All images: Clinton Smout
Riding a motorcycle downhill isn’t particularly difficult, but what does make it difficult and unnerving for many riders are the obstacles encountered on the hill. If it were just a steep slope with plenty of traction, the type you may have ridden in a parking garage or some other paved steep decent, it would be no problem. But in the dirt, surfaces are not flat, they don’t necessarily have good traction, they may have ruts, rocks, roots and a host of other obstacles that add to the challenge of riding downhill. On this episode of Rider Skills, Clinton Smout walks us through how to deal with each obstacle. Then he has some simple downhill riding exercises that you can practice with your own motorcycle at home, and you wont even need a hill.
Clinton Smout - S.M.A.R.T Adventure Programs
On this episode of Rider Skills our instructor is Clinton Smout, from SMART Adventures in Ontario, Canada. Clinton has been riding his entire life and has been instructing for decades. He holds many certifications for training, everything from ATV’s to snowmobiles to motorcycles, but motorcycles are his true passion.
Website: www.smartadventures.ca
Downhill Tips (Clinton Smout):
It’s safer to go from slow to slower than from fast to slow.
Body position: weight back, standing on pegs, one finger on front brake, two fingers on clutch, eyes up.
Engine braking: first gear and clutch fully out will restrain descent speed.
Front brake: best brake to use due to weight transfer = great traction on front wheel.
Pick a line, judge traction of terrain.
Space out if more than just you on the hill.
Is anyone going to be trying the uphill as you try downhill?
ABS OFF.
Homework:
A) Practice one finger front braking on flat ground first before trying gentle downhills.
B) Tires with good tread really help.
C) ABS OFF.
D) Be careful with loose terrain, wet grass, mud and sand (usually at the bottom).
DISCLAIMER: This segment is not intended as a substitute for taking a rider training course. We recommend that you work with a professional trainer before trying any of the techniques discussed, or do so at your own risk. Canoe West Media, Adventure Rider Radio and Clinton Smout do not assume any responsibilities for injury and damages, including and not limited to, yourself, another person, motorcycle, etc.
More RIDER SKILLS episodes at https://adventureriderradio.com/riderskills.
