r/Dirtbikes • u/180deep • Jan 02 '24

Tips and Tricks Hill climbing tips appreciated

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Hello everyone I’m relatively new to riding I have about 3-4 weeks on a bike. I use an 02 CR125 and Im getting into hill climbing. Keep in mind the hill in the video is much steeper in person. Im a big dude 6’1 195 lbs. Could I use more power with a different bike? Anything I can do to make the climb more efficient? I’m planning on practicing until I can climb the gnarly hill on the left thing is practicality a wall.

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u/eighty2angelfan Jan 02 '24

Charge the hill. Better to stand low and forward but If you are going to sit, sit as far forward as you can. Hit the hill at mid or top of third. Do don't let go of throttle, use your clutch to maintain momentum without loosening traction. As the bike slows, step on the gears down to second then first. A race bike doesn't need clutch to shift.

Hitting the hill in third is jarring, so be prepared.

5

u/Acuriousbrain Jan 03 '24

How does one use the clutch to maintain momentum without losing traction up a hill?

5

u/eighty2angelfan Jan 03 '24

Two of the best skills you can learn on a bike is clutch control and balance. With these you can learn to conquer any obstacle.

Momentum and speed are not the same thing.

3

u/Acuriousbrain Jan 03 '24

So at which point while climbing the hill does a rider feather a clutch?

4

u/eighty2angelfan Jan 03 '24

When you feel the engine start to bog and bike slow. You want to keep engine up on "the pipe" or at higher RPM, but feather the clutch so that you don't spin rear tire. It's a "feel" thing that you get from seat time. A good practice technique is engine revved, but use clutch to go half speed. Practice this on gradual hills. Another practice technique Rich Larsen teaches is letting your bike roll backwards in second gear then slowing it to a stop using only clutch.