

As i went from and transitioned to small jumps to my 130 foot table top, i have jumped it all you shouldn't have any problem on your four stroke you should have plenty of power and your suspension is probably pretty plush depending on the condition of your bike. I wouldn't worry about easing into any jumps or worry just go out and ride. Put down a mound of dirt and find a nice line to jump. Once that gets easier put on a lil more dirt and add a landing ramp. Clear that and add more dirt to the take off and push back the landing its all in experimenting though good luck!!