How to static balance on a trials bike︱Cross Training Trials Techniques

https://crosstrainingenduro.com The first in our basic trials riding series on how to balance on a trials bike in observed trials or moto-trials riding. Balance on a trials bike is one of the key trials techniques and strategies needed in trials. Thanks to riders from the Western Districts Trials Club for helping to putting together these trials training vids. So get into it and learn how to ride moto trials - our vids range from basics for the beginner dirt rider to advanced hard enduro racing for experienced trials riding. Unlike most other forms of motorcycle sport, Trial is not racing. It is simply you and your bike pitted against the terrain. Want to learn how to ride moto trials bikes with our free trials training videos? Our moto trials channel also had lots of wheelies, reviews and events. moto trials training tips are based on techniques from A grade riders in our club.
Balancing is a key skill to pick up, even if you aim to ride competitive trials in a country with the "non stop" riding rule. Make sure your tyre pressures are correct - it's much harder to balance on over-inflated tyres! Six psi for the front and four psi for the rear are typical pressures but can be dropped to provide extra balance while learning. Moto trials is a sport of balance, skill and concentration. One at a time, competitors will ride over an obstacle course of boulders, streams, hill climbs, logs, drop offs, and nearly anything else they can find.
You can see these trials training vids and written info on trials techniques on the Western Districts Trials Club site.

Don't forget to check out our cross training website and Youtube channel which applies trials techniques to dirt riding.
Cross Training Youtube channel:    / @crosstrainingenduro  
Cross Training Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cross.traini...

Body positioning is critical. Keep your legs bent and apart. This lowers your centre of gravity and you can move your body easily to counter the bike's moves. Remember to practice with the front wheel turned both ways - most of us will have a favorite side and need to work on the other one. You can use your body (even your whole leg sticking out) to keep balance, but as you improve you will notice that a small turn of the bars is often all that is needed to keep balanced. Some riders even find themselves doing balance practice in everyday situations e.g. on one foot in the bus, train, on the way to work. Sure you will look like an idiot, but anything that refines your sense of balance will pay dividends when on your trials bike! In the early stages, where you look can help a lot. Most riders seem to find that fixing on something in the mid-distance provides a good visual reference to help you balance. Others find that looking at something close by on the ground is better. As you improve, try balancing with the engine off - it's a fair bit harder without that gyroscopic force. It also means you can practice at home in the yard, the garage or the lounge room! Turns the handlebars on full lock and try to balance for as long as possible. If you keep the engine running, it will provide extra stability through gyroscopic force. Experiment with both to see which suits you. This is why it's handy to dig a small hole in the ground with your front wheel when first learning. Keeping the front brake applied helps too once you get to this level. Small rocks or logs on the ground can also be used as leverage points for the front wheel to work against as you turn the handlebars slightly. Also, you can use the clutch to slightly move the bike forward at times to keep your balance. It's much harder to balance with the front wheel straight, but a skill worth developing, as is with the front wheel pointing downhill. Balance one-handed, or even no hands. While not applicable in competition, it always pays to push the boundaries. Stop at random spots, particularly rough sections, and see if you can balance then ride away without dabbing. This usually works best if you keep the front brake applied. If you are on a slope, it will be easier if the front wheel is turned in the uphill direction. As you gain experience, apply your balancing skills while moving by riding along logs for as far as possible. Remember you can use your entire body - it's common to see legs sticking out in these situations. The best way to start for beginners is by riding as slow as possible in a straight line. This will also help you develop smooth throttle and clutch control. Soon, you will find yourself being able to balance at a stand still for short periods of time.
#trialstraining #trialstechniques #learntoridetrials
Copyright B. Morris 2014

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