The thrill of riding dirt bikes on challenging trails and performing hard tricks is an excellent feeling. But, how to whip a dirt bike trick like the whipping technique can be scary for most beginners.
Throwing a decent whip is every rider’s dream; it gives them confidence, respect, and tons of Instagram likes!
However, doing it correctly on your first try is nearly impossible. If you’re still a beginner and your jumping skills aren’t through the roof, please don’t try to whip up your dirt bike unless you are interested in having dirt for dinner! Still, though, it is fun to whip your dirt bike in front of your buddies and close friends.
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So How Exactly Do You Whip A Dirt Bike?
For starters, curve or your dirt bike as you come up to the jump. Next, push your inside the jump just enough to sway your dirt bike sideways. Now, simply press the handlebars and your bike’s front tires outwards. Lastly, as you finally come back to the ground, straighten your bike and stop pushing with your leg for a smooth air-to-ground transition.
Make sure you allow yourself to practice and don’t be ashamed of making yourself look like a fool while you’re learning. How do you think Brett cue knew it?
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How To Whip Like A Pro: The Steps
Every rider’s dream is to perform the whipping technique with absolute perfection. But that isn’t easy; it requires tons of practice and hard work.
However, these steps below will help you get off your feet. So let’s get into the infamous whipping technique!
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Start With High Enough Jumps
Usually, motorbike riders are anxious to perform high jumps like the professional riders, who make high jumps look easy!
But as a beginner, you need to remember that experienced riders have trained long and hard to perfect their skill. Don’t worry; you don’t have to start with low jumps.
Because the jump isn’t at the right height, then you may be looking at a scraped knee.
High jumps can be scary and life-threatening for beginners, so it would be a better idea to start with high enough jumps that you can handle because no one wants to be off the ground for too long.
The ultimate goal of the trick is to stay in the air for a time that is long enough for you to perform the trick and not scrape yourself on the floor.
So make sure you master the correct height of your jump that matches your skills and doesn’t result in any injury.
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How Fast Should You Be While Jumping?
The trick to remember is that you don’t need to have the top speed for the whip. Let’s be honest. You are probably not experienced enough to handle the bike at full speed, and you won’t be able to push it while keeping it close to your body at the same time.
That is why practice is key. Familiarize yourself with your motorbike’s different speeds. The bike needs to be at a pace that is fast enough to the point where it can help you perform the whip while learning.
Before the jump, change the gear to either second or third. This way, you can cruise at a speed that is quick enough for you to perform the trick and will also be comfortable to handle at the same time.
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Should You Lean In Or Not?
As you start to launch the bike off the jump, lean a bit to either side of the bike, depending on whichever side you prefer.
If you lean to the left, you will whip to the right, and if you lean to the right, the whip will be to the left.
You can start by leaning slightly as a beginner because you do not want to hang your entire weight off the bike. So the essence of this step is that the more you learn, the bigger your whip will be.
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How Should Your Body Posture Be?
Most riders lean forward while keeping pressure on the bike to stop it from dragging them down. A rider’s posture will help with riding, and it will improve as time goes by.
The right position will prevent injuries and provide stability and the center of gravity.
So make sure you are lifted a little from your seat and are on the tip/balls of your foot simultaneously. You need to stay on the bike to control it and execute the whipping technique perfectly.
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The Take-Off
Taking off is perhaps the most crucial step you need to be careful when learning to whip a dirt bike.
It might be hard to remember to stay on the balls of your feet when you are taking off. The beginning of the trick is very important because your body needs to stay in a specific position and be in a particular direction so the bike can tilt perfectly.
For beginners, it is easier to whip while seated. And don’t forget to push the handlebars and your legs. It will improve your center of gravity.
Once you have done enough jumps, you can push the bike with the help of your inside leg (the one that is near the ground) while you’re whipping as you are getting ready to take off.
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What Should You Do In Midair?
You need to be able to tilt your dirt bike in midair. But, there are a few steps you need to be aware of. Once you take off, the dirt bike will start tilting because your inner leg will be pushing it from the beginning.
Your dirt bike should start going sideways. While your motorcycle is whipping, it will become parallel to the floor.
So the front tires and the handlebars will be facing upwards. The bike may end up forming the 5-shape for a split second.
You can try and lean off the bike a little, but you don’t want to ruin your balance while you are in the air. The trick can be challenging, so start with small steps.
The Landing Technique
While landing, your bike should not be parallel to the ground; the rear tire needs to be down. The position of your dirt bike needs to be straight so that the front tire can hit the ground first and the rear one after.
As far as your posture goes, don’t stiffen your body up too much. You and your body need to go with the flow to avoid any kind of injury.
If you want to prevent skidding down the ground when landing, make sure your bike is straight.
Also read: How cold is too cold to ride a dirt bike?
And That’s A Wrap!
The key to whipping like a pro while avoiding any accidents is practice, practice, and practice. So the next time you take your dirt bike for a ride, keep practicing your whip until it becomes second nature to you.
And if you still can’t manage to whip, it’s always a good idea to invest in a motocross coach.
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